On January 15, 2022, a large discharge of crude oil occurred north of Lima, Peru, during the transfer between Italian crude oil tanker Mare Doricum and the Repsol-operated submarine terminal at the La Pampilla refinery. The tanker and refinery released an estimated 11,900 barrels (595,000 gallons) of crude oil into the Pacific Ocean, affecting 24 beaches, including five natural reserve areas, and impacting commercial fisheries, artisanal fisheries, and the local tourism industry. The cause of discharge was blamed, in part, due to unusual waves triggered by a massive volcanic eruption in Tonga, more than 10,000 km away.

Due to the severity of the spill, the Government of Peru requested international response assistance. OR&R initially provided remote support through oil trajectory modeling forecasts and analysis, and satellite imagery and analysis, and subsequently deployed two spill response specialists to Peru as a part of the U.S. National Response Team. 

While on-scene, the OR&R team was able to provide additional support with SCAT (Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique) training and resources, and analysis and advice regarding environmental clean-up compensation. Marine Pollution Surveillance Reports were produced by NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (available on the OR&R IncidentNews website and the website of The International Charter Space and Major Disasters).

On February 25, 2022, the emergency phase of the oil spill clean-up operations was deemed complete.

More Information:

Feb. 2, 2022: OR&R Supporting Oil Spill in Coastal Peru

Feb. 22, 2022: OR&R Oil Spill Response Specialists Deploy to Peru

Nov. 7, 2022: OR&R Spill Scientist Shares International Experience with Pacific Region Spill Responders

IncidentNews (public database of spill incidents for which NOAA OR&R has provided scientific support)