2025 – Oil Spill – Santa Paula, CA – November 21, 2025 – During a period of heavy rains in the region, the capacity of an oily water overflow tank was overwhelmed and discharged approximately 10 barrels of oily water into secondary containment. Due to causes being investigated after the response, the secondary containment failed and caused spilled product to enter an unnamed tributary leading to a larger creek. GMS mobilized and oversaw the incident response working with US EPA and the State of CA (OSPR). Utilizing an on-site and hybrid model, the GMS IMT represented the client and engaged with interested parties while protecting the larger creek area and satisfying expectations of Federal and State regulators to meet environmental cleanup endpoints.
2025 – Cargo Hold Oil Spill – Los Angeles, CA – October 21, 2025 – GMS was activated to lead the response to a fuel oil leak within a cargo hold of a container vessel berthed at the Port of Los Angeles. The GMS IMT coordinated with ship’s owner and terminal personnel to manage the overall cleanup of the vessel and affected containers. In coordination with Federal regulators, GMS was able to effectively manage the cleanup to federal standards and facilitated an efficient response to return cargo operations back to the terminal.
2025 – Cargo Hold Oil Spill – Port Everglades, FL – October 10, 2025 – During cargo discharge operations, a large amount of fuel oil was discovered in the cargo hold of a container vessel. GMS mobilized to the scene, managed OSRO activation, and oversaw extensive cleanup operations. The GMS IMT coordinated with the vessel, facility, and charter company for a lay berth shift to ensure no delays to cargo operations or other vessels. All cleanup endpoints were met in an expeditious manner to the satisfaction of the USCG and State of Florida and allowed the vessel to sail to its next port of call on schedule.
2025 – Container Collapse – Long Beach, CA – September 9, 2025 – During cargo discharge operations, a large container ship berthed at Port of Long Beach, Berth 215 experienced a shift in vessel stability and subsequently lost 93 sea cargo containers overboard and into the port waters. During the discharge, a GMS client was actively engaged in emissions control capture when it was heavily damaged by compromised containers falling overboard. Fortunately, there were no major injuries on either vessel. GMS IMT was activated to the incident response and worked with the Unified Command to prioritize the stability of our client’s vessel, safely getting the asset returned to the company to allow for expedited damage repairs.
2025 – Oil Spill – Houston, TX – September 5, 2025 – While conducting pier-side bunkering operations, a hose on the container vessel side failed near the manifold releasing heavy fuel oil onto the decks of the vessel and bunkering barge, as well as into the adjacent waterway and impacting another GMS client vessel. The GMS Qualified Individual (QI) made all required notifications on the vessel’s behalf. The GMS IMT mobilized to oversee OSRO containment and cleanup operations of the affected vessels and waterway to expedite the USCG reopening the Barbours Cut Channel to vessel traffic, while also preventing any demurrage charges due to no delays in the other impacted vessel’s scheduled departure. Over six days, GMS ensured the cleanup and decontamination work was satisfactory to the vessels, terminal, USCG, and State of Texas at the spill location and the tank barge fleeting area.
2025 – Oil Spill – Carson, California – March 16, 2025 – Simultaneous to other ongoing incident responses, GMS activated four Incident/Spill Management Team (IMT/SMT) members to respond to a pipeline discharge adjacent to a large facility in the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach area. For over a week, GMS personnel oversaw the planning process, logistical support, and onsite operations to mitigate, contain, collect, and dispose of the spilled oil. Ultimately, GMS oversaw OSRO activities and was able to assist our client through the emergency response phase into a more manageable project phase, while ensuring all federal and state environmental regulations and industry safety standards were followed.
2025 – Oil Spill – Port of Long Beach, California – March 13, 2025 – GMS was activated to assist in the cleanup and recovery operations after a breached underground pipeline rupture expressed oil onto the soil and asphalt adjacent to Pico Avenue and migrated toward a nearby storm drain which emptied into a basin area in the Port of Long Beach. More than 10 commercial passenger fishing vessels were impacted and two GMS members worked for over 10 days overseeing OSRO cleanup operations for the affected vessels, shoreline, riprap areas, soil, and several wildlife species, all to the satisfaction of the USCG, State of California, and Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN).
