Protecting Our Oceans: Assessing the State of Marine Pollution

The latest report from the International Salvage Union (ISU) paints a concerning picture of the health of our oceans. Released annually, the report highlights a worrying trend: an increase in both crude and refined oil spills, alongside more chemical leaks in our marine environments. These incidents, while alarming, might only scratch the surface of a larger issue, as some services fail to record the full extent of pollution.

ISU President John Witte underscores the importance of environmental protection, urging us not to overlook the significance of safeguarding our oceans amidst growing concerns over emissions. Indeed, the ISU's annual pollution prevention survey, initiated in 1994, sheds light on the fluctuations in pollutant quantities over time, often influenced by factors like vessel size and major incidents such as container ship disasters.

In 2023 alone, ISU members provided 173 services to vessels carrying potentially polluting cargo and fuel, totalling 1.9 million tonnes—a decrease from the previous year. However, this drop does not signify a lessened threat, as even smaller cases pose significant environmental risks in an era of "zero tolerance" towards pollution.

Examining the survey's findings reveals a mixed bag of results. While bunker fuel quantities decreased, crude oil, refined oil products, and chemicals all saw troubling increases in spillage. These statistics underscore the ongoing challenges faced in protecting our oceans from harmful substances.

Moreover, discrepancies in recording bunkers and cargo types hint at a potential underestimation of the true extent of marine pollution. Such inaccuracies emphasise the need for more comprehensive data collection methods to effectively combat environmental threats.

The report's breakdown of salvage services in 2023 offers further insights into the diverse challenges faced by salvors. From wreck removal to towage contracts, salvors navigate a myriad of tasks in responding to maritime incidents. Particularly concerning are cases involving containers, which often carry hazardous materials, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems.

Containers, as noted by Witte, present unique challenges in handling and may conceal dangerous goods like plastic pellets and electric vehicle batteries. With the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, salvors face the daunting task of assessing and mitigating potential risks associated with their transportation.

Despite the downward trend in overall salvage services, the need for a robust professional salvage industry remains paramount. Insurers and vessel owners recognise the critical role salvors play in responding to maritime emergencies, underscoring the importance of adequate funding to sustain this vital sector.

As we reflect on the ISU's findings, it's clear that protecting our oceans requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. From enhancing pollution prevention measures to ensuring adequate support for salvage operations, safeguarding marine environments demands a multifaceted approach.

In the face of mounting challenges, the ISU's annual report serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to prioritise environmental conservation. By heeding its insights and taking proactive measures, we can work towards a future where our oceans remain vibrant, thriving ecosystems for generations to come.