Massive Oil Spill Clean-up Operation Underway Across UAE Coastline

Hundreds of workers are currently engaged in an extensive clean-up operation to remove oil spills affecting the UAE, with specialized equipment being flown in from the United States to support the efforts. Despite some beaches reopening, the demand for cleaning services remains overwhelming. Key players in the operation include Evogreen, a joint venture between the Sharjah-based Beeah Group and the Greek-owned Polygreen.

Dr Vassilios Mamaloukas Frangoulis, director of oil spill response services at Beeah Group, stated that approximately 1,000 personnel are deployed across Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. While the affected coastline is extensive, Dr Frangoulis described the process as technically straightforward and manageable. The operation employs various methods, including flushing sand with low-pressure hoses and using washing equipment for hard surfaces like stone walls. Collected oil and debris are gathered using absorbent materials and mechanical skimmers.

The operation is logistically complex, involving nearly 100 pieces of equipment, including three oil skimmer boats and extensive pumping systems. Hazardous waste, including contaminated beach material and oil-saturated absorbents, is processed at Beeah’s site in Sharjah. Priority areas include Sharjah beaches and those fronting hotels in Ras Al Khaimah. While some sites may be cleared within days, others may require several months of work, potentially extending into next year.

Environmental challenges include strong winds that can push oil closer to the shore and the sensitivity of mangroves. Dr Frangoulis noted that while mangroves in Mauritius were previously flushed with water, the UAE's tidal mangroves may naturally circulate, though some flushing may be attempted. Following the clean-up, seven public and hotel beaches in Ras Al Khaimah and beaches in Sharjah have reopened.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed the spill on October 22 after reports of fuel-like smells. The source was identified as the supertanker Gem No 2, which had been hit by a suspected Iranian drone in early October. Additionally, oil contamination has been reported on the east coast, though the source remains unconfirmed.

Dubai-based Ecocoast is assisting by producing containment booms. Chief Executive Joachim De Jenlis explained that these modular PVC and aluminium booms are used to divert oil to skimmers. To meet overwhelming demand, Ecocoast has doubled its production output at its Umm Al Quwain plant. De Jenlis noted that this is the first time they have experienced a spill of this scale, leading to increased preparedness among developers, ports, and marinas.

Rob Mortimer, chief executive of Dubai-based Fuelre4m, emphasized the importance of early containment. He noted that strong winds in the Arabian Gulf make coastal clean-up challenging. Mortimer stressed that cleaning substances must be environmentally safe to avoid further damage. He explained that the oil must be kept light on the surface for removal, and sandy beaches must be cleaned until pollution levels are below one percent to allow natural bacteria and algae to complete the process.