In accordance with the notification provided by Thai Oil Public Company Limited (the “Company”), concerning the oil spill incident near the Single Buoy Mooring (SBM-2) of the Thaioil refinery in Sriracha, Chonburi, during the late hours of the night on 3rd September 2023. The Company has taken control of the situation and undertaken various measures to prevent further dispersion of the spilt oil.
The Company would like to inform you of the ongoing progress in our efforts, which include the ongoing removal of the oil slick, estimated at approximately 60,000 litres. The incident occurred approximately 16 kilometres Southwest of the Thaioil refinery's shoreline. The Company has expedited various actions to mitigate the impact of the incident, as follows:
• Conducting oil spill cleanup and deploying containment barriers to prevent the oil from reaching the shoreline. We have received excellent cooperation and support from both public and private sector entities in terms of providing manpower, vessels, aviation vehicles, equipment, and oil spill cleanup chemicals. The chemicals have been certified to international standards, ensuring they will not have adverse effects on the marine ecosystem.
• Conducting initial investigations and analysis to determine the root causes of the leakage, with the assistance of technical experts.
• Monitoring the water currents and predicting the movement of the oil slick to prepare preventive measures in case the oil slick approaches the shoreline.
• Preparations are being made to mobilise naval forces from the Royal Thai Navy for the purpose of oil spill cleanup along the coastline and provide assistance in the event of an oil spill incident affecting the community.
During the twilight hours of 4th September 2023, a team of experts assessed that the oil spill is expected to move parallel to Sichang Island in Sriracha District. In the most recent survey conducted in the morning of 5th September 2023, no large oil spills were detected; only small film-like patches were found on the sea surface. Nevertheless, the Company will continue to conduct surveys to ensure ongoing confidence in this matter.
Additionally, the company maintains comprehensive insurance policies covering all types of risks, including Property Damage, Business Interruption, Marine Cargo Policy, Pollution Legal Liability Policy, and Third-Party Liability.
The Company continues to take all the necessary measures towards resolving and mitigating the consequences of the preceding situation and will provide further updates on our progress in due course.