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SS Braer

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description SS Braer Overview

The MV Braer was a Liberian-flagged oil tanker that ran aground at Garths Ness in Shetland, Scotland, in January 1993. Driven by severe weather, the vessel spilled approximately 84,700 tonnes of light crude oil into the North Sea, resulting in one of the most significant marine oil spills in European history. The incident prompted widespread environmental concerns regarding the impact on local marine life and seabird populations. It also led to subsequent reviews of maritime safety regulations and oil spill response procedures in the region.

help SS Braer FAQ

Was the Braer a steamship or a motor tanker?

The vessel is generally identified as the MV Braer, a Liberian-flagged oil tanker. It ran aground at Garth's Ness on Shetland's southwest coast on 5 January 1993. [ITOPF](https://www.itopf.org/in-action/case-studies/braer-uk-1993/)

How much oil did the Braer spill?

The Braer lost approximately 84,700 tonnes of Norwegian Gullfaks crude oil, along with up to 1,500 tonnes of bunker oil. The cargo was released over roughly 12 days as storm conditions broke the tanker apart. [ITOPF](https://www.itopf.org/in-action/case-studies/braer-uk-1993/)

What caused the Braer shipwreck?

The tanker suffered engine failure and was driven onto Garth's Ness during severe weather. Constant storm-force winds and heavy seas then caused the vessel to break up. [ITOPF](https://www.itopf.org/in-action/case-studies/braer-uk-1993/)

What type of oil was carried by the Braer?

Its main cargo was light Norwegian Gullfaks crude oil, not a heavy refined fuel product. The tanker also carried a smaller quantity of heavy bunker oil used as fuel. [ITOPF](https://www.itopf.org/in-action/case-studies/braer-uk-1993/)

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