Suspected Oil Slick Detected Near Kharg Island
A second suspected oil slick has been identified near Kharg Island, a significant Iranian export hub. This discovery comes as concerns about an environmental disaster grow, following a massive spill confirmed on May 8 that is reportedly drifting toward Saudi Arabian waters.
The ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has UN officials warning that an oil spill in this region could lead to severe environmental damage. According to Windward, a maritime intelligence firm, another potential oil slick was observed at 11 a.m. local time. They estimate that this slick spans roughly 12 to 20 square kilometers.
The Iranian government attributes the main oil slick to a foreign vessel, while maritime experts suggest it could be tens of thousands of barrels long, covering about 65 square kilometers. This situation may stem from aging infrastructure, pipeline ruptures, or the escalating tensions that have plagued the waterway since February.
Dr. Kaveh Madani, a UN official, expressed concern over the situation, stating, “We need to closely monitor developments.” He noted that if the slick expands, it raises significant worries about leaks from aging infrastructure. He added that the slick is currently moving toward the southwest of the island.
“If it gets closer to populated areas, we might have to halt desalination operations, but for now, the risk is relatively low,” he mentioned. He also highlighted that the oil slick is located in proximity to a dense network of pipelines and energy infrastructure.
“Even in peacetime, sanctions make it tough for Iran to maintain these systems. In times of conflict, the chance of a major accident rises significantly,” he said. Pollution could linger for an extended period due to the slow water circulation in the Persian Gulf. Madani recalled similar environmental issues during past conflicts that impacted coastal communities and marine life.
Current satellite imagery reveals that the sizable spill, identified as a gray and white slick, was first detected west of Kharg Island and has been migrating steadily since May 8. Windward analyzed the slick and found it appears to be crude oil rather than bunker fuel. The company suggests it likely resulted from a pipeline failure or an unsuccessful ship-to-ship transfer.
The spill could potentially enter Qatar’s exclusive economic zone in about four days and may reach Al Mirfa in the United Arab Emirates within approximately 13 days. The timing coincides with heightened U.S. sanctions and increased naval activity aimed at limiting Iranian oil exports in the wake of recent hostilities.
The Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked due to Iranian actions since late February, contributing to congestion among tankers. Madani pointed out the risk of accidental spills in the area due to the number of vessels anchored there.
In a separate statement, Jafar Purkabugani, a lawmaker from Bushehr province, claimed that the slick was due to oil residue and ballast water waste from European tankers. He dismissed this claim, labeling it a false narrative aimed to mislead and undermine Iran.
Iran’s oil terminal company has also refuted reports of a leak near Kharg Island, with their CEO affirming that tests revealed no leaks in storage tanks, pipelines, or nearby tankers.
