A hybrid electric bunker barge, MARINE DYNAMO, collided with the bulk carrier FLAG GANGOS, off SINGAPORE at approximately 0925 local time on 1 September. Both vessels are reported to be stable following the incident, though a minor fuel spill was detected, according to the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The Marine Dynamo—an 8,270 dwt hybrid bunker barge operated by V-Bunkers—was involved in the collision with the Malta-registered bulker Flag Gangos, which has a deadweight tonnage of 56,526. The incident occurred about five nautical miles offshore, near Tanah Merah.
Witnesses reported that Marine Gas Oil (MGO) used for the barge’s propulsion was spilled, though MPA confirmed that the spill was light and expected to dissipate naturally. The MPA deployed a patrol boat, spill response vessel, and drone to monitor the situation and manage any environmental impact. A navigation safety warning has been issued to vessels in the vicinity.
One crew member aboard the Marine Dynamo sustained minor bruises and sprains and is being treated onboard. There were no reported injuries from the Flag Gangos.
The collision highlights the sheer pressure on navigation in Singapore’s approaches. According to port statistics, more than 1,000 vessels are in port at any given time, with over 140,000 ship calls annually, making the Singapore Strait one of the most congested maritime zones in the world. A Skuld P&I report has previously noted that more than 500 vessel transits occur daily through the adjacent Malacca and Singapore Straits, creating constant risk of close-quarters situations.
While the MPA has developed robust vessel traffic management systems, including mandatory pilotage and Vessel Traffic Information Services, the combination of bunkering operations, anchorage congestion, and continuous through-traffic will always pose navigational challenges.
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