FACTS

1. Spills introduce pollutants into the environment, leading to contamination of water bodies, including oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes.
2. Spilled substances can cause damage to fragile habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and wetlands. These ecosystems are vital for marine biodiversity and provide essential breeding grounds and nurseries.
3. Spills contaminate water bodies, compromising water quality and making it unsafe for human use.
4. Spills can damage beaches, rocks, and coastal vegetation, affecting the aesthetics, recreational value, and economic activities associated with coastal areas.
5. Spilled substances can pose risks to human health, particularly for those living in the vicinity of spills.
6. Spills can have long-lasting or even permanent impacts on ecosystems. The recovery of affected habitats and populations may take years or even decades, with potential disruptions to entire food webs and ecological processes.

STATS

• Data from ITOPF shows that 7 oil spills of more than seven tonnes were recorded from tanker incidents in 2022.
• Three of the seven incidents in 2022 resulted in spills greater than 700 tonnes (classified as ‘large’ spills).
• There were 358 spills of 7 tonnes and over, resulting in 1,134,000 tonnes of oil lost; 73% of this amount was spilled in just 10 incidents.
• There were 181 spills of 7 tonnes and over, resulting in 196,000 tonnes of oil lost; 75% of this amount was spilled in just 10 incidents.
• There were 63 spills of 7 tonnes and over, resulting in 164,000 tonnes of oil lost; 91% of this amount was spilled in just 10 incidents.
• Most oil spills recorded in 2022 were caused by Allisions/Collisions and Groundings.
• A total of 1468 instances of vessel-involved accidents leading to oil spill.
• In recent years, there have been more than 60 accidents resulting in 164,000 tonnes of oil being lost. But of those 60, just 10 incidents accounted for more than 90% of the oil spilled.