Fuel spills into storm drains, harbour after tanker crash on Aotea Quay, warnings of fumes

The Wellington Interislander Terminal on Aotea Quay, Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Diesel is expected to leak into the Wellington Harbour in the coming days after a tanker collided with a road barrier on the harbour’s edge.

Wellington residents are being warned of diesel fumes surrounding the harbour and are being urged to call emergency services if the smell is too strong.

Around 4000 litres of fuel had spilled across Aotea Quay early this morning, blocking the road for several hours.

Fire and Emergency Senior Station Officer James Gray said the cleanup would take several days and the smell of fuel would linger until the end of the day at least.

“Some of the fuel has gone into the harbour and the stormwater drains,” Gray said.

“We are advising the public that there may be diesel fumes for the rest of the day from Thorndon Quay to the ferry terminal.”

“If anyone has concerns due to the fumes, they should call 111.”

A spokesperson from the Greater Wellington council said the stormwater drains were blocked following the crash, but a “quantity” of fuel was able to get through.

“The stormwater is tidal, so Greater Wellington is expecting some diesel to discharge to the coastal marine area under Aotea Quay Wharf and will assess and monitor over the next couple of days.

“An absorbent boom is being placed around the stormwater outlet affected, to contain any discharge.”

They said they did not expect any impacts on local beaches.

A police spokesperson said they were called to Aotea Quay at 2.45am.

The road and on-ramp were closed for a period but reopened just after 7.30am.

Fire and Emergency incident controller Mike Dombroski said three pumps, a command unit and a water tanker were at the scene.

“We had a hazmat unit in attendance earlier this morning who helped to contain the spill.

“We are now waiting for the fuel tanker company to decant the remaining fuel from the truck before roading contractors can arrive to assist with further clean-up using roading sand.”

Aotea Quay is a key route into central Wellington from the north, and commuter traffic into the central city and access to Interislander ferries would be affected.

A spokesperson from Interislander said the crash did impact access to the terminal, but the delays were minimal.

“Passengers arriving on this morning’s Kaitaki sailing from Picton were able to disembark as usual.

“We contacted passengers booked on the 8.45am Wellington to Picton sailing directly earlier this morning to warn them of possible traffic delays and diversions, and that the sailing might be slightly delayed as a result.

“Almost all passengers for this sailing have now checked in, and we expect to depart by 9am.”

Motorists were being told to avoid the area and to expect delays.