The Sounion Incident: A Wake-Up Call for Maritime Environmental Protection

By
Mfame Editor
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8

  • Ambipar Response leads a critical salvage operation to prevent catastrophic oil spills in the Red Sea.
  • Salvage experts and security forces work together to contain the vessel’s damage and protect marine life.
  • The incident highlights the need for ongoing investment in crisis response and awareness across the industry.

In August 2024, the Sounion vessel disaster posed a severe environmental threat to the Red Sea after the 164,000 dwt tanker (IMO: 9312145) was struck by multiple Houthi rebel missiles. The attack left the vessel stranded and ablaze for 22 days, putting over 150,000 tonnes of crude oil at risk of spilling into one of the world’s most vital waterways, reports AJOT.

Critical Salvage Operation & Global Response Efforts:

The joint response effort included:

  1. Ambipar Response – Led pollution prevention and rapid response deployment.
  2. Megatugs Salvage & Towage – Provided towing and salvage expertise.
  3. EODEX & Ambrey – Assisted with environmental and security support.
  4. European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) – Offered regional protection and operational coordination.

According to Martin Barnes, Marine Response Lead at Ambipar Response, the team prioritized environmental safety while simultaneously securing the tanker, containing the fire, and preventing an oil spill.

“From the first moment of the salvage operation, we needed to ensure the long-term safety of the regional environment whilst controlling the immediate threats,” said Barnes.

Failure to contain the spill would have resulted in:

  1. The shutdown of the Red Sea trade route – Disrupting global shipping and supply chains.
  2. Severe ecological damage – Threatening marine biodiversity in the Red Sea.
  3. Water shortages – Impacting millions due to disruptions in desalination plants.

Successful Containment & Lessons Learned:

Despite significant security risks, the response teams successfully extinguished the fire, secured the vessel, and towed it to a Port of Refuge without significant environmental impact.

“This operation was a true test of the global salvage industry’s preparedness,” Barnes emphasized. “The coordinated international response ensured that diplomatic and security challenges did not hinder efforts to protect one of the world’s key waterways.”

Ambipar Response deployed advanced oil containment systems, real-time environmental monitoring, and rapid response teams to minimize the long-term impact of the disaster.

Call for Enhanced Maritime Preparedness:

Barnes stressed that maritime disasters of this scale are rare. The Sounion incident underscores the need for continuous investment in crisis response capabilities. He advocated for:

  1. Stronger preparedness programs for salvage companies, insurance providers, and port operators.
  2. Greater environmental awareness for all stakeholders in maritime trade.
  3. Increased global collaboration in managing large-scale maritime emergencies.

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Source: AJOT