Ports Minister Joe Tripodi said an oil spill from the vessel over the weekend is being closely managed by an oil-spill response team, who believe the impact is minimal and is unlikely to impact on the shoreline.

“I have been advised that a sheen of oil a micron thick, which is 0.001 of a millimetre, was observed on the surface of the water at the stern end of the vessel – however, it is dissipating. We are taking this event very seriously,” Tripodi said.

“After successful repositioning of the vessel last night, the salvage team is now preparing the Pasha Bulker for towing to sea if and when conditions are suitable.

“Whilst the salvage team concentrates on refloating the vessel, the oil that was observed last night remains the priority of the oil-response teams.”