REACH 579 - What are your thoughts on the oil spill incident in Singapore? Are you sufficiently assured of the efforts to contain the oil spill and address the effects of the oil spill?

(SK)

18 Jun 2024 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

18/6/24, 11:05 am - +REACH: *Dear contributors,* 

Welcome back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from *11am to 7pm* today. ⏰

*House Rules (short version of our Terms of Use) to keep in mind:* 

1. Be kind and respectful. We all want to be in a safe space to share our views. 

2. Any and all threatening, abusive, vulgar or racially, religiously and ethnically objectionable content is prohibited. 

3. Consider the quiet ones among us and give them a chance to comment. 

4. No need to repeat your comment or in differnet forms (including caps) - we heard you loud and clear the first time. 

5. Let's protect each other's privacy and keep contact details in this group what it should always be - confidential. 

*Full set of Terms of Use: https://go.gov.sg/reach-whatsapp-terms* 

We will strive to uphold these rules to ensure this is a safe space for all. 

Please be assured that the points made by participants during the chat are aggregated and shared with relevant agencies. 

The topic will be posted shortly. 

Thank you. 

Megan 😊

18/6/24, 11:07 am - +REACH: *📢 Topic 📢*

Following a major oil spill incident on 14 June, where oil leaking from a damaged cargo tank at Pasir Panjang Terminal had spread to Singapore’s East Coast, Labrador Park, Keppel Bay, Sentosa and Southern Islands, authorities here are expanding cleanup efforts to more areas. 

*💬 What are your thoughts on the oil spill incident in Singapore? Are you sufficiently assured of the efforts to contain the oil spill and address the effects of the oil spill?*

📌 *Expanding cleanup efforts*

In a joint statement, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks), national water agency PUB, Sentosa Development Corporation and Singapore Food Authority (SFA) stated that as at 17 June, booms have been deployed to contain the oil spill, with an additional 1600m to be deployed at several beaches on Sentosa Island and Labrador Nature Reserve by 18 June, as well as at Southern Islands. 

Booms have also been deployed at badly affected areas along stretches of East Coast Park beaches and at canal openings, to trap oil and prevent it from flowing back into the canal. They will also be placed off Changi East as a preventive measure. 

Oil absorbent booms have also been preemptively deployed off biodiversity-sensitive areas at Chek Jawa Wetlands at Pulau Ubin, Coney Island Park and Pasir Ris Park. Fish farms at the East Johor Strait, Chek Jawa Wetlands and Changi Creek will also be deployed with additional containment and absorbent booms over the next few days. 

West Coast Park, while not affected, will also be deployed with oil absorbent booms to protect the mangroves at the Marsh Garden. 

📌  *Monitoring and Volunteering efforts*

NEA has been conducting daily tests since 15 June, and found the air quality at affected areas around Sentosa, East Coast Park and Labrador Nature Reserve to be well within “safe levels” so far.

NParks said it has received overwhelming response from members of the public who volunteered their help, but for their safety, volunteers will not be deployed for shoreline cleanup. 

In a Facebook post on 17 June, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee reminded the public to stay away from beachfronts, as the cleanup operations should be carried out by professionals. The MP for West Coast GRC also thanked volunteers who helped with patrols at East Coast Park and West Coast Park, as well as those who helped with surveys at Southern Islands over the weekend. 

📌 *Singapore’s water supply not affected and local fish are safe to eat*

PUB and SFA have said that the oil spill incident has not affected water supply here and local fish farms located in the Johor Strait. 

PUB said that no oil has been detected near the seawater intake at Jurong Island Desalination Plant, which is closest to the oil spill location on the south coast of Singapore Island. Meanwhile, the Marina East Desalination Plant, located further along the coast, has a dual-mode capability to treat either seawater or reservoir water. The other three desalination plants, namely SingSpring, Tuas South and Tuas, are at the western end of Singapore, away from the spill. 

In a Facebook post on 17 June, SFA said that no local fish farms are affected by the oil spill, and local fish remain safe for consumption. But as preventive measures, additional booms will be deployed over the next few days to protect the fish farms located at East Johor Strait. SFA is also in close contact with the farms and will monitor the situation closely. 

