In January 2022, a rupture in an offshore pipeline during oil transfer operations near Callao, Peru, resulted in the largest spill in Peruvian history—roughly 11,900 barrels of crude oil washed ashore, affecting more than 700 hectares of coastline, including remote mangrove forests and wildlife reserves.

Responders deployed Harbo Boom strategically along critical shoreline zones, focusing on protecting mangroves and sensitive ecological areas. Thanks to the boom’s lightweight, modular design, two-person teams installed multiple cartridges directly on the water’s edge, forming rapid, flexible containment barriers around mangrove stands that were especially vulnerable to oil contamination.

Harbo Boom’s submerged ballast section ensured a secure seal along the shoreline, preventing crude from reaching root systems and fragile habitats. Within 20 minutes of deployment, oil flow was halted, easing cleanup and preserving the integrity of sensitive environments.

The deployment underscored key Harbo Boom advantages:

• Rapid Response: Immediate deployment near the source, saving hours of traditional boom setup.

• Minimal Resources: Only two technicians, no heavy machinery, or cranes required.

• Tailored Containment: Adaptive placement along irregular shorelines, including delicate mangrove fringes.

• Habitat Protection: Early containment prevented oil inundation of ecologically vital mangroves—areas home to juvenile marine life and bird nesting zones.

This operation illustrated Harbo Boom’s value as a frontline tool in complex spill scenarios. Its deployment in the Repsol incident not only controlled spread but also safeguarded coastal mangroves, reinforcing Harbo Inc.’s mission: fast, efficient, and eco-conscious spill response when it matters most.