A comprehensive investigation is currently in progress to ascertain the cause of a fuel leak at the Petro Oceania Fuels Terminal located in Walu Bay, Suva. The company is committed to ensuring that such an incident does not recur in the future.
The leak, first detected around 5 a.m. yesterday, triggered an immediate activation of Petro Oceania’s emergency response protocols aimed at containing the spill, safeguarding public health, and minimizing environmental damage. According to the National Fire Authority (NFA), the fuel height at the terminal was measured at eight meters by 8:30 a.m., with the estimated volume of fuel approximately 1,160,000 liters. By 11:40 a.m., this figure had decreased to 7.5 meters, reflecting a loss of about 980,000 liters of fuel.
Petro Oceania reported that the leak was successfully isolated and contained on-site by their skilled team, with immediate notification given to the Fiji Police Force and NFA, who played critical roles in managing the situation. James Marryatt, the CEO of Petro Oceania, confirmed that there were no injuries or environmental damage resulting from the leak. He noted, “All fuel product is now being safely transferred to alternate storage.”
Marryatt reassured the public of the thorough training and professionalism of their staff, emphasizing their adherence to emergency procedures and collaboration with emergency services. He acknowledged the swift action taken by the Fiji Police and NFA, expressing gratitude for their support in managing the incident effectively.
The company is fully cooperating with regulatory authorities and plans to share a comprehensive report with stakeholders upon completing the investigation. Marryatt stated that the findings would also guide measures to prevent future occurrences, indicating a proactive approach to safety and environmental stewardship.
This incident, though unfortunate, highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the effectiveness of the immediate response from both Petro Oceania and local authorities, ensuring that public safety and environmental integrity are maintained.