The Canadian Coast Guard has been working to contain a fuel spill from a Greek-owned boxship off Vancouver.
The incident involving the 8,468-teu Europe (built 2004) happened in English Bay on Saturday morning.
The Cyprus-flag vessel had arrived from Prince Rupert and remained anchored off Vancouver, south-west Canada on Monday morning.
The coast guard said a pilot had notified it of pollution from a ship in the area.
It identified the culprit as the Danaos Corp-owned post-panamax, which is listed as chartered by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co.
Manager Danaos Shipping told TradeWinds a slick was spotted while the ship was at anchor, waiting to proceed into Vancouver for cargo operation.
Canadian authorities then informed the master.
“The source and the cause of the spill are being investigated. The spill, according to the Canadian authorities, was approximately 60 litres, and the cleaning operation is in progress,” Danaos added.
The company immediately activated its emergency plan and notified all relevant parties. It remains in close contact with the master and the authorities as it assists them in their investigation and spill response efforts.
A slick was visible from the air close to Spanish Banks beaches, but an update on Monday said the oil had not reached the shore.
Between 60 and 100 litres of fuel was released into the water, according to the coast guard.
A boom was deployed around the vessel.
On Sunday, the coast guard said it expected the oil had thinned and spread out overnight.
Owner organises response
“The ship’s owner has also activated a response and has contracted the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation … to respond,” it added.
A helicopter, drones and pollution response vessels were sent out to look for any remains of the fuel released.
“Responders reported some non-recoverable sheen off Point Grey and the North Arm. Initial drone and helicopter surveys … found no impact to shorelines,” the coast guard said.
Transport Canada launched an inspection of the Europe, which has no detentions on its record.
Environment & Climate Change Canada is assessing how the spill might affect wildlife and sensitive ecosystems.
The ship is entered with Skuld protection and indemnity club in Norway.
