Special Team Probes Leak at Colombo Port Fuel Pipeline

COLOMBO (News 1st); A special investigation team has been deployed to examine an oil leak from a fuel pipeline at the Colombo Port, according to the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA).

MEPA Chairman Samantha Gunasekara confirmed that a full inquiry is underway into the incident, which occurred early yesterday during the unloading of crude oil from the vessel ‘Avana’, arriving from the United Arab Emirates.

The leak prompted an immediate suspension of oil transfer operations, while emergency teams worked to remove oil that had mixed with seawater. 

MEPA assured that the spilled oil has been cleared to prevent environmental damage.

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) stated that repair work on the damaged pipeline is ongoing. 

CPC General Manager Mayura Neththikumara said that once repairs are complete, the remaining oil will be unloaded. The vessel is carrying 9,000 metric tons of crude oil.

Both MEPA and CPC have launched separate investigations to determine the cause of the leak and ensure preventive measures for future operations.