ABP SOUTHAMPTON STATEMENT

ABP SOUTHAMPTON STATEMENT

Press Statement

At approximately 22:00 on Tuesday 17 October, a leak of liquidified petroleum gas (propane) occurred from the ship Ennerdale, alongside the marine terminal at Fawley, Southampton. Fawley personnel assisted the ship�s crew in successfully isolating the leak, reducing the flow of gas to a minimal and safe level.

The Solent�s marine response plan, known as Solfire, was immediately initiated at Associated British Ports, Port of Southampton, VTS Centre, to manage the incident. The agencies involved have been continually undertaking assessments to ensure the safety of the members of the public and the refinery. As a precaution, an exclusion zone has been set up by the harbour authority and Hampshire Police to stop shipping passing the area of incident in Southampton Water.

Following the isolation of the leak and the reduction in the gas flow, and after a detailed risk assessment, the port was reopened at 0540 hours with a 400-metre exclusion zone around the marine terminal.

Fawley Refinery�s own response team attended at the scene. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended in a supporting role, providing specialist equipment and advice. Hampshire Police are also at the scene.

There has been one minor injury and the person was treated in hospital and has been released.

The Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency and Hampshire County Council have all been informed of the incident.

18th October 2006

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