Protecting the Seas, One Boom at a Time

In an effort to prevent oil spill on the South African beaches, our Willy 500 kg magnets were recently deployed in the high-stakes scenario of the MV Ultra Galaxy, which ran aground and broke up off the coast of South Africa on 9 July 2024.

At Blumags, we’ve seen how our stainless steel marine magnets provide reliable solutions for an incredible range of applications. One of the more tried and tested uses is to anchor oil containment booms, both in emergency situations following an accident at sea, as well as during controlled bunker operations. By anchoring containment booms securely at the waterline, our powerful magnets help mitigate the risk of contaminants spreading in the water.

Exemplifying another common use case — controlled bunker operations — the photo below shows the Willy 800 kg magnets being used in Malta to secure containment booms to the ships’ hull, preventing potential leaks during fuelling.

How Our Marine Magnets Enhance Spill Response Efficiency

One key advantage of securing booms along the hull at the waterline, rather than attaching them to the ship’s deck or side attachment points, is in containment efficiency. When booms are fastened to higher points, gaps can form between the boom and the water, making it easier for oil to escape. Our magnets ensure a tight seal at the waterline, improving containment and reducing environmental impact.

The magnets are often deployed from a work boat by reaching out over the reeling with arms stretched out. In this situation, low weight and easy operation of the magnet is absolutely crucial. Thankfully, the high holding force-to-weight ratio of our magnets — made possible by our patented assembly design — along with the simple cam action release mechanism mean they are easy for the crew to handle, attach to the hull side, manoeuvre and release as required.

Be Prepared: Don’t Wait for a Spill to Happen

Oil and chemical spills remain an unfortunate reality in our oceans. Recent incidents, like the spill of five tonnes of bunker fuel off Singapore, remind us of the potential environmental devastation these accidents cause. Investing in reliable spill response equipment, such as our marine-grade magnets, is essential for preparedness. Don’t wait until an accident strikes — equip your team with Blumags stainless steel marine magnets to enhance your preparedness.