Ship Accidents: A Major Marine Pollution Culprit

Marine pollution is a pressing issue that has been increasing over time, and ship accidents are a significant contributor to this problem. With the rise in global seaborne trade, container ship accidents are becoming more frequent, leading to various forms of marine pollution. Oil spills, in particular, pose a severe threat to the marine ecosystem as they spread solid waste, oil, and other debris across the water. These accidents are often caused by human error, negligence, technical failures, or external factors such as weather conditions. The impact of ship accidents on marine life is devastating, and the cleanup efforts are challenging and expensive. Additionally, cruise ships generate noise pollution, discharge ballast water containing invasive species, and produce wastewater, further exacerbating the pollution problem. Addressing ship accidents and their environmental consequences is crucial to protect the delicate marine ecosystem and mitigate the lasting damage caused by these incidents.

Oil spills from ship accidents

Accidental oil spills account for 8-13% of all oil spills, and they are extremely difficult and costly to clean up. The type of oil, water temperature, and proximity to beaches are crucial factors in the cleanup process. For example, bioremediation uses microorganisms to break down the oil, while controlled burning can be employed in low-wind conditions to reduce the amount of oil in the water.

Ship accidents that result in oil spills can occur due to various factors, including technical failures, shipping factors, route conditions, unfavourable weather, and human errors. Collisions between ships or with fixed objects, such as platforms or reefs, can result in cracks in the hull, leading to oil leaks. For instance, in 1972, a collision between the South Korean tanker Sea Star and the Brazilian oil tanker Horta Barbosa in the Gulf of Oman resulted in a crack in the hull of the Sea Star, causing the release of 115,000 tonnes of crude oil into the ocean.

The impact of oil spills on the marine environment can be severe and long-lasting. Oil spills can damage marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, and harm marine life such as fish, crustaceans, and birds, and marine mammals like whales and dolphins. The economic and social consequences can also be significant, with the cleanup and restoration efforts requiring substantial resources and causing disruptions to local industries and communities.

To minimise the occurrence and impact of oil spills from ship accidents, preventative measures and policies are crucial. This includes addressing safe navigation practices, conducting regular inspections, and implementing comprehensive safety training for crews. By adopting these measures, the risks of oil spills and their detrimental effects on the marine environment can be reduced.

Collisions and accidents

One of the most well-known consequences of ship accidents is oil spills. When liquid petroleum hydrocarbon is released into the sea, it causes solid waste, oil, and other debris to spread across the water, damaging marine life and the ecosystem. Oil spills are difficult and expensive to clean up, and the type of oil, water temperature, and proximity to beaches must be considered during the cleanup process. Bioremediation and controlled burning are two methods used to address oil spills, but both have their limitations.

In addition to oil spills, ship accidents can also result in the release of hazardous substances, heavy metals, plastic fibers, and noxious chemicals, which can accumulate in the food chain and pose a threat to human health. The variety of containerized cargo on board further complicates the risk of marine pollution from accidents. For example, some containers may leak toxic chemicals, while others may carry fossil fuels or release harmless daily items. The sudden and unpredictable nature of pollution from sunken containers makes it challenging to estimate the environmental hazards and implement timely spill responses.

Accidents involving cruise ships have led to air and water pollution, as well as collisions with marine life, particularly whales and dolphins. In 2017, a British cruise ship crashed into coral reefs in Indonesia, destroying 17,222 square feet of coral and causing irreparable damage. Cruise ships also contribute significantly to solid waste, with an estimated 24% of total solid waste generated by maritime traffic attributed to these vessels.

To minimize the impact of ship accidents and resulting marine pollution, preventative measures can be taken, such as creating safety awareness, providing comprehensive crew training, and utilizing technological tools for risk assessment. While all marine accidents cannot be eradicated, improving response procedures, establishing regional cooperation, and increasing public awareness can help mitigate the pollution issues caused by collisions and accidents at sea.

Human error and negligence

Human error can take various forms, including operational mistakes, poor decision-making, and inadequate maintenance. For instance, faulty engine systems and improper repair work can lead to oil leaks, resulting in pollution when oil mixes with oceanic water. Additionally, human negligence in waste management contributes to marine pollution. Cruise ships generate significant amounts of solid waste, such as paper, cardboard, and aluminium, which can end up in the ocean and pose threats to marine life.

