It is recognised that there is the potential for pollution incidents when boats are refuelled at marine fuel pontoons. One litre of spilt fuel can contaminate one million litres of water, with potentially serious consequences to marine flora and fauna. Oil and fuels are the most frequently reported pollutant of inland waters in England and Wales. The majority comes from everyday sources like refuelling, engine emissions and oil leaks.

Further precautions when marine fuel supplied by road tanker

To reduce the risk of serious pollution incidents, an emergency fuel spill kit box is kept in some marinas or the vessel itself carries it’s Emergency Spill products. This normally consists of oil/fuel absorbent pads and a containment boom. These absorbent materials pick up and contain hydrocarbons without water logging or sinking. Spills can therefore be effectively and efficiently dealt with, preventing serious pollution incidents from occurring.

For further information on the oil/fuel spill kits that are available, visit the Green Directory. There are also spill kit products for the individual boat owner; these include fuel collars to catch any drips when refuelling, bilge socks and pads to deal with accidental spills and in line filters for bilge pumps.