Asphalt spilt

A Greek asphalt carrier has suffered a spill in a Maine waterway, the US Coast Guard said Wednesday.

The 9,240-dwt Asphalt Seminole (built 2005) released about 2,500 litres of asphalt in the Fore River.

The Asphalt Seminole

The product solidified when it hit the cold water, creating a pancake-like material, the Coast Guard says.

The product remained within a containment boom that was already in place at the time of the transfer.

Clean Harbors Environmental Services has been hired to clean up the spill, and an investigation of the incident is underway.

"Every effort is being made to ensure a swift clean-up with minimal impact to the environment,” said Coast Guard Cmdr Brian Downey.

The Asphalt Seminole is controlled by Piraeus-based Chronos Shipping, which owns a quartet of asphalt carriers.

The Irish-flag vessel is classed by Bureau Veritas and is insured by the UK P&I Club.

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