Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc., a marine services company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the trading symbol TUGS, said Thursday it was engaged by the owner of an oil tanker that sank in waters in Oriental Mindoro to help in the clean-up and disposal of oily waste.
Oil tanker MT Princess Empress sank off the coast of Naujan town on February 28 and spilled its petroleum contents, threatening an ecological disaster that could hurt the livelihood of thousands dependent on marine resources. The oil tanker carried 800,000 liters of environmentally-harmful industrial oil.
MT Empress is covered by Protection and Indemnity Insurance, which includes coverage for an oil spill.
TUGS said its coastal clean-up and oily waste disposal plan follows the direction approved by the Philippine Coast Guard, the local government unit, and other agencies. It said additional work under the deal may be agreed subject to a written agreement between the parties.
Financial details of the contract weren’t disclosed.
TUGS services include harbor assistance, lighterage, towing, ship salvage, marine construction, repair and maintenance works, and other marine services. Other marine services include oil and chemical spill response, diving and underwater work, and ship and crew management.
