Tag: ITOPF

Data from ITOPF shows that six oil spills over 7 tonnes were recorded from tanker incidents in 2021. This is a slight increase on 2020, but on a par with the average for the 2010s and a dramatic reduction from the numbers reported in earlier decades.

Mr. Oli Beavon, Managing Director at ITOPF, highlights that although there has been a reduction in oil spill accidents, maritime stakeholders should remain vigilant. In any accidental marine spill, quick response is vital; in that regard, ITOPF cooperates with different maritime stakeholders in order to build its technical knowledge.

The International Group of P&I Clubs, the IOPC Funds and ITOPF have collaborated on a new booklet on liability and compensation for ship-source oil pollution in the marine environment.

In 2020, there were only 3 incidents where more than 7 tonnes of oil were spilled, according to annual ITOPF statistics of oil spills from tankers. The total volume of oil lost in all 3 incidents was approximately 1,000 MT, making it amongst the lowest on record. 

Amid complex legislation regarding the discharge of any hold wash water from vessels, operators may find it more prudent to transfer petcoke wash water to shoreside facilities for processing rather than discharge at sea in order to avoid potential environmental issues and possible litigation or fines, UK Club advised. 

Dr. Purnell notes that it is now time for the maritime industry to raise its profile. In particular, there are many young people not aware of the fantastic careers that exist in the shipping community. The STEM initiative needs to be taken more seriously in many schools, and events to showcase these careers need to be more widespread, she argues.

The International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) issued its oil spill statistics, noting a continuing decrease at the frequency of oil spills from tankers. With one large and two medium oil spills in 2019, the number in 2019 was the lowest in 50 years, ITOPF notes. 

The sinking of the Amoco Cadiz in 1978 came to claim again the title of the world’s worst oil spill, putting another dark spot in the environmental record of shipping.

An oil spill is the potential adverse effect of most maritime incidents. Oil spills can have disastrous consequences, environmentally and economically. Oil spill response at sea is most times a complex procedure, because of the remoteness of the site or the number of interested parties.

ITOPF published a Handbook, containing valuable information and guidance for those likely to be involved in oil spills, chemicals or other substances from ships. The 2019/20 edition has been fully revised, introducing new graphics, further information on ITOPF’s technical services and a brand new section on different types of marine spills.