2025 – Collision and Shipboard Fire – North Sea, United Kingdom – March 10, 2025 – While at anchor in the North Sea offshore the River Humber in the United Kingdom, a U.S. flagged tanker vessel was struck by a container ship resulting in a large hull rupture on the port side and shipboard fire from the Jet A-1 cargo fuel it was carrying. GMS activated six IMT members to the company headquarters in Florida to fulfill key planning, logistics, finance, and safety functions while supporting operations for crew recovery, salvage, firefighting, and lightering. Longer-term, GMS provided a Company Representative for over a month onsite in both Grimsby and Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom to liaise with governmental salvage and environmental response officials and the salvage provider to safely bring the vessel into port and conduct extensive damage assessments to guide decision-making for vessel repairs moving forward.
2025 – Shipboard Fire – Atlantic Ocean – February 17, 2025 – While transiting the Atlantic Ocean, a vessel experienced a fire inside a cargo deck that was extinguished by the crew using the installed CO2 system. GMS ensured all required notifications were made. The vessel was subsequently rejected at its intended port of call due to its damaged condition. GMS worked with the client and local port partners to identify a nearby location for the SMFF provider to make an onboard assessment of the vessel. GMS activated and mobilized an Incident Commander who met the vessel upon mooring in Newport News, Virginia on February 24, 2025. GMS worked with the client to lead and manage the cleanup operations over the course of nearly three weeks. GMS coordinated the efforts being conducted by the SMFF team along with the OSRO providers in a massive undertaking to discharge heavily damaged and leaking machinery cargo ashore while cleaning the ship’s interior deck, stern ramp, and associated pier areas, ensuring the safe completion of all work while meeting provisions of the USCG Captain of the Port Order.
2024 – Explosion – Offshore North Carolina – November 27, 2024 – Vessel experienced an explosion causing cargo hold covers to dislodge and collapse while offshore North Carolina. GMS made all required notifications and activated an Incident Commander to the scene once the vessel safely anchored near Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. GMS coordinated activities between client, agents, salvage provider, port organizations, nearby U.S. Navy facilities, and Class Society to ensure safety for the crew and responders, due to the cargo-related unstable environment, while causal analysis work was conducted, all to the satisfaction of the USCG and State of Virginia.
2024 – Cargo Hold Oil Spill – Staten Island, New York – November 6, 2024 – While bunkering, vessel spilled large amount of fuel oil into cargo hold due to gasket leak. GMS activated and prepared a risk assessment and cleaning plan approved by the USCG to address all items in the Captain of the Port Order and ensure the vessel’s delayed departure was minimized. GMS had full oversight on OSRO activities inclusive of maximizing efficiencies, cost control, and safety oversight of on-scene operations for nearly a month to ensure all impacted containers were thoroughly cleaned to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and State of New York.
2024 – Potential Grounding – Unalaska, Alaska – October 11, 2024 – Vessel reported distress due to heavy weather and despite operating under own power, was unable to make progress due to reported 8-meter seas and 45 knot winds. Due to the threat of grounding and remote logistical challenges, GMS mobilized part of our IMT to Anchorage, Alaska with additional members supporting the response remotely. The vessel set anchor 1.5 miles from the nearest shoreline where it remained until the weather subsided. GMS successfully coordinated with our client, USCG, State of Alaska, port organizations, salvage companies, and OSRO providers to identify appropriate towing vessels and stage resources and equipment in environmentally sensitive areas in the event of grounding. The vessel suffered no damage or crew injuries and was able to safely continue its transit.
2024 – Hurricane – Atlanta, Georgia – October 7, 2024 – GMS mobilized members of our IMT to their headquarters at the request of a large pipeline and terminal operator client to prepare in advance for potential storm impacts associated with Hurricane Milton. GMS managed contingency preparedness and coordinated emergency response activities for 4 facility locations with multiple storage tanks across the State of Florida, ensuring client readiness to respond immediately after storm passage.
