Are we ready to handle a larger oil spill?

Straits Times Forum 14 Jun 10;

THE recent oil spill off Changi coast - following a collision of two large vessels - was relatively small compared with the massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

However, in Singapore, there remains the concern that accidents at sea on a larger scale could pose a threat to our economy and security if we are unable to handle it effectively in a short time.

We do not have a large coastline and it does not take many tonnes of oil to blanket all of the southern coastline if the currents and weather conditions aid the spread of a spill.

Ideally, we should be able to contain an oil spill and remove the oil from the sea where the accident occurred before it spreads over a larger area, where it will be relatively more difficult and take a longer time to clean up.

I hope the relevant authorities will take cognisance of the threat of a large oil spill and be ready for any such eventuality.

Ng Wai Tong