The collision between dredger Vox Maxima and bunker vessel Marine Honour in the port of Singapore has forced the authorities to close some the beaches affected by the accident.

While clean up efforts are progressing, the oil spill from the collision at the Pasir Panjang Terminal Thursday has spread to several beaches and a nature reserve. Some of the beaches are closed until further notice, according to a press release.

The collision between the Netherlands-flagged dredger Vox Maxima and the stationary Singapore-flagged bunker vessel Marine Honour occurred as the bunker vessel was alongside a container vessel berthed at the terminal.

The allision caused a rupture of one of Marine Honour’s oil cargo tanks and its contents of low-sulphur fuel oil were released to the sea. According to Singapore Maritime and Ports Authorities’ (MPA) the dredger reportedly lost steering and engine power before alliding with the bunker vessel.

MPA’s oil spill response contractor was activated and mobilised an oil skimmer to reduce the impact of the spill. Booms were also laid around the vessels.

However, due to the tidal currents, parts of the oil spillage have landed along the southern shorelines including Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve, Southern Islands, Marina South Pier, and East Coast Park.

MPA says it is working with British Marine, the insurer of tanker Marine Honour, to set up third party claims