2024 – Fuel Oil Spill – Wilmington, Delaware – September 12, 2024 – while loading a barge, a tank overflowed allowing diesel fuel to enter the water and impact areas nearby. GMS was activated to direct clean-up operations, control costs, and effectively manage the OSRO provider to complete all clean-up actions and to the satisfaction of client, USCG, and Delaware State agencies.
2024 – Loss of Containers – California Coast – February 6, 2024 – Vessel lost shipping containers approximately 80 miles offshore during heavy weather. GMS made required incident notifications in accordance with Federal and State laws. In March 2024, after receiving multiple reports of large cotton bales and wine casks washing ashore onto a National Marine Sanctuary, GMS IMT was activated to assist with debris recovery efforts, covering 120 miles of shoreline. All response operations were completed safely and to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and State of California.
2023 – Shipboard Fire – Unalaska, Alaska – December 25, 2023 – GMS IMT activated and established an ICP in Anchorage, Alaska to respond to a shipboard cargo fire in two cargo holds involving high power lithium-ion batteries. GMS coordinated with local fire, USCG, State of Alaska, port organizations, and salvage/marine firefighting and OSRO providers on incident management, cost control, and protection of environmental resources. This response involved coordination between the ICP in Anchorage and a forward command post in Dutch Harbor. All response activities were completed safely in harsh weather conditions, a very remote region with myriad logistical challenges, and to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, State of Alaska, and Dutch Harbor community.
2023 – Oil Spill – Bayonne, New Jersey – November 22, 2023 – Vessel experienced an overflow of fuel oil resulting in a spill into the surrounding waterway, ultimately impacting 12 miles of sandy beach shoreline. GMS made notifications in accordance with Federal and State laws and was activated to direct on-scene operations. GMS coordinated response efforts over the course of 3 months to the satisfaction of our client, USCG, and State of New Jersey regulatory officials.
2023 – Grounding – St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands – October 4, 2023 – Vessel grounded during storm and heavy weather conditions. GMS activated and managed pollution-related matters to the satisfaction of the client, insurers, and USVI government officials.
2023 – Cargo Hold Oil Spill – Port of New York – July 11, 2023 – Vessel experienced a bunker fuel leak into the cargo hold causing heavy contamination of the cargo spaces and contamination of multiple shipping containers. GMS was activated and managed the cleanup operations to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and State of New York.
2023 – Shipboard Fire – Port of Newark, New Jersey – July 6, 2023 – GMS IMT activated for major fire aboard a RORO moored alongside a facility. GMS coordinated with local fire departments, USCG, States of New Jersey and New York, port organizations, and salvage/marine firefighting and OSRO providers on incident management and protection of environmental resources.
2023 – Oil Spill – Tacoma, Washington – April 18, 2023 – Vessel experienced an overflow from a tank vent while at anchorage spilling oily wastewater into the surrounding waters. GMS immediately activated the OSRO and made all notifications in accordance with Federal and State laws. GMS managed the on-scene clean-up operations to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and WA State.
2022 – Leaking Container – Richmond, Virginia – September 8, 2022 – Vessel arrived with a container leaking oil. GMS prepared a scope of work approved by the USCG to remove the leaking container as well as 4 additional containers that were discovered with oil contamination. GMS coordinated response efforts and cleanup operations to the satisfaction of the client, the facility, USCG, and State of Virginia.
2022 – Leaking Container – Staten Island, New York – July 23, 2022 – Vessel arrived with a container leaking oil. GMS prepared a scope of work to address USCG Captain of the Port Order directed issues and managed all operations to remove the leaking container as well as 41 additional containers that were contaminated. GMS coordinated response efforts over the course of 5 days to the satisfaction of the client, facility, USCG, and State of New York.