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/oil-spill-incident-singapore-expands-clean-up-effort-to-more-areas-including-eastern-end-of-island

👉  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/clean-up-operation-underway-in-sentosa-after-oil-washes-up-coast-of-tanjong-beach 

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/oil-spill-incident-singapore-fish-farms-in-johor-strait-not-affected-local-fish-safe-to-eat-says-sfa

18/6/24, 11:07 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow all members to send messages to this group

18/6/24, 11:09 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed the group description

18/6/24, 11:34 am - Your security code with ~ Shanesu changed. Tap to learn more.

----

18/6/24, 11:50 am - +REACH: *Dear Contributors*

We want to *HEAR* from you! 

*💬 What are your thoughts on the oil spill incident in Singapore? Are you sufficiently assured of the efforts to contain the oil spill and address the effects of the oil spill?*

We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!

Megan 😊

18/6/24, 11:53 am - +Caleb: thought we moving to telegram?

18/6/24, 12:00 pm - +Rama: Likewise

18/6/24, 1:07 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors*

We want to *HEAR* from you! 

*💬 What are your thoughts on the oil spill incident in Singapore? Are you sufficiently assured of the efforts to contain the oil spill and address the effects of the oil spill?*

We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!

Megan 😊

18/6/24, 1:13 pm - +Frankie Wee: Sighs… how to avoid the spilling oil when ship was collapsing in future.

History has been repeating in Singapore

18/6/24, 1:13 pm - +Frankie Wee: https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=355427db-e45f-4779-90b6-db563455659d

18/6/24, 2:04 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Singapore is a World major trade port and transhipment hub - whereby big containers carrying goods will be service by our ports and ship to other major ports.

2. Hence, effective and efficient managing of ships and containers berthing, transiting to our ports become extremely important as many ships congregate around Singapore ports.

3. The dredger that bump into a berth cargo ship - is due to faulty equipment that cause the dredger to lose control and hit the ship and trigger an oil leak.

4. But the oil spill have an ecological impact as waves will bring the oil spill around our coastline.

5. Hence mitigation measures and coastline protection must always be ready for deployment that moment such accident occur.

6. Else ecological damages to us can have very far implications :-

a. Damage our seawater - that we use for desalination for our water drinking need, business needs, industrial needs and our household needs.

b. Fish farm - whereby we rear fish or hunt for fish for our food.

c. Our coastal housing - eg. Condos, Sentosa Cove, HDB flats facing the sea - will have impacted to people's health

d. Our mangrove swamp to protect our coastline and rising seawater, our beach.

e. Our tourism business in beach, sea activities eg. East coast - surfing, canoeing, yatching, swimming, beach barbeque, sea sports etc.

All these have economical impact to our food sources, water sources and tourism.

18/6/24, 2:14 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. But looking at the various measures undertaken, it look like the ecological impact is well contained.

2. Booms that suck oil have been deployed and can see that workers are actively clearing oil polluted beach and sands.

3. Damaged ship no longer spill oil.

4. Volunteers are deploy to warn beachgoers from approaching polluted beaches.

5. Fish farms at the north along Johor Straits are not affected.

6. Desalination plant at the east is dual function - and will treat reservoir water instead of seawater. Desalination plants at the west are not affected.

7. Only beach business, Sentosa, Labrador park are affected and many beach business, sea activities have been stopped. The impact tourism business are badly affected.

8. Hence imperative to get the dredger owners to make compensation to the our cleaning cost, business cost through their insurers to recover our lost - to prevent our tourism business from going bust.

18/6/24, 2:19 pm - +Jack Sparrow: Thanks Megan. Not entirely familiar with the industry nor the technicalities, but as a commoner as long as there is no impact to our livelihood, then I guess the efforts to contain this specific oil spill is sufficient.

However, the methods of containing seem 1G, by deploying booms. Again, not familiar, but I think SG should explore investing into better tech and control such incidents in a more efficient and effective manner. E.g. are there fast-freeze chemicals that can be applied by drones so cause the layer of oil to harden, to ease the removal and prevent it from seeping through the booms. Are there faster methods to stop the oil spill once vessels report damage? E.g. deploying a "vacuum cleaner" to take in the spilling oil.

Sorry, examples are not the best but idea is to start investing in tech to better manage such incidents before they reach our shores.

