Oil Spills From Tankers Have Fallen Over 90% Since the 1970s

When it comes to the health of our oceans, it's refreshing to hear some good news from time to time. While our global community continues to strive towards a reduction in fossil fuel use, oil also serves as a raw material in the production of products we use everyday. This includes clothing, cosmetics, lubricants, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and packaging. That's why we're sharing the fact that the oil industry has grown more responsible as it continues to move this resource across our world's oceans. 

Tanker Oil Spill Frequency Has Fallen 90%
Back in the 1970s, oil spills from tankers were shockingly common, with up to 100 spills happening each year. To put that into perspective, that's nearly two spills a week. Since then, those numbers have been reduced by more than 90%. In fact, there hasn't been a single year with more than eight oil spills since 2008.

Tanker Oil Spill Volume Has Fallen 97%
This drop in oil spill frequency means less oil leaking into our oceans. Back in the 1970s, we were looking at over 300,000 tonnes of oil spilled from tankers every year. Fast forward to today, and that number has plummeted 97% to an average of less than 10,000 tonnes per year. Note: 2018 stands as an outlier, due to a single large spill caused by the Sanchi oil tanker collision.

This positive shift has been possible thanks to a combination of stricter regulations, improved technology, and increased awareness about the importance of protecting our marine ecosystems. From double-hulled tankers to better spill response strategies, our global community has come a long way in safeguarding our oceans from the devastating effects of oil pollution.

While we've made great strides, the work of our global community is far from over. Oil spills still pose a significant threat to marine life and coastal communities. By supporting initiatives that promote sustainable shipping practices, advocating for stronger environmental regulations, and raising awareness about the importance of ocean conservation, we can continue to protect our oceans for generations to come.