(Commonwealth_ Nearly five months after the Dutch-flagged dredger Vox Maxima collided with a bunker tanker, causing Singapore’s worst oil spill in a decade, four crew members—two deck officers and two engineers have been charged in connection with the incident. The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) in Singapore has accused the crew members of neglecting their duties, thereby contributing to the severe environmental impact of the oil spill. The case is set for another hearing on December 4.
Van Oord operates the Vox Maxima, a large hopper dredger with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 43,400. On June 14, while maneuvering through Singapore’s busy harbor, the vessel lost propulsion and steering control. The ship struck the bunker tanker Marine Honour (9,000 DWT), berthed alongside another vessel at Pasir Panjang Terminal. The force of the impact tore open one of the bunker’s tanks, releasing approximately 400 tons of fuel oil into the harbor. The oil spread quickly, fouling the shoreline and contaminating sensitive marine and coastal areas, prompting a large-scale cleanup and response effort.
Following the incident, the MPA ordered the Vox Maxima to remain in Singapore pending a full investigation. Port State inspectors conducted a detailed assessment the day after the collision, uncovering 13 deficiencies onboard the dredger. Three of these issues, which were related to the fire ventilation system, lifeboats, and oil accumulation in the engine room, were serious enough to warrant the vessel’s detention. They also cited structural concerns, although they did not provide specifics.
The focus of Singapore’s investigation was to ascertain the sequence of events that led to the accident and the adherence to proper safety measures. Initial findings from the MPA suggest that the ship’s captain, Richard Ouwehand, 49, and navigation officer, Martin Hans Sike, 48, might not have followed emergency steering procedures during the vessel’s maneuvering. The charges also include two engineers, Merijn Heidema, 25, and Eric Peijpers, 55. The engineers, identified as Merijn Heidema, age 25, and Eric Peijpers, age 55, are accused of not ensuring that the vessel had sufficient reserve power available during critical maneuvers. Authorities argue that these alleged lapses in protocol and emergency preparedness contributed to the accident and its consequences.
The oil spill, one of the most significant environmental incidents Singapore has faced in recent years, prompted an immediate and large-scale cleanup response. Singapore’s environmental agencies and the MPA coordinated a multi-agency effort to contain the spill and limit its impact on surrounding ecosystems and communities. Over 700 personnel were deployed, along with 3,400 meters of containment boom, to prevent the spread of oil and to protect sensitive coastal areas. While authorities reported that the visible oil slick dissipated within four days, the cleanup required extensive labor and resources, especially along affected beaches. In total, around 550 tons of oil-soaked sand and debris were collected, signaling the extensive environmental impact of the incident.
In light of the spill, questions have arisen regarding safety protocols for vessels operating in Singapore’s harbor, which is one of the busiest shipping hubs in the world. The dredger’s reported loss of propulsion and steering highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and effective maintenance. Experts note that in such high-traffic environments, vessels must adhere to strict safety standards to minimize the risk of accidents and mitigate potential environmental damage.
The charges against the Vox Maxima crewmembers underscore Singapore’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable for maritime safety and environmental protection. If convicted, the accused officers and engineers could face penalties under Singapore’s laws governing maritime safety and environmental conduct. The case also sheds light on the broader issue of maritime risk management and the importance of implementing stringent operational protocols, particularly for vessels handling hazardous materials or operating in sensitive environments.
