FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 12 March 2025
KIMO, a leading organisation dedicated to protecting coastal communities and marine environments, is deeply concerned about the recent collision between the oil tanker Stena Immaculate and the cargo ship Solong in the North Sea, off the coast of Hull, UK. The incident, which occurred on Monday morning, has sparked a major rescue operation and raised significant environmental and safety concerns.
While we are relieved that the risk to the general public on shore remains “very low,” KIMO is alarmed by reports of jet fuel leaking into the Humber estuary. The Stena Immaculate, carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel, has released an unknown quantity of its cargo into the water, posing a potential threat to marine wildlife and ecosystems. A spill of this magnitude could be catastrophic for the estuary’s wildlife, including vital fish stocks and tens of thousands of migrating birds.
KIMO urges all relevant authorities and stakeholders to act swiftly to contain the spill and minimise its environmental impact. We also call for a thorough investigation into the incident to determine its causes and prevent similar accidents in the future.
Misinformation Corrected, but Concerns Remain
Initial reports suggesting that the Solong was carrying containers of sodium cyanide have been clarified by the vessel’s owner. The company confirmed that while four empty containers previously used to transport the hazardous chemical are on board, no active sodium cyanide is present. While this clarification is welcome, KIMO stresses the importance of accurate and timely information in such incidents to ensure public safety and effective emergency response.
Human Cost of the Incident
Tragically, the search for a missing crew member from the Solong was called off on Monday night after an extensive operation. Our thoughts are with the sailor’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those working at sea and the importance of stringent safety measures.
International Collaboration Needed
The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has indicated that the investigation into the collision will involve collaboration between the UK, Portugal (the flag state of the Solong), and the United States (the flag state of the Stena Immaculate). KIMO emphasises the need for a coordinated international effort to address the incident’s causes and consequences, particularly given its occurrence in UK waters.
In response to the incident, KIMO President, Trish Robertson, stated:
“This collision is a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in maritime activities and the devastating consequences that can arise when things go wrong. At KIMO, we have long advocated for stronger maritime safety measures, including robust maritime spatial planning, the provision of emergency towing vessels, enhanced emergency response preparedness, and stricter container ship safety regulations. These measures are critical to preventing incidents like this and mitigating their impact when they occur.
The North Sea is a vital and busy waterway, and it is imperative that we learn from this tragedy to improve safety and environmental protection. Our thoughts are with the missing crew member’s family and all those affected by this incident. We urge all stakeholders to prioritise the protection of human life, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities in their response and future planning.”
Call to Action
KIMO calls on governments, industry stakeholders, and environmental organisations to work together to:
1. Contain and clean up the jet fuel spill to protect marine ecosystems.
2. Conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the collision.
3. Strengthen regulations and safety protocols to prevent future accidents.
The North Sea is a vital ecosystem and a hub of maritime activity. Incidents like this underscore the need for vigilance, preparedness, and cooperation to safeguard both human lives and the marine environment.
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For further information, please contact:
Lisa Bugge Nør Larsen
Executive Secretary of KIMO International
+45 23 35 94 57
About KIMO:
KIMO is a network of more than 75 coastal municipalities working together to protect, preserve, and enhance the marine environment. Founded in 1990, KIMO represents over 7 million people across Europe, advocating for sustainable practices and policies to ensure the health of our oceans for future generations. Since January 2025 KIMO’s International Secretariat has been hosted by one of its members, Aalborg Municipality.