Another aspect of human error is the failure to follow safety protocols and regulations. Despite existing foreign and domestic regulations, some vessels intentionally discharge illegal wastes, contributing to marine pollution. This issue is exacerbated by the lack of adequate penalties and national standards in certain jurisdictions, providing an incentive for cruise liners to dump waste in these areas. Furthermore, human error can lead to collisions and groundings, which often result in oil spills and the release of hazardous substances, endangering marine habitats and accumulating in the food chain.

The overreliance on technology and distractions can also contribute to human error. While technology, such as GPS and radars, can assist in risk assessment and accident prevention, it is not a substitute for human vigilance and responsible decision-making. Distractions, such as those caused by technological interruptions or lack of focus, can lead to accidents and subsequent marine pollution. To mitigate these issues, companies should promote safety awareness, provide comprehensive crew training, and establish a strong safety culture.

It is worth noting that human error is not the sole cause of ship accidents leading to marine pollution. External factors, such as unfavourable weather conditions, and technical failures also play a role. However, addressing human error and negligence through improved training, safety measures, and regulatory compliance can significantly reduce the occurrence of ship accidents and minimise their environmental impact.

External factors like weather conditions

Weather conditions play a significant role in ship accidents, which can lead to marine pollution. Maritime storms, for instance, can quickly intensify and strike without warning, taking vessels by surprise. High winds, lightning, hail, and dangerous waves are common characteristics of storms and hurricanes, making navigation challenging and increasing the risk of collisions or running aground. Heavy fog is another weather condition that impairs visibility, heightening the likelihood of accidents.

Beyond collisions, unfavourable weather conditions can directly inflict damage on ships. Icebergs and surface ice endanger the hull of a ship, and ice buildup on the ship's structure can cause instability and even capsizing, as seen in the case of the Scandies Rose off the coast of Alaska in 2019. Similarly, strong winds can blow ships off course, as happened to the fishing vessel Yong Yu Sing #18 in the South China Sea in 2020.

Thunderstorms, hurricanes, and unseasonable temperatures also pose risks to maritime workers and vessels. These weather events can cause injuries, ranging from heatstroke to drowning, and in extreme cases, result in the total loss of the ship. The unpredictability and force of nature in maritime weather make it a significant external factor contributing to ship accidents.

While shipowners and employers cannot control the weather, they are not exempt from responsibility. In certain cases, they can be held liable for weather-related injuries if they fail to detect poor weather conditions, provide adequate warnings, or take evasive actions. Maritime laws, such as the Jones Act, offer protection and compensation to workers injured due to weather conditions.

To mitigate the risks associated with unfavourable weather, crews should take preventive measures. This includes staying updated with weather forecasts, securing loose objects, and, if necessary, halting work and seeking shelter until the storm passes. By prioritising safety and responding appropriately to changing weather conditions, the impact of weather-related accidents can be minimised.

Invasive species and ballast water

Marine pollution is a pressing issue that is becoming increasingly problematic over time. One of the main contributors to this pollution is ship accidents, which can cause significant damage to both ships and the marine ecosystem. Oil spills, in particular, are a major concern, as they spread solid waste, oil, and other debris across the water, harming marine life.

While oil spills are a well-known consequence of ship accidents, there is another, lesser-known factor that contributes to marine pollution: invasive species transported in ballast water. Ballast water is essential for stability and is taken on board by ships, but it can also contain thousands of aquatic microbes, plants, and animals. When this untreated ballast water is released at the ship's destination, it can introduce invasive species to the local ecosystem, potentially causing devastating harm.

The issue of invasive species in ballast water is not a new one. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been working to address this problem since 2001 through the GloBallast Programme and, later, the GloFouling Partnerships. In 2004, the IMO adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (the BWM Convention), which entered into force in 2017. This convention aims to ensure that ships manage their ballast water to meet a specified standard, known as the "D-2 standard," and includes the mandatory "Code for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems."

The amendments to the BWM Convention formalize an implementation schedule, making it mandatory for ships to manage their ballast water and sediments according to a ship-specific ballast water management plan. This plan ensures that aquatic organisms and pathogens are removed or neutralized before ballast water is released into a new location, thus preventing the spread of invasive species and harmful pathogens. The US also has its own set of regulations, with the 2018 Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) requiring an annual report on the effectiveness of national ballast water management.

Invasive species have the potential to cause significant damage to local ecosystems, and their management, especially in marine environments, is challenging. One example of the far-reaching consequences of invasive species is the North Pacific seastar, native to Japan, North China, Korea, and far eastern Russia. This starfish is highly adaptable to different temperatures and water salinities and has been introduced to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, likely through ballast water. The seastars are causing the most damage in Australia, impacting the local ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions