ITOPF: Ten oil spills of more than seven tonnes occurred in 2023

These statistics bring the decade average to 6.8, which is a dramatic reduction from the numbers reported in earlier decades and in line with the average for the 2010s. One of the 10 incidents from 2023 occurred in Asia and resulted in a spill of heavy fuel oil with a volume greater than 700 tonnes, spills of this volume are classified as ‘large’ spills.

The nine other incidents are classified as medium spills as they were more than seven tonnes but less than 700 tonnes, and involved spills of very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFOs), crude and gasoline. Four of these incidents occurred in Asia, two in Africa, two in Europe and one in America.

The total volume of oil lost to the environment from tanker spills in 2023 was approximately 2,000 tonnes. This estimate is lower than the previous two years and remains a fraction of the total amount of oil that is transported by sea each year.

…said ITOPF.

Accidental spills from tankers account for only a small percentage of the oil that enters the environment each year. Pipeline spills, oil industry activities, petroleum usage (including oil spills from non-tankers and ‘run-off’ from roads and other land-based sources), as well as natural seepage, all contribute towards annual inputs. Therefore, ITOPF’s report shows only part of the picture relating to the global input of oil into the marine environment.

Despite some annual fluctuations, the number and volume of oil spills from tankers have plummeted since ITOPF’s records began half a century ago. While the number of spills in recent years is stabilising at a low level, ITOPF is observing the volume of oil released into the environment from tankers continues to fluctuate year-on-year.

The shipping industry has driven this reduction, supported by governments and IMO, through positive change in its commitment to exploring innovation and investing in improvements to maritime safety and environmental protection.

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