2022 – Hydraulic Leak – Salisbury, Maryland – June 6, 2022 – Vessel experienced a mechanical failure of a steering ram resulting in a spill on deck and oil sheen in the water. GMS QI made notifications in accordance with Federal and State laws. GMS activated to oversee cleanup activities and coordinated response operations to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and State of Maryland.
2022 – Oil Spill – Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania – May 3, 2022 – While client barge was conducting loading operations, fuel oil was discharged into the Delaware River due to an overflow from the cargo tank with an unknown volume discharged onto the deck of the barge. GMS QI made all required notifications in accordance with Federal and State laws. GMS activated and coordinated on-scene clean-up operations by the OSRO to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and State of Pennsylvania.
2021 – HAZMAT – Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach – September 12, 2021 – GMS coordinated and supervised the removal of several containers that were impacted by the release of a hazardous substance, mitigating any potential impact to environmentally sensitive areas. All operations completed to the satisfaction of federal and state regulatory agencies.
2021 – Fire – Channel Islands, California – April 21, 2021 – Vessel experienced engine room fire and GMS facilitated the response and coordinated efforts with the plan listed Salvage provider to safely tow the vessel to a nearby anchorage. All operations were completed to the satisfaction of federal and state regulatory agencies.
2021 – Sunken Vessel – Bahamas – January 1, 2021 – GMS performed overflights and shoreside assessments to identify any potential environmental impacts from the sunken tanker for the vessels P&I Club (Insurer). GMS coordinated with the Bahamian government and ensured all operations were completed to their satisfaction along with the client.
2020 – Fuel Oil – Barbers Point, HI – October 21, 2020 – Vessel spilled oil onto deck and into Pacific Ocean. GMS activated and oversaw clean-up to satisfaction of client, USCG, and State of Hawaii agencies.
2020 – Grounding – Astoria, OR – October 21, 2020 – Loaded grain vessel lost power and grounded outbound near mouth of Columbia River, resulting in potential heavy fuel oil spill. The vessel was directed by USCG to activate its NTVRP. GMS activated, ordered salvage remote assessment, and effectively coordinated with USCG, port organizations, and salvage and OSRO providers on refloating and oil spill contingency operations. Operations were completed with no oil spilled.
2020 – Grounding – Longview, WA – October 7, 2020 – Loaded grain vessel grounded in Columbia River, resulting in potential heavy fuel oil spill. The vessel was directed by USCG to activate its NTVRP. GMS activated, ordered salvage remote assessment, and effectively coordinated with USCG, port organizations, and salvage and OSRO providers on refloating and oil spill contingency operations. Operations were completed with no oil spilled.
2020 – Fuel Oil – Norfolk VA – September 25, 2020 – Vessel spilled oil onto deck and into cargo hold. GMS activated and oversaw clean-up to satisfaction of client, USCG, and State of Virginia agencies.
2020 – Heavy Fuel Oil – Bayonne, NJ – September 28, 2020 – HFO leaked from cracked vessel hull into NY Harbor. GMS activated and oversaw salvage provider and OSRO operations to mitigate hull leakage and oil impact to harbor and shoreline; clean-up was completed to the satisfaction of the client, USCG and States of NY and NJ agencies’ satisfaction.
2020 – Fuel Oil – Los Angeles, CA – September 28, 2020 – Container vessel entered port with fuel tank leakage into cargo hold and onto containers. GMS activated and oversaw clean-up of oiled containers and cargo hold to satisfaction of client and USCG.
2020 – Heavy Fuel Oil – St. Rose, LA – June 29, 2020 – Tankship pulled off pier by passing ship during cargo operations resulting in failure of loading arm and oil spillage into the Mississippi River. GMS activated on-scene and via remote ICP and oversaw clean-up to the satisfaction of the client, USCG and State of Louisiana agency.
2020 – Hydraulic Oil – Green Bay, WI – June 23, 2020 – Vessel discharged hydraulic oil onto deck and into Lake Michigan. GMS oversaw clean-up to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and State of Wisconsin agency.
