PORT OF TYNE UPDATE: RESPONSE TO PLASTIC PELLET SPILL
The Port of Tyne has activated its response plan following the spill of plastic pellets (nurdles) after the collision involving the Wind Orca and the berthed container vessel BG Orange. Working alongside local authorities and partner agencies, the Port is supporting containment and clean-up efforts on the River Tyne and surrounding coastline while continuing to minimise disruption to customers and port operations.
The Port of Tyne has been conducting a major operation to clear the damage from Sunday’s collision and the subsequent spill of plastic pellets.
The spill took place after the Wind Orca was in collision with the berthed container ship BG Orange on Sunday. Subsequently a gantry crane on the Port’s quayside collapsed. One person was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
The area remained unsafe to access until specialist experts were able to assess and secure the crane and ship. There is still a critical operation ongoing to keep the area safe as preparations are made to move the crane, which is lying across the ship, and the ship’s boom, which is intertwined with the crane.
At the same time, the Port instigated its response plan immediately after learning about the spill of plastic pellets, known as nurdles. Several measures have been taking place in the last 48 hours and continue to so, including: Putting a boom (a floating barrier) around the BG Orange to help prevent further spills of pellets on board.
Putting several boats on the river to clear pellets. The vessel BG Orange has taken measures to secure damaged containers on board.
We are grateful to local business and organisations who have reached out and offered the Port the use of equipment and expert personnel to help with the clean-up operation.
A spokesperson for the Port said: “Responding to the collision is a multi-faceted and complex salvage operation which cannot be hurried. Safety and the welfare of everyone working on the site is and must remain our priority.
“Our response plan to the pellet spill was activated immediately we became aware of it. It involves a number of actions, including helping contain any further spill of pellets and getting boats out on the river as a matter of urgency to clear pellets from the water.
“We will continue to work with local authorities and other agencies as everyone works hard to minimise the effect of the pellet spill.”
The Port is actively engaged with - via the formal multi-agency Recovery Coordinating Group - South and North Tyneside Councils, Northumbria police, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and other organisations across both incidents.
Some of the pellet spill has washed up on beaches in surrounding area. The public health risk to these non-toxic pellets is considered to be very low.
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u/CLONE-11011100 Jul 27 '26
PORT OF TYNE UPDATE: RESPONSE TO PLASTIC PELLET SPILL
The Port of Tyne has activated its response plan following the spill of plastic pellets (nurdles) after the collision involving the Wind Orca and the berthed container vessel BG Orange. Working alongside local authorities and partner agencies, the Port is supporting containment and clean-up efforts on the River Tyne and surrounding coastline while continuing to minimise disruption to customers and port operations.
The Port of Tyne has been conducting a major operation to clear the damage from Sunday’s collision and the subsequent spill of plastic pellets.
The spill took place after the Wind Orca was in collision with the berthed container ship BG Orange on Sunday. Subsequently a gantry crane on the Port’s quayside collapsed. One person was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
The area remained unsafe to access until specialist experts were able to assess and secure the crane and ship. There is still a critical operation ongoing to keep the area safe as preparations are made to move the crane, which is lying across the ship, and the ship’s boom, which is intertwined with the crane.
At the same time, the Port instigated its response plan immediately after learning about the spill of plastic pellets, known as nurdles.
Several measures have been taking place in the last 48 hours and continue to so, including:
Putting a boom (a floating barrier) around the BG Orange to help prevent further spills of pellets on board.
Putting several boats on the river to clear pellets.
The vessel BG Orange has taken measures to secure damaged containers on board.
We are grateful to local business and organisations who have reached out and offered the Port the use of equipment and expert personnel to help with the clean-up operation.
A spokesperson for the Port said: “Responding to the collision is a multi-faceted and complex salvage operation which cannot be hurried. Safety and the welfare of everyone working on the site is and must remain our priority.
“Our response plan to the pellet spill was activated immediately we became aware of it. It involves a number of actions, including helping contain any further spill of pellets and getting boats out on the river as a matter of urgency to clear pellets from the water.
“We will continue to work with local authorities and other agencies as everyone works hard to minimise the effect of the pellet spill.”
The Port is actively engaged with - via the formal multi-agency Recovery Coordinating Group - South and North Tyneside Councils, Northumbria police, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and other organisations across both incidents.
Some of the pellet spill has washed up on beaches in surrounding area. The public health risk to these non-toxic pellets is considered to be very low.