A small amount of oil spilled during a bunkering incident at the Port of Tauranga today, however very little oil reached the water, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council says.
The leak came from vessel Sea Star Emperor as it neared the end of refuelling around 11.30am, said the council's Senior Pollution Prevention Officer, Adrian Heays.
Up to 20 litres of heavy fuel oil was spilled, but most was collected around the bunkering connection, and only about one litre of oil went into the water, he said.
Pollution prevention officers provided response equipment and staff, and a boat was on the water within the hour.
"We found only oil sheen, and prop-washing was used to disperse this."
