APM Terminals Algeciras, the Port Authority of Algeciras Bay (APBA), Maritime Rescue, and at least three specialized companies in response to marine spills have been working in coordination since Monday morning, May 18, to contain and remove a palm oil spill occurring in waters near the Juan Carlos I North Dock of the Port of Algeciras.
The incident originated during the unloading operations of a flexi tank container, a system designed for the transport of non-hazardous bulk liquids. The container in question was carrying approximately 22,000 liters of palm oil, according to the terminal's operating company.
After the spill was detected, the immediate activation of the Maritime Protection Plan was proceeded with, the protocol established for this type of contingencies in port facilities. As part of the response, containment barriers were deployed both on land and at sea, an action allowing to isolate the product near the dock and prevent its spread to other areas of the water surface in the Bay of Algeciras.
APM Terminals Algeciras has indicated that the specialized teams are 'working continuously on the collection and removal of the material,' aimed at minimizing any impact on the marine environment. At least three companies hired by the operator are participating in these tasks, dedicated to response and cleanup following spills in the port and maritime context.
The company has stated that the situation 'is under control' and that 'all the protocols provided to ensure the protection of the marine environment and the safety of port operations are being implemented.' In this regard, the coordination between APM Terminals, the APBA, and the specialized firms has been the core of the response from the early moments of the incident.
The flexi tank is a transport system increasingly used in international trade of bulk liquid products that do not require classification as hazardous goods. It is a flexible bag installed inside a standard 20-foot container that allows moving volumes of up to 24,000 liters in a single shipment. Palm oil, one of the vegetable oils with the highest global trade volume, is commonly transported using these types of logistical solutions.
Containment and cleanup efforts continue at the time of this information's publication. To date, there has been no reported impact on the terminal's general operations or on other docks at the Port of Algeciras. No damage to the bay's marine fauna or flora has been reported, although collection and monitoring tasks are ongoing to verify that the spill does not cause additional environmental consequences.
The Port Authority of Algeciras Bay, as the body responsible for managing the public port domain, oversees the implementation of environmental and safety protocols within the facility. Coordination between the APBA and the private operators that carry out their activities in the port is a central element in managing these kinds of incidents, which, although infrequent, require a quick and organized response to limit their effects.
