Presenter: Dr David Wright

On 14 June 2024, a collision between the drifting dredge vessel Vox Maxima and the stationary bunker vessel Marine Honour caused a rupture of the latter vessel’s oil cargo tanks, with a subsequent loss of around 400 metric tonnes of low sulphur fuel oil into the marine environment around Pasir Panjang Terminal in Singapore. Rapid forecasts of hydrocarbon trajectory and fate proved valuable in guiding the initial response efforts of local authorities.

In this case study the approach to development of forecasts, downscaling from global model data sources at coarse resolution towards fine scale representation of local coastal circulation, will be described. As an incident occurring in a region of complex hydrodynamics and ongoing coastal changes, and presenting challenges from a forecasting perspective, the importance of in situ observations to the fast and agile iteration of modelling parameters is demonstrated.

Biography:

David Wright has more than 15 years of professional consulting experience in oceanographic measurement, analysis and numerical modelling to support assessments of environmental impacts. His work at RPS delivers trusted marine and coastal intelligence to energy-sector clients and government agencies, applying science that shapes decisions and protects people and environments.