An investigation has begun following a maritime collision on March 10, where an American oil tanker, Stena Immaculate, collided with the cargo ship Solong off Yorkshire’s coast, injuring at least 32 people. The tanker, carrying kerosene for the U.S. military, leaked hydrocarbons, raising environmental concerns. Dramatic images showed a significant fire and smoke. Both vessels were operational, with Stena Immaculate part of a U.S. military program to supply fuel during emergencies.
Investigation Underway After Collision at Sea
The investigation into the recent maritime accident is just getting started, but concerns about an impending environmental disaster are already rising. On Monday, March 10, an American oil tanker collided with a cargo ship off the coast of Yorkshire, northern England, resulting in injuries to at least 32 individuals. Reports indicate that hydrocarbons are leaking from the oil tanker, named Stena Immaculate, which was confirmed to be transporting kerosene. This vessel had been chartered by the U.S. military, according to official statements from Washington.
Details of the Collision and Its Aftermath
Dramatic images shared by British media showcased a significant fire, with heavy plumes of black smoke engulfing the area, almost completely hiding the two ships involved. The Stena Immaculate was anchored when it was struck by the container ship Solong, as reported by its operator, Crowley. They noted that one of the kerosene tanks had sustained damage, leading to a leak and subsequent fire. Fortunately, the crew was reported safe after evacuating due to multiple explosions on board.
The Stena Immaculate, which has a capacity of 50,000 tons and sails under the American flag, embarked on its journey from Agio Theodoroi, Greece, on February 27, destined for Killinghome in northern England. This vessel has been operational since its launch in January 2017, built at a shipyard in Guangzhou, China. Measuring 183 meters in length and 32 meters in width, it is managed by the Swedish company Stena Bulk, which operates a fleet of approximately 70 oil tankers.
The oil tanker was celebrated during its christening ceremony, attended by its godmother, Katarina Ljungqvist, the regional director of the Swedish bank Handelsbanken. It set sail on its inaugural journey from Papua New Guinea to Europe, carrying a cargo of vegetable oils.
Designed with innovative technical features, the Stena Immaculate is part of the “IMOIIMAX” series, which boasts several advantages, such as enhanced loading flexibility, high safety standards, and economical fuel consumption—lowering fuel use by 10 to 20% compared to similar vessels operating at service speed.
According to reports from the BBC and Sky News, the Stena Immaculate changed its flag in August 2023 as part of a U.S. Department of Defense initiative. This program integrates the vessel into a fleet of ten commercial oil tankers designated to supply fuel for the military during conflicts or national emergencies. While these ships engage in commercial operations, they can also be chartered by Washington in urgent situations.
Shortly after the collision, U.S. officials confirmed that the Stena Immaculate was indeed carrying kerosene for the Department of Defense. They reassured the public that the incident would not affect military operations or combat readiness, emphasizing that there are no single points of failure within the system.
Jillian Morris, a spokesperson for the Military Sealift Command, confirmed that the oil tanker was temporarily chartered by this service under the U.S. Department of Defense. However, it remains unclear whether these operations were associated with the military’s ten-tanker program.
The cargo ship involved in the incident, the Solong, is registered under the Portuguese flag. It had set off from Grangemouth, Scotland, on the same day, en route to Rotterdam, Netherlands. The owner, German company Reederei Köpping, indicated that the vessel measures 140 meters in length and can accommodate up to 812 containers weighing 14 tons each.