18/6/24, 2:26 pm - +~l or Smiley face: Latest Technologies and Tools:

- Boom Technology

- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)

- Drones

- Satellite Imaging

- Mechanical Recovery

- Chemical Dispersants

- Bioremediation

- Sorbent Materials

- Shoreline Cleaning Agents

- Natural Fibre Sorbents

- Advanced Oxidation Processes

- Robotics

18/6/24, 2:27 pm - +~l or Smiley face: "As the world's second busiest port, Singapore's maritime industry is the lifeline of global trade and commerce, with over 130,000 vessel calls annually. Yet, this colossal volume of traffic also presents a significant challenge: preventing oil spills that could devastate the marine ecosystem and threaten the very foundation of our industry. It is a big responsibility that requires the collective effort and unwavering commitment of all stakeholders, from shipowners and vessel operators to regulatory authorities and the broader maritime community. By aligning our efforts and resources in a concerted push for safety and sustainability, we can implement stringent measures, leverage best practices, harness innovative technologies, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come and cementing Singapore's reputation as a world leader in responsible and sustainable maritime practices."

-- anonymity

18/6/24, 2:28 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Now it come to the point that, oil as energy source for cargo ships, containers etc - is a major environmental polluant.

Thinking aloud, oil spill due to accidents, capsizing etc -- have trigger many major ecological disaster in many countries.

2. Our airlines have explored green SAF - biofuel to replace air plane fuel.

3. Some major car manufacturers are exploring other green energy sources such as EV, and even hydrogen gas, nuclear fusion to power cars --- that will not pollute the environment.

4. Wonder if ships and containers can use cleaner energy sources like hydrogen gas, nuclear fusion, LNG etc - that will not trigger oil spill in accidents?

5. Maybe the whole maritime industry can explore such possibilites --- so that in future such major oil spill will not happen if greener energy are used.

18/6/24, 2:30 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

To close the loops fully.

Someone mention social engineering in the last topic URL gov.sg  :-

- unable to have a proper discussion due to lack of time before closure. This could convey half correct information.

Someone mention :-

1. Using URL obfuscation eg. gov,sg (a wrong DNS syntax) access a scammer Web page.

Yes, he is correct (by using social engineering) to trick non-techy people to click on it - thinking it is an official URL. Non-techy people may fall for it.

But techy people will not easily be trick because gov","sg - comma is not a correct URL address or DNS name ---- which is highly likely to be a scam link.

Technically, gov,sg syntax is wrong and cannot be register with a DNS server to resolve a public IP address - and hence cannot access a Web site.

2. But if map to a properly registered DNS name eg. scammer.sg (assume this is register with a DNS server and a corresponding valid public IP address) eg.

gov,sg (URL obfuscation) ---> scammer.sg (DNS name in DNS server) ---> 165.9.10.1/24 (public IP address).

3. Then gov,sg can be pull through to scam victim - because it can access the scammer.sg website - as DNS server has a valid registered record (as scammer.sg is a valid syntax and it is registered with the DNS server).

4. But mitigation measures can be done to prevent scam coming from the various URL masking techniques such as :

a. Telcos, SMS aggregators can filter URL obfuscation with wrong syntax and unregistered DNS name SMSes from reaching client HPs. 

b. Correspond all the various masking URL techniques to the real URL address (ie. DNS record) register with DNS servers - verify if valid - before routing the SMSes to the client HPs by the Service Providers.

5. This will prevent scammers from using URL masking tricks to scam victims.

18/6/24, 2:30 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Common techniques to prevent URL masking (Meta Llama 3) -

Several security devices and techniques can filter  detected URL masking:

1. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): WAFs can detect and block suspicious URLs, including those with obfuscated or masked URLs.

2. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): IDS/IPS can identify and alert on potentially malicious URLs, including those using URL masking techniques.

3. URL Filters: Some security software and appliances have built-in URL filters that can block access to suspicious or malicious URLs, including those with masked or obfuscated URLs.

4. Sandboxing: Sandboxing techniques can analyze URLs in a virtual environment to detect potential threats, including those using URL masking.

5. Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) solutions: ATP solutions can detect and block advanced threats, including those using URL masking techniques.

6. DNS Filters: Some DNS filters can block access to malicious domains, including those using URL masking techniques.

7. Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions, such as uBlock Origin, can also filter out malicious URLs, including those with masked or obfuscated URLs.

These security devices and techniques can help detect and prevent URL masking attacks, but it's important to stay vigilant and keep security software up-to-date to stay ahead of evolving threats.