2020 – Hydraulic Oil – Port Hueneme, CA – June 8, 2020 – Vessel leaked hydraulic oil onto dock and potentially harbor. GMS oversaw clean-up to satisfaction of client, USCG, and State of California agency.
2020 – Fire & Explosion with Potential Fuel Oils – Jacksonville, FL – June 4, 2020 – GMS IMT activated for major fire and explosion aboard a RORO moored alongside a facility. GMS coordinated with local fire, USCG, State of Florida, port organizations, and salvage/fire-fighting and OSRO providers on incident management and protection of environmental resources. While vessel was constructive loss, no oil was discharged.
2020 – Fuel Oil – Baytown, TX – May 7, 2020 – Vessel experienced a fuel oil leak into a cargo hold while bunkering. GMS activated and oversaw clean-up to satisfaction of client, USCG, and State of Texas.
2020 – Fuel Oil – Convent, LA – April 29, 2020 – Vessel mooring lines due to extreme current during high water/severe weather situation; during re-mooring the vessel hull contacted the pier in way of a fuel tank, rupturing the tank and resulting of oil spillage into the Mississippi River. GMS activated on-scene and via remote ICP and coordinated salvage assessment, activated OSRO, and oversaw oil spill clean-up to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and State of Louisiana.
2020 – Fuel Oil – Pasadena, TX – April 27, 2020 – Container vessel fuel tank leaked into cargo hold during bunkering. GMS activated and oversaw clean-up of oiled containers and cargo hold to satisfaction of client, USCG, and State of Texas.
2020 – Tank Barge Grounding – Lake St. Clair/Detroit, MI – April 13, 2020 – Loaded tank barge grounded transiting between Lakes Erie and Huron. GMS activated on-scene and via remote ICP and coordinated/managed with USCG, Canadian and Michigan agencies, and salvage and OSRO providers on refloating and oil spill contingency operations. Vessel refloated with no oil spilled.
2020 – Heavy Fuel Oil – NY Harbor, NY – April 4, 2020 -GMS activated on-scene to oversee cleanup of GMS client barge and tug oiled by spill on vessel being bunkered at anchorage. Clean-up was completed to satisfaction of client and USCG.
2020 – Ship Grounding – Charleston, SC – April 3, 2020 -Vessel aground with potential fuel oil spill was directed by USCG to activate its NTVRP. GMS activated, ordered salvage remote assessment, and effectively coordinated divers, agents, USCG, and port organizations communications for refloating. Operations were completed with no oil spilled.
2020 – Hydraulic Oil – San Diego, CA – April 2, 2020 – Vessel entered port with multiple containers leaking oil onto deck potentially discharging to harbor. GMS activated on-scene to oversee removal of the containers and clean-up of the vessel; the containers were removed without discharge and the ship was cleaned to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and State of California agency.
2020 – Ballast Water Contaminated with Animal Hide By-Products – Oakland, CA – February 12, 2020 – Container ship discharge of ballast water onto deck contaminated with animal hide by—products leaked from containers resulted in contaminated water on deck and into harbor. GMS activated and oversaw clean-up to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and State of California agencies.
2019 – Diesel Fuel Oil – Stoneport, MI – October 7, 2019 – Vessel discharged diesel fuel oil onto deck and into Lake Huron. GMS oversaw clean-up to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and State of Michigan agency.
2019 – RORO Capsizing with Oil Spill – St. Simon’s Sound, GA – September 8, 2019 – A car carrier (RORO) loaded with over 4000 vehicles listed and capsized in the night while departing the port. 20 personnel were rescued within hours of the capsizing while 4 crew remained unaccounted for. GMS activated a full IMT and salvage provider, all on-site within hours of the incident. A multi-organization and agency effort resulted in successfully locating and extricating/rescuing the 4 final crewmembers within 40 hours of the capsizing. GMS additionally oversaw response and cleanup of oil leaked from the ship along with removal of more than 300,000 gallons of oil that could have potentially discharged. GMS continues to oversee/coordinate the internationally significant response with US Federal, State of Georgia, and local agencies and salvage and OSRO providers on removal of the wreck and protection of the highly sensitive local environment. Further information can be found at http://www.stsimonssoundincidentresponse.com/.
