Advancements in the Battle Against Oil in Cuxhaven - Advancements in Oil Management in Cuxhaven
### Update on Oil Spill in Cuxhaven Harbor
Following the collision between the tanker ship "Capella" and the offshore supply ship "Coastal Legend" in Cuxhaven's outer harbor, emergency response teams are working tirelessly to clean up an estimated 12,000 liters of spilled fuel. The incident, which took place recently, has led to a significant oil slick in the harbor basin.
The cleanup operation is being led by the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and the Maritime Emergency Command, with support from local fire departments. To contain the spill and remove oil from the water's surface, they are using oil booms and skimmers. Divers have also been deployed to seal the leak underwater.
The collision, which occurred due to the misjudgment of conditions by the captain of the tanker ship "Capella" while entering the outer harbor, resulted in an 80-centimeter-long tear in the offshore ship "Coastal Legend," causing the entire fuel tank to leak.
Despite the sizeable oil spill, both ships have been safely moored in the harbor, and there is no risk of them sinking. The response efforts are ongoing, with the goal of minimizing the environmental impact by effectively containing and cleaning up the spill.
While the spill is not massive, it poses significant environmental risks if not promptly addressed. Oil can settle in harbor sediments, affecting the ecosystem over time. To mitigate these risks, the cleanup efforts are focused on quickly removing as much oil as possible to prevent long-term ecological damage. No injuries were reported among the crew members of either vessel.
The oil slick is primarily located under the piles of the Lübbertkai in the harbor basin. The situation is showing progress, with the salvage team optimistic about the situation improving. However, it has been found that the amount of oil leaked from the ship is significantly higher than the initial estimate of 6,000 liters, with the actual spill amounting to approximately 12,000 liters of fuel.
- The community policy of the city of Cuxhaven should include measures to prevent and respond to oil spills and other environmental disasters in the harbor, given the recent incident involving the tanker ship "Capella" and the offshore supply ship "Coastal Legend."
- As the cleanup operation continues, it is crucial for the local employment policy to prioritize qualified personnel in fields such as environmental science, industry, finance, and energy to help effectively manage and mitigate the long-term ecological impact of the oil spill.
- Furthermore, given the relevance of the oil-and-gas industry to Cuxhaven’s economy and environment, a comprehensive employment policy should be established to train and employ personnel in various aspects of the oil-and-gas sector, ensuring the necessary expertise is available for potential future incidents.
