International Maritime Organization secretary general Kitack Lim is ready to offer technical assistance to prevent pollution from the wreck of the fire-ravaged containership X-Press Pearl off Sri Lanka.
The 2,743-teu vessel — which was delivered this year — partly sank after a serious fire and is in danger of spilling bunker fuel and cargo-related pollutants into the sea.
Lim said: "We are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves, including reports of chemical pollution, debris coming ashore in the form of plastic pellets and the potential for oil pollution."
He is working with local environmental authorities and United Nations agencies to offer technical support.
"The IMO is liaising with its UN partners — the UN Environment Programme and the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs — and with the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme ... with regards to possible assistance. IMO is also in communication with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Environment for any specific technical assistance that IMO may provide," he said.
The ship’s Singapore operator, X-Press Feeders, said in its latest statement that salvors had boarded the vessel and are ready to deal with any possible debris.
Salvors are being supported by the Sri Lankan Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, which have oil spill response capabilities on standby.
The International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) and Oil Spill Response representatives are monitoring the situation, and are ready to respond to any spill. The ITOPF said about 150 km (93 miles) of coastline had been affected by cargo pollution from the ship.
Salvors are coordinating with the Marine Environment Protection Authority and the navy on a plan to deal with any spill of oil and other pollutants.
