In June 2018, the Port of Rotterdam experienced one of the largest fuel spills in recent European maritime history when the MT Bow Jubail released over 200 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the harbor. In response, 2,000 meters of Harbo Boom were deployed, playing a critical role in containing the spill before it could spread further into the environment.

The Harbo Boom system was selected for its speed, simplicity, and proven performance. A small team was able to deploy 1,000 meters in less than two hours using only a small craft, no heavy equipment or complex logistics required. The lightweight, modular boom system enabled rapid containment, which was essential to protect the harbor’s sensitive infrastructure and marine life.

Thanks to the early deployment of Harbo Boom, approximately 70% of the spilled oil was recovered quickly and efficiently. The fast response minimized environmental damage and significantly reduced cleanup time and costs.

This operation demonstrated the value of Harbo Boom as a reliable first line of defense. Its use in Rotterdam set a new standard for rapid response containment and highlighted Harbo Inc.’s commitment to protecting coastal environments around the world.