Shell Singapore Charged Over Two Pulau Bukom Oil Leaks
The energy giant faces charges under the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act over 2024 leaks at its Pulau Bukom refinery, including a delay in reporting one incident.
Two incidents, two years apart in court
Shell Singapore was charged on 22 September under the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act over two pollution incidents at its Energy and Chemicals Park on Pulau Bukom, both dating back to 2024. The charges also allege the company failed to report one of the incidents to the port master immediately, as the law requires.
What happened
The first incident, on 20 October 2024, saw an estimated 40 tonnes of oily mixture discharged into Singapore waters through a hole in a pipeline at around 8am; Shell is accused of only notifying the port master close to five hours later. The second, smaller incident released an estimated 485kg to 956kg of oil mixture between 26 and 28 December 2024.
Regulatory scrutiny continues
Singapore's Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act requires facility operators to report any actual or probable discharge into local waters promptly. The case adds to a string of environmental and safety scrutiny facing the refinery in recent years.
Reporting: this piece draws on and credits original reporting by Goody Feed.
