- Greenpeace Warns of 3,700-Acre Oil Spill in Gulf of Oman.
- Ageing Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker Involved in Crash.
- NASA Confirms Fire Through Satellite Heat Signatures.
A collision involving two oil tankers just east of the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most crucial oil route —could lead to a serious environmental crisis, Greenpeace cautioned on Thursday, reports AP News.
Two Tankers Catch Fire After Collision
The two massive vessels collided on Tuesday in the Gulf of Oman and caught fire shortly after. The Emirati national guard acted swiftly, evacuating the crew members. Thankfully, authorities reported no injuries.
NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System picked up heat signatures in the area early Tuesday morning, confirming the timing of the incident.
Greenpeace Raises Alarm Over Oil Spill
Greenpeace stated that it analysed satellite images showing an oil plume spreading over roughly 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres). One of the two vessels involved in the collision—a 23-year-old tanker believed to be part of a so-called Russian “shadow fleet,” known for operating older ships below basic security standards—may have been carrying around 70,000 tons of crude oil, the group said.
“This is just one of many dangerous incidents to take place in the past years,” said Farah Al Hattab, Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa division She further added that such oil spills “endanger marine life.” The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure chose not to comment on the incident when reached for a statement.
Cause of Collision Remains a Mystery
The precise reason behind the accident is still unknown. British maritime security firm Ambrey has indicated that the crash is not connected to the recent tensions between Israel and Iran.
The Strategic Significance of the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital maritime corridor for global oil transportation. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nearly 20 million barrels of oil flow through this strait every day, accounting for about one-fifth of the world’s total oil supply.
Rising Regional Tensions Drive Up Oil Prices
Tensions have heightened since Israel conducted airstrikes on Iran on June 13. This incident led to a surge in oil prices, fueled by concerns that Iran might try to obstruct the Strait of Hormuz, which has raised alarms about global energy security.
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Source: AP News