18/6/24, 2:30 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Many companies (especially government) and Telcos, ISPs that worth the salt usually put in place most if not all the above mitigation measures.

Most IT solution architect or IT system designers will factor in these into the IT architecture design.

Hence mask URLs normally won't get passed.

Only real DNS name will get passed.

Failing which, if any problems affecting the network, it will be extremely difficult to troubleshoot - because URL masking will baffle any network troubleshooting - due to difficulties tracing and mapping mask URLs with DNS domain names in DNS servers.

Hence my emphasis is always on 2 points:-

1. URL link must always be a register DNS name with record in the DNS servers that can be searched from nslookup.

2. URL link must always conform to the right domain name with recognisable syntax and format.

Because all URL masking that doesn't conform to the 2 criteria have been filtered off by URL filtering countermeasures before reaching the client devices.

I have not seen or rarely see URL masking during my IT implementation - or 

I could be 山龟 mountain turtle。

18/6/24, 2:31 pm - +Kenneth Lee WM: i think that the response time of the team that deploy oil barriers etc should be much faster and better coordinated.  the moment ship collision reported, they could have been on scene within 3 hours.  Had that been the case, the oil would have been contained much faster and would not have spread so far.  Right now, it seems to me that they get reports from different parts of the island and they only put oil barriers at where it was reported; very reactive. <This message was edited>

18/6/24, 2:32 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

"Elon Musk won’t make any more Tesla electrics: the new ‘stupid’ fuel he’s going to try out" - hydrogen gas.

https://www.ecoticias.com/en/elon-musk-hydrogen-tesla-electrics/3045/#:~:text=Elon%20Musk%20won%E2%80%99t%20make%20any%20more%20Tesla%20electrics%3A%20the%20new%20%E2%80%98stupid%E2%80%99%20fuel%20he%E2%80%99s%20going%20to%20try%20out

18/6/24, 2:32 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

https://www.ecoticias.com/en/thorium-engine-no-hydrogen-no-ammonia/2177/

No hydrogen, no ammonia, no EVs: this engine is 20 million times better with no recharge - With a thorium-supplied engine, very little thorium will be subjected to lasers or instances where the particles are in motion to produce fusions.

Nuclear fusion.

18/6/24, 2:33 pm - +Caleb: +1

18/6/24, 2:37 pm - +~l or Smiley face: "Let the government handle all the oil spills! Sure can settled !" Perhaps that's the mindsets of people in Singapore?

18/6/24, 2:41 pm - +~l or Smiley face: The prevention of oil spills in the Port of Singapore is a critical issue that requires the collective effort of all stakeholders. While our Maritime Port Authority has implemented various measures to prevent oil spills, the ultimate responsibility lies with ship tankers owners and all vessels owners to ensure their vessels are operated safely and in compliance with relevant regulations.

18/6/24, 2:58 pm - +~l or Smiley face: Just A Scenario?

A catastrophic event like an oil or chemical spill in our port vicinity would be the greatest challenge of our century for one of the world's foremost ports! It would necessitate an unprecedented response effort, mobilising all resources and expertise to mitigate the damage and restore operations.

The world would watch with bated breath as the port authority, government agencies, and stakeholders respond to the crisis. It would be a true test of the port's resilience, emergency preparedness, and commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

The outcome would have far reaching implications, not only for Singapore's reputation as a premier maritime hub but also for global trade, economy, and environmental sustainability. 

Let's hope that such a scenario remains hypothetical, and our PSA continues to flourish as a shining example of excellence in maritime trade and safety!

18/6/24, 3:00 pm - +~l or Smiley face: "Never says Never....the uncertain world we are navigating today are full of sabotage and bad actors ready to enact unprecedented scale of purposeful crisis!"

18/6/24, 3:01 pm - +Frankie Wee: Singapore island is small sure can settle by govt. 

Clean up all the beaches and sea.

18/6/24, 3:03 pm - +Frankie Wee: After pick up whole oil put tank and sent to Jurong island for research maybe can reuse ♻️

18/6/24, 3:04 pm - +~l or Smiley face: Let's put this mini oil spills into one of our National Security measures.

18/6/24, 3:09 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

"Berthing delays in Singapore as liner congestion in South-east Asia ports hits historic high.

The Port of Singapore received 140 container vessels between May 20 and 23, S&P Global data shows".

