Herpolli Oil Leakage Situation Report 01

1. Date/Time Group

17 May 2025 – 14:00 hrs

2. From

Vanuatu Maritime Emergency Operation Centre

3. To

See Distribution List

4. Subject

Herpolli Oil Leakage in Port Vila Harbor

Situation Overview

1. Date and Time of Incident

15 May 2025

2. Position

Ifira Island

3. Incident Description

A Tier 2 oil spill has occurred in Long Port Vila Harbor, originating from the abandoned LC Herpolli vessel near Woraloa/Ifira Point, due to a fractured hull releasing contaminated bilge water since December 2024. The VMSA confirmed the spill after community reports highlighted its significant impact on Woraloa, the temporary domestic wharf, Ifira Point, Ifira and Iririki Islands, Kawenu, and Paradise Cove. The spill poses a severe threat to safety, the environment, socio-economic activities, and cultural sites. This led to the activation of NATPLAN and an urgent coordination meeting.

4. Outflow (Pollutants)

• Diesel
• Engine Oil
• Hydraulic/Steering Oil
• Fuel Oil

Further investigation is required to determine quantities, including:

• Inspecting ship logs (if available) to determine fuel and lubricant storage
• Sampling and analyzing the spilled material
• Assessing the size and extent of the spill

5. Characteristics of Pollution

Type of Pollution: The pollution consists of dirty bilge water heavily contaminated with thick oil slicks. While specific oil types are not detailed, hydrocarbons likely come from fuel (e.g., diesel), and lubricants (e.g., engine oil, hydraulic oil) used in the ship’s machinery. Final composition will be confirmed by GEOLAB analysis.

Appearance:

• “Thick oil slicks” suggesting a liquid, oily substance on the surface
• “Dirty bilge water” indicating pollutants and murky appearance
• Discoloration of the sea or sheen on Port Vila waters

6. Source and Cause of Pollution

Vessel: Pollution originates from a vessel.

Type of Incident: Caused by a fractured hull. The stern of the vessel submerges during high tide, allowing water to flood the engine room and cargo hold.

Vessel Details:

• Name: LC Herpolli
• Condition: “Dead ship” (non-operational)
• Moored near the temporary domestic wharf at Woraloa/Ifira Point
• Vessel is stationary (moored)

7. Wind Direction and Speed

• Wind Direction: Predominantly East (E) or East-Southeast (ESE)
• Wind Speed: 8 to 11 knots (9–13 mph), gusts up to 15–16 knots (17–18 mph)

8. Tidal Conditions

• Low Tide: 03:52 AM
• High Tide: 10:24 AM
• Low Tide: 03:38 PM
• High Tide: 10:36 PM

9. Sea State and Visibility

Sea State: Light seas with wave heights of 0.6 to 1 meter

Visibility: Generally good, 100% visibility for most of the day

10. Drift of Pollution

The oil is drifting outward from LC Herpolli, affected by tidal movements, currents, and wind, impacting a range of locations within Port Vila Harbor.

11. Weather Forecast

• Today: Sunny/cloudy intervals. ESE winds up to 25 knots. Rough seas.
• Tomorrow: Similar conditions.
• Sunday 18 May: Temperatures between 26°C and 28°C

12. Identity of Observer and Ships on Scene

Action Taken

1. National Contingency Plan Implementation
   • Plan activated by VMSA
   • Incident Controller: Commissioner of Maritime Safety Authority
   • Established Oil Spill Tier Level 2
   • Formed Emergency Response Team
   • Developed Oil Spill Operation Plan
   • Held 2 stakeholder meetings (poor turnout)
   • Ocean Logistics offered response service (pending payment confirmation)
   • Plugged fractured hull at ship stern
   • Media awareness campaign (via TBV)
   • Collected equipment quotations
   • Notified Mr. Albert Williams (vessel owner)
   • Sent samples to GEOLAB
2. Three sea boat surveillances conducted over 48 hours
3. Photographs and samples collected

13. Actions to Be Taken

• Streamline emergency funding access
• Acquire PPE and safety equipment
• Secure consent from vessel owner (MOU)
• Collect seabed samples off Ifira and Paradise Cove
• Draft COM Paper for removal and sinking of vessel
• Continue ongoing surveillance

Lessons Learned

• Community Reporting is Critical: Timely public reports enabled rapid VMSA confirmation
• Abandoned Vessels Pose Risks: Environmental and socio-economic threats
• Delayed Response from Funding Issues: Need pre-arranged financing mechanisms
• Stakeholder Engagement Needs Improvement: Poor meeting attendance hindered coordination
• Early Containment is Possible: Temporary measures like hull plugging can help
• Media Engagement is Key: Raises public awareness
• Slow Procurement Process: Impacts timely emergency response
• Owner Consent is Crucial: Legal/logistical delays if not resolved
• Surveillance Enhances Understanding: Tracking movement is essential for mitigation
• Scientific Sampling is Vital: GEOLAB analysis needed for pollutants and planning remediation

14. Other Details

• Spill Source: Fractured hull
• No UN numbers or packaged/bulk chemical IDs identified
• No drum/container markings identified

15. Distribution List

• Department of Ports and Harbor
• Department of Environment
• Department of Water Resources
• Vanuatu Police Force
• Department of Health
• National Disaster Management Office (NDMO)
• Department of Fisheries
• Ocean Logistics