2019 – Diesel Fuel Oil – Rogers City, MI – August 16, 2019 – Vessel discharged diesel fuel oil onto deck and into Lake Huron. GMS oversaw clean-up to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, and State of Michigan agency.
2019 – Collision – Norco, LA – June 8, 2019 – While upbound Mississippi River, GMS client vessel was struck by a down-bound tug and barge; the tug subsequently spilled approximately 3500 gallons of diesel fuel oil. GMS coordinated a remote assessment for the client vessel and activated a responder to assist with casualty response.
2019 – Hydraulic Oil – Beaumont, TX – May 29, 2019 – During cargo hatch opening, a hydraulic hose failed, leaking oil onto the vessel deck, facility dock, and into the harbor. GMS activated and oversaw vessel and waterside clean-up to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, State of Texas agency, and facility.
2019 – Gasoline Blending Stock – Bayport, TX – May 11, 2019 – A down-bound tanker collided with an up-bound tow in the Houston Ship Channel. The tow including 2 barges loaded with gasoline blending stock; 1 barge capsized and the other was significantly holed, resulting in discharge of gasoline blending stock into Galveston Bay. GMS activated for clean-up supervision and management of the response decontamination operations.
2019 – Crude Oil – Delaware City, DE – March 29, 2019 – During cargo operations crude oil spilled onto a tank barge deck, ran down the barge hull, and into the Delaware River, contaminating shoreline and terminal piers. GMS activated and oversaw clean-up of the barge, shoreline, and terminal; notably the barge and pier were cleaned and cleared with no operational disruption/demurrage incurred.
2019 – Heavy Fuel Oil, Staten Island, NY – March 28, 2019 – During transit to NY Harbor, a client container vessel’s fuel oil tank was holed. Once moored at the terminal it oil was observed around the vessel, under the dock, and along the shorelines of New Jersey and New York. GMS’s IMT activated to oversee clean-up operations over a 3-month period of the shoreline, pier, and wetlands to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, States of New Jersey and New York, and the terminal operator.
2019 – Petrochemicals – Deer Park, TX – March 22, 2019 – GMS was activated as part of major response to multiple petrochemical storage tanks on fire and the subsequent discharge of chemicals, firefighting foam, and soot into the harbor. For over 5 weeks, a GMS team oversaw on-water clean-up and the significant decontamination operation.
2019 – Fuel Oil Spill – Kodiak, AK – March 17, 2019 – Genset (container with generator and fuel tank) leaked onto facility yard overnight; rainfall caused fuel runoff flow into a tributary of the Buskin River and subsequently the Buskin River. GMS team over saw the removal of oil from ground and water to the satisfaction of the client, USCG, State of Alaska, and local agencies.
2018 – Heavy Fuel Oil Spill – New Orleans, LA – A fuel oil tank was ruptured while mooring to a dock spilling approximately 2,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil into the Mississippi River which was at flood stage. GMS was activated to respond and within hours was on scene with a complete IMT. For 22 days the GMS Team worked in the ICS environment and managed five divisions. Under the direction of GMS Division Managers, the force of approximately 150 laborers and 30 boats and support assets worked the response. The team deconned 28 commercial vessels and cleaned approximately 35 miles of diverse shoreline types to meet approved endpoints. GMS SCAT teams were formed and remained on scene working with the Coast Guard and Louisiana Stated agencies until the spill was deemed to have met all the required end points.
2017 – Tank Barge Explosion – Corpus Christi, TX – GMS responded to a Tank Barge explosion 3 nautical miles off Aransas Pass. A full IMT was established within the Command Post consisting of 31 GMS responders and over 200 contractors and regulatory agency personnel. The Tank Barge was carrying 140,000 bbls. of crude oil.