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/transport-logistics/berthing-delays-singapore-liner-congestion-south-east-asia-ports-hits-historic-high#:~:text=Berthing%20delays%20in,Global%20data%20shows

18/6/24, 3:10 pm - +Rama: Economic Defense

18/6/24, 3:13 pm - +~l or Smiley face: Here's another scenario:

The possibility of a commercial aircraft ditching into the Eastern anchorage areas of Singapore's waters is a serious scenario that demands careful consideration and preparedness. While unlikely, it's crucial to have emergency protocols in place and conduct regular simulations and exercises to ensure readiness.

Rest assured, our Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have established procedures for aircraft ditching in Singapore waters, including the Eastern anchorage areas. These measures include emergency response plans, search and rescue operations, aircraft recovery procedures, and regular exercises and simulations to test readiness and response effectiveness.

With robust plans and regular drills in place, Singapore is well-equipped to respond swiftly and effectively in the unlikely event of a commercial aircraft ditching into its waters, ensuring the safety of all involved and minimising potential environmental impact. The keys are swiftness and effectiveness!

18/6/24, 3:37 pm - +GLCM: To have oil spill affect east coast of Singapore and other beaches when the incident was at pasir panjang terminal. 

Definitely have to learn more from the root cause of such widespread impact so as to minimise the damage in future (hopefully oil spill doesn't happen again)

18/6/24, 4:01 pm - +REACH: *📢 Topic 📢*

18/6/24, 5:05 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors*

We want to *HEAR* from you! 

*💬 What are your thoughts on the oil spill incident in Singapore? Are you sufficiently assured of the efforts to contain the oil spill and address the effects of the oil spill?*

We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!

Megan 😊

18/6/24, 5:20 pm - +Caleb: Not assured. Is our gov slow and lack on responds

18/6/24, 5:20 pm - +Caleb: What if next time got a bigger oil spill. What is the gov responds

18/6/24, 6:17 pm - +REACH: *📢 Topic 📢*

18/6/24, 6:18 pm - +Kel Li: Is it because of the long weekend plus school holiday causing a delay to put float and boom because everyone in JB :)) <This message was edited>

18/6/24, 6:41 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Channel 8 Chinese news 6.30pm say.

MPA respond within 15 minutes.

Spray dispersant in the oil.

And start deploying boom around the leak container.

Also work with crew to identify leaking engine - turn it around to prevent further leakage.

Due to strong wave currents - even with deployment of boom, oil still go under or over the boom and disperse to our coastal line.

Despite the fast response - half the oil tanks has already spill out.

Liquid leak faster than anyone can stop it..... 15 minutes is alot of times for liquid to leak very fast ----- I thought... <This message was edited>

18/6/24, 6:42 pm - +Rama: Consistent with all language newspapers,  free to air channels?

18/6/24, 6:43 pm - +Kel Li: Hmm cause it happen on Friday so not sure on skeleton crew, secondly is double whammy ( long weekend and foreigner will return to Malaysia and sg ppl go JB ) . School holiday management go japan :)) 

Now u better control well  in case someone lights a fire. Not sure will catch fire or not . Now likely not cause already diluted . U think deeply really scary :)) <This message was edited>

18/6/24, 6:44 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Should be.

18/6/24, 6:45 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*

⏰ We will be closing the chat in *15 minutes* ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

18/6/24, 6:46 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Logically, liquid in a leak tank can leak very fast.

I wouldn't doubt the physics.

15 minutes can easily leak a very large tank of liquid.

18/6/24, 6:50 pm - +~l or Smiley face: This message was deleted

18/6/24, 6:50 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Only change the fuel - from oil to say greener gas - such as hydrogen gas, LNG gas, nuclear fusion - then I feel oil spillage for ships will not happen.

All these are environmental friendly gas - and will be discharged harmlessly into the air. <This message was edited>

18/6/24, 6:58 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

I am not surprised by Singapore fast response because Singapore has a global maritime command and control centre.

18/6/24, 6:59 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

It is task to control and manage global maritime traffic.

18/6/24, 6:59 pm - +Rama: Efficiency is our motto!

18/6/24, 6:59 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

So if say Singapore response is slow, I was quite sceptical.

18/6/24, 6:59 pm - +~l or Smiley face: <Media omitted>

18/6/24, 7:00 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

18/6/24, 7:00 pm - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow only admins to send messages to this group

====