FINAL UPDATE ON OIL SPILL AT DURBAN CONTAINER TERMINAL

16 January 2004

Joint Bunkering Services are pleased to report that the clean-up is virtually complete in the vicinity of Durban harbour's marina. The water in the harbour has looked quite normal for two days now. Work continues to remove the oil residue which marked some rocky areas immediately following the spill on Monday night (12 January).

Work is also progressing well in cleaning boats at the Durban Marina that showed some oil marks at the water line.

The quality of the harbour water has been monitored throughout. There has been no evidence whatsoever of harm to the ecological system in the harbour.

The spill occurred when marine fuel oil leaked from an unused ship fuelling point next to the harbour wall at the Durban Container Terminal on Monday evening (12 January). No fuelling was taking place at the time. Most of the oil was trapped next to the quay and clean up was implemented immediately. 15000 litres of oil were recovered from this area.

Before the spill was contained a small amount of oil escaped and washed up on the far side of the harbour near the marina.

Joint Bunkering Services regrets this incident and has fulfilled its commitment to thoroughly cleaning up the spill.

An investigation is underway into the cause of the spill.

ENDS

For further information contact Margaret Rowe, spokesperson for Joint Bunkering Services on 082 880 4905.