Maritime Analysis
An-Hai Accident Sparks Multi-Agency Oil Spill Response in Singapore and Johor Strait
By VesselRate AI Editor
Jun 20, 2026
On January 3, 2017, at 11:50 PM, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) received notification from the Johor Port Authority (JPA) about a significant maritime incident involving a collision between the An-Hai and the 'APL Denver.' The 'Wan Hai 301,' which had experienced a power failure, collided with the 'APL Denver' as it was departing for Hong Kong. This unfortunate event resulted in damage to the bunker tank of the 'APL Denver,' leading to an estimated 300 tonnes of Marine Fuel Oil (MFO) being discharged into the waters near Pasir Gudang.
In response to the incident, both Singaporean and Malaysian authorities mobilized resources to address the spill's repercussions and mitigate further environmental impact. By January 5, a total of 17 vessels and 222 personnel had been deployed to implement a containment and clean-up operation in Singapore's waters, where oil patches had been spotted off the western coastline of Pulau Ubin, specifically around OBS Jetty and Nenas Channel. Contractors were assigned to cleanse affected shorelines, including areas near Pasir Ris Beach and the Changi Sailing Club.
The JPA, recognizing the gravity of the situation, also deployed four anti-pollution craft and positioned an oil boom around the 'APL Denver' to contain the oil spill. Despite these efforts, the clean-up operation's duration was estimated to extend for a week, contingent on weather conditions and water currents, with both authorities striving to prevent the spill from expanding to a larger area. Thankfully, the spill did not adversely affect local communities, fisheries, or critical infrastructures such as the Sultan Iskandar Power Station.
However, maritime operations were impacted, with delays experienced at the Container Terminal. On January 4, the 'APL Denver' returned to the Pasir Gudang Container Terminal at 3 AM, and the 'Wan Hai 301' was reported moored at Pengerang Anchorage by January 7.
The coordinated efforts by the JPA and MPA illustrate a robust response strategy to maritime accidents, deploying various spill recovery equipment, including skimmers and containment booms, to address the hazardous situation promptly. As this incident unfolds, both authorities remain vigilant in managing the aftermath of the collision and minimizing its environmental footprint.
In response to the incident, both Singaporean and Malaysian authorities mobilized resources to address the spill's repercussions and mitigate further environmental impact. By January 5, a total of 17 vessels and 222 personnel had been deployed to implement a containment and clean-up operation in Singapore's waters, where oil patches had been spotted off the western coastline of Pulau Ubin, specifically around OBS Jetty and Nenas Channel. Contractors were assigned to cleanse affected shorelines, including areas near Pasir Ris Beach and the Changi Sailing Club.
The JPA, recognizing the gravity of the situation, also deployed four anti-pollution craft and positioned an oil boom around the 'APL Denver' to contain the oil spill. Despite these efforts, the clean-up operation's duration was estimated to extend for a week, contingent on weather conditions and water currents, with both authorities striving to prevent the spill from expanding to a larger area. Thankfully, the spill did not adversely affect local communities, fisheries, or critical infrastructures such as the Sultan Iskandar Power Station.
However, maritime operations were impacted, with delays experienced at the Container Terminal. On January 4, the 'APL Denver' returned to the Pasir Gudang Container Terminal at 3 AM, and the 'Wan Hai 301' was reported moored at Pengerang Anchorage by January 7.
The coordinated efforts by the JPA and MPA illustrate a robust response strategy to maritime accidents, deploying various spill recovery equipment, including skimmers and containment booms, to address the hazardous situation promptly. As this incident unfolds, both authorities remain vigilant in managing the aftermath of the collision and minimizing its environmental footprint.
Based on these news reports:
- Oil spill response continued (2017-01-08)
- Oil spill being tackled after collision off Pasir Gudang (2017-01-05)
- Oil spill after collision off Pasir Gudang (2017-01-04)