The product tanker Maritime Jingan spilled benzene at Houston Channel during cargo handling operations. More than 1.5 tons of benzene spilled on the cargo deck of the tanker after damage of the cargo hose. The crew and terminal operators immediately stopped cargo transfer, but some quantity leaked overboard and spilled into the water. The oil spot extended between the Lynchburg Ferry Crossing and Carpenters Bayou, which were closed during the collection and cleansing operations. However, part from the benzene plated down the stream and reached the shore. Most of the spilled benzene remained on the cargo deck and was collected through mobile pumps to the slop tanks of the vessel.

The product tanker Maritime Jingan was detained during investigation for the root cause of the spill. The ship will be inspected and surveyed if following all the safety and environmental procedures for cargo handling operations of hazardous products. Probably the ship operator will be fined for the caused environmental spill and in case of deficiencies the vessel might be banned from operations in US waters.

The product tanker Maritime Jingan (IMO: 9251523) has overall length of 180.00 m, moulded beam of 32.00 m and maximum draft of 8.50 m. The deadweight of the ship is 44,411 DWT and the gross tonnage is 29,211 GRT. The vessel is owned and managed by MSI Shipmanagment.

ising operation

The Houston Ship Channel between the Lynchburg Ferry Crossing and Carpenters Bayou was closed for water cleaning operations, but unknown part from the benzene wend down the stream.

About 1.5 tons of benzene were released on the cargo deck of the tanker MARITIME JINGAN, moored at a terminal in Houston Channel, at midday July 14, reported USCG. Small part of it leaked overboard, Houston Ship Channel between the Lynchburg Ferry Crossing and Carpenters Bayou was closed from 1223 to 1440 LT