In mid-March 2025, unusually heavy rains caused a landslide that ruptured Ecuador’s SOTE pipeline in Esmeraldas Province. More than 25,000 barrels of crude oil spilled into local waterways, contaminating at least three rivers, nine beaches, and over 294 hectares of land. Sensitive areas affected included mangrove reserves and wildlife refuges.

Harbo Boom was rapidly deployed to protect these vulnerable zones. Two-person teams installed modular Harbo Boom cartridges along riverbanks and estuaries at highest risk. The lightweight system allowed fast, precise shoreline deployment without boats or heavy machinery—an important advantage in remote and challenging terrain.

The boom’s submerged ballast and tight surface seal effectively contained the spill at its origin. It prevented oil from reaching root systems and critical coastal ecosystems. This swift and targeted response helped minimize long-term ecological damage and highlighted Harbo Boom’s vital role in spill containment under challenging conditions.