2016 – Oil Spill Jersey City – Jersey City, New Jersey – GMS managed a response to dielectric oil spill on behalf of the USCG and a Utility company. The GMS SMT fulfilled all Incident Command Post ICS positions and provided oversight for field operations. This was a continuous leak and turned into a long-term response with numerous challenges between multiple RP’, a property owner, and working year round through the changing East Coast weather.
2016 – Pipeline rupture/fire – Alabama – GMS responded to another incident involving the 36” gasoline pipeline in Alabama only miles from the September leak of over 350,000 gallons. Unfortunately there was loss of life when the gasoline ignited and burned for days.
2016 – Pipeline leak – Shelby County, Alabama – GMS responded to an estimated 350,000 gallon gasoline Leak from a ruptured pipeline. The shutdown of the pipeline caused a summer gasoline shortage for Southeastern US impacting 6 states. The response involved several hundred responders and lasted 3 weeks and impacted the Cahaba River Wildlife area.
2016 – Bunker Fuel Spill – Los Angeles Harbor, Los Angeles, CA– GMS mobilized SMT to a heavy fuel oil tank overflow which occurred at dusk while taking on bunkers from a barge. Cleanup challenges included initial response at night, impact to marinas and commercial berths within 400 feet (122 meters) of spill site, and impact to hundreds of oiled pier pilings. Fast response prevented more significant oiling of harbor.
2016 – Crude Oil Pipeline Spill – Near Lloydminster, Saskatchewan Canada – Ruptured pipeline spills crude oil into the North Saskatchewan River. GMS personnel supported Operations and SCAT for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
2015 – Tank Barge – Bayonne, NJ – GMS responded to a Barge that suffered a mechanical failure (stuck transmission) and allided with the IMTT Ship Dock. Approximately 100 feet of damage sustained to the dock and Pipe line. Approximately 273 bbls. of No. 6 fuel oil spilled. The pipelines from IMTT carried an additional potential of 600 bbls. of gasoline and 200 bbls. of biodiesel.
2015 – US Flagged vessel lost at sea – Jacksonville, FL – GMS deployed to a missing vessel lost due to hurricane JOAQUIN off the Bahama Islands. GMS sent a full IMT to Jacksonville consisting of Incident Commander and Section Chiefs to plan and implement potential worst-case cleanup operations and coordinate salvage.
2014 – Los Angeles, CA – A container vessel sustained damage and cargo loss while as sea, due to severe weather conditions. GMS SMT representative attended on scene to facilitate the operations of unloading the damaged containers which were positioned in a compromising way due to storm damage.
2013 – Valdez, AK – Nearly 30 containers on board a vessel leaking transformer oil for an unknown reason. Each container held approximately 5,000 gallons of oil in flexi-bladders. The GMS SMT coordinated the transfer of approximately 140,000 gallons of oil into temporary storage and, eventually, final disposition. The USCG Captain of the Port for Prince William Sound issued a Letter of Recognition to GMS for the successful response. (See attached) USCG Letter of Recognition to GMS (Valdez AK)
2013 – Newark, NJ – Damaged Hazardous Containers damaged by heavy storm. GMS mobilized personnel and worked with the salvage provider to produce a cargo salvage plan involving the removal of storm damaged hazardous material containers from the vessel, and transferring those damaged containers to undamaged containers.
2012-2013 – Staten Island, New York – A barge with a punctured hull, located on the Kill Van Kull, released oil impacting approximately 80 miles of shoreline in New Jersey and New York. GMS managed this successful response consisting of more than 500 people.
2012 – Washington Township, New Jersey – Approximately 26,000 gallons of Diesel oil was released from two underground storage tanks. The oil was released into several lakes and nearby creeks. GMS provided technical expertise and acted in an advisory role to a major insurance company.
2012 – Los Angeles/Long Beach, California – GMS SMT established a command post and simulated a response to a vessel collision and release of oil in the Precautionary Area near the oil platforms. This exercise involved over 100 participants from industry, federal, state, and local agencies.
