Hundreds of workers continue to clean oil spilt off the UAE

Hundreds of workers continue to clean oil spills across the UAE, with equipment being airlifted from the United States to aid the efforts. Despite some beaches reopening, the cleanup continues, involving over 1,000 employees working in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Dr Vassilios Mamaloukas Frangoulis, a director at the joint venture between Sharjah-based Beeah Group and Greek-owned Polygreen, stated that the task was manageable and technically straightforward.

Techniques being employed include flushing sand using low-pressure hoses to remove oil from beaches and washing hard surfaces like stone walls. The cleanup operation involves a substantial amount of equipment, including three oil skimmer boats and pumping hoses to wash sand. Beeah Group manages hazardous waste generated during the cleanup process at their Sharjah site.

The spill's source, a supertanker named Gem No 2, was confirmed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment following reports of a fuel-like smell. The incident, which began on October 22, has affected public and hotel beaches in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. Ecocoast, a Dubai-based company that produces oil containment booms, is also assisting with the efforts.

The booms, made of PVC panels and aluminum connectors, help divert oil to skimmers or locations where absorbent materials can be used. The company, which has doubled its production output to meet the demand, has been busy installing booms to prevent oil from reaching the coastline.