A collision between two vessels at the Port of Tyne on July 19 has resulted in the release of approximately one billion plastic pellets, known as nurdles, into the River Tyne, causing significant pollution along the North East coastline. The incident involved the offshore wind vessel Wind Orca, owned by Cadeler, and the berthed container ship BG Orange, operated by BG Freight Line.

Since the spill, local authorities and volunteers have been engaged in efforts to remove the pellets from beaches, amid growing concerns about environmental damage. North East mayor Kim McGuinness has called on the two companies to cover the costs of the ongoing clean-up, describing the spill as the "worst incident of nurdle pollution in Europe."

In response, Cadeler’s chief executive Mikkel Gleerup acknowledged that the initial pace of specialist clean-up operations did not meet community expectations. In a letter to McGuinness, Gleerup confirmed that pollution response contractors are now being deployed to intensify the clean-up effort. He noted that the companies and their insurers are coordinating the response, with the BG Orange having taken measures to limit further nurdle discharge soon after the incident.

Solis Marine has been appointed as spill managers for the BG Orange, with Briggs Marine engaged as clean-up contractors. Additionally, the Port of Tyne has brought in Ambipar, another experienced pollution response firm, to assist. Gleerup emphasized the importance of a coordinated effort, acknowledging the contributions of the Recovery Working Group, which includes local councils, the Environment Agency, the Marine Coastguard Agency, Northumbria Police, the Port of Tyne, the UK Health Security Agency, environmental organizations, and volunteers.

The Port of Tyne has installed a floating barrier around the BG Orange to prevent further spillage and deployed vessels to clear nurdles from the river. Mayor McGuinness applauded the increased deployment of specialist resources but stressed the necessity for the responsible shipping companies to “do the right thing” and cover the full cost of restoration. She underscored her commitment to ensuring that clean-up operations continue until the affected beaches are fully restored.

Local volunteer groups and council teams have been actively involved in the ongoing clean-up, reflecting strong community concern over the environmental repercussions. The incident has highlighted the challenges of managing plastic pollution following maritime accidents and underscored the need for swift and effective response measures.