2011 – Billings, Montana – Oil pipeline burst underneath the Yellowstone River releasing 42,000 gallons of crude oil. GMS provided support to the response effort in the form of Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Team (SCAT) representatives.
2011 – Alexandria, Virginia – Approximately 4,500 +/- gallons of mineral oil was released from a transformer (20,000+ gallon capacity) and entered the Potomac River. GMS managed a timely and effective cleanup during a response which took place in sub-freezing temperatures in driving wind and snow.
2010 – Gulf of Mexico– Explosion and release of oil from offshore oil platform. GMS provided support to the response effort in the form of Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Team (SCAT) representatives. SMT provided representation at the Command Post level to SCAT liaisons in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
2010 – Port Arthur, Texas – Collision involving three vessels, releasing approximately 9,500 barrels of high sulfur crude oil. At the height of the response, approximately 1,000 personnel were involved in response operations. The majority of response operations were completed within 3 weeks. Commercial traffic resumed within 100 hours of the incident occurring.
2009 – Charleston, South Carolina – Bunker tank overflow through a vent pipe that occurred at anchorage. Officials determined that no clean-up was necessary; however, the following day tar balls were reported on nearby beaches extending 60 miles. SMT responded, surveyed, and managed all operations.
2007 – Morehead City, North Carolina to Virginia Border – Containership lost 21 containers at sea during storm. Debris from containers washed ashore impacting at least 120 miles of coastline. SMT worked under a Unified Command that managed the clean-up and use of volunteers.
2004 – Unalaska, Alaska – Vessel lost power, grounded and wrecked, spilling approximately 300,000 gallons of fuel oil. The response was conducted from offshore vessels over two years in one of the world’s most difficult and remote environments. The response tactics were comparable to those of the Exxon Valdez spill response, and was praised by Alaskan officials.
2004 – Port Arthur, Texas – Vessel collision and release of 27,000 gallons of fuel oil. Mobilization of 40-person Spill Management Team at the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard. Expedited opening of the waterway to reduce the impact on one of the highest oil producing ports in the United States.
2004 – New Orleans, Louisiana & Chincoteague, Virginia – Three response incidents within two weeks. Vessel collision and 22,000 gallon oil spill on the Mississippi River. Vessel collision and oil spill at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Vessel explosion, sinking and oil spill off the coast of Chincoteague, Virginia.
2003 – Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts – Barge grounded, spilling 98,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil. More than 90 miles of southern Massachusetts shoreline affected at the beginning of beach season. Careful work required to clean sensitive areas while protecting bird nesting areas. SMT members received USCG certificates of appreciation from the Captain of the Port. ICS organization and procedures used as a model in training state FEMA agency personnel.
2002 – Port Angeles, Washington – LPG carrier fuel spill during bunkering from barge. Careful work with local agencies to expedite cleanup of and restoration of facilities while minimizing damage to highly sensitive environmental areas, fish farms, etc.
2001 – Western Chesapeake Bay, Maryland – Power plant pipeline spill of 125,000 gallons of oil into marsh and river. Response included relief of initial Spill Management Team at the request of the client, re-direction of responders to cut response costs of more than $25 million, extensive remediation of marsh and other wetlands over several months, and coordination with federal and state agencies.
1999 – Coos Bay, Oregon – Bulk carrier driven ashore and wrecked in heavy winter storms. Response included extended seepage from wreck, extreme weather, wreck removal and cleanup work in environmentally sensitive areas over several months.
1996 – Portland Maine – Tanker struck bridge, 4,000 barrels of medium and heavy fuel spilled. SMT work included extensive cleanup of local facilities to mitigate damage and claims.
1993 – Tampa Florida – Three-vessel collision, fire, explosion and oil spill. Multiple responsible parties, specialized cargo removal operation, cleanup of 13 miles of beach to meet holiday deadline. SMT work cited as a model by OSHA; key to the city awarded to GMS SMT.