UAE Energy: Oil Spill on Tanker GEM NO.2 Contained
UAE authorities are addressing an oil spill from a tanker, confirming the safety of water and food supplies.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure confirmed that joint coordination continues with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, and relevant federal and local authorities to monitor the securing of the oil tanker GEM NO.2, following an incident in the country’s territorial waters, and to take necessary measures to mitigate associated risks and ensure the safety of maritime navigation.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Ministry clarified that specialized technical teams are continuing technical remediation work on the tanker, which included repairing damaged parts, restoring certain operational systems, and assessing the structural integrity of the vessel to determine the most appropriate options for handling it safely.
The Ministry noted that, based on the latest field assessments, no new oil spill has been detected from the tanker. Meanwhile, maritime and aerial monitoring operations continue, supplemented by the use of satellite imagery to closely track the situation and detect any developments.
For its part, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed that its technical teams are continuing to address marine pollution resulting from the oil spill, in continuous coordination with relevant federal and local authorities. Surveying, monitoring, and field cleanup operations are being conducted in coastal areas affected by the pollution, with the ministry emphasizing that community safety remains the top priority.
The ministry added that, according to the latest satellite monitoring images as of Friday, October 30, 2026, the oil slick is concentrated off the coast of Ajman, extending partially toward coastal areas in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Sharjah. It confirmed that the observed pollution density is showing a noticeable decline, as containment and remediation efforts continue for the spill, which has been stopped at its source.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment explained that containment and remediation efforts rely primarily on mechanical response methods, alongside the use of chemical dispersants in accordance with international standards and approved technical guidelines, in coordination with relevant authorities. The ministry stressed that the temporary closure of certain beaches and coastal areas is a precautionary measure, clarifying that this does not necessarily mean pollution has been detected at all closed sites, but rather reflects a commitment to community and marine environmental safety, and to allow for the completion of survey and remediation work.
The ministry affirmed the safety of fish and food products available in markets, confirming their suitability for human consumption, and highlighted the efficiency of the country’s food security system in ensuring food safety.
Relevant authorities are also continuing to monitor air quality, evaluate readings, and track developments through joint coordination, urging the public to strictly comply with instructions from concerned authorities regarding beaches and coastal areas subject to precautionary measures.
In the same context, Etihad Water and Electricity confirmed that the safety and quality of drinking water are a top priority, and that proactive measures have been taken to enhance the safety of the water production system. These measures include monitoring seawater quality at intake points, testing produced and distributed water, and verifying compliance with approved standards before pumping it into the network. The company noted that these precautionary measures will not affect water supplies to beneficiaries.
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority commended the integrated efforts undertaken by relevant authorities and specialized national teams, which have resulted in securing the tanker and controlling the sources of the oil spill, alongside containment operations.
Pollution, limiting its spread, and addressing its environmental impacts. Authorities confirmed the continuation of field operations and joint national coordination, mobilizing all available capabilities and resources to ensure the safety of maritime navigation and protect the marine and coastal environment, while continuing to keep the public informed of developments on an ongoing basis through official, authorized channels.
