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Oil Pollution Statistics

National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil
Annual Report 1996-97

The International Oil Spill Intelligence Report Data Base shows that internationally spills of oil in the calendar year 1996 attributable to maritime activities are linked to a variety of sources including vessels, pipelines, storage tanks, rigs and facilities (see Figure 1).

Percentages spilled by source type worldwide, 1996

Fig 1 Sources of oil spills

Figure 1 - Sources of Oil Spills from Maritime Activities Worldwide 1996
*derived from the International Oil Spill Intelligence Report

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The Oil Spill Database

Accurate statistical data required for oil spill response strategic planning is also needed to respond to an increasing number of queries from the media, interest groups and the general public. It also provides valuable input to Government projects such as the State of the Marine Environment Report and a measure of the effectiveness of the pollution prevention measures being progressively implemented. AMSA uses the following definitions in maintaining the database:

'Oil discharges' refers to any discharges or suspected operational discharges of oil from vessel(s) in excess of the permitted discharge rate under MARPOL (generally 15 parts per million oil in water).

'Oil spills' refers to accidental spills resulting from incidents such as groundings or collisions as well as spills during bunkering resulting from overflow of tanks, burst hoses, etc.

AMSA's Oil Spill Database currently contains over 4100 records. Information is entered from the following sources:

oil discharge reports received through AMSA's Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), which includes reports from aircraft (Coastwatch, RAAF and civil) as well as from vessels at sea;

records of National Plan expenditure in responding to oil spills;

monthly incident reports submitted by State/NT authorities;

other sources (eg Department of Primary Industries and Energy, industry).

At least 25 per cent of the reports received by AMSA are ultimately not entered onto the database. Reasons for not entering a reported pollution sighting include where the sighting is or is strongly suspected to be one of the following:

land sourced, including tank farms, road tanker accidents, drains or road runoff after heavy rain (unless National Plan response costs are incurred);

or coral spawn or other marine algae or similar occurrence, taking into account the location of the report and the time of the year; or

discoloured water with no sheen; or

washings of coal dust from bulk carriers which have departed from a coal port; or

discharge from a sewage outfall.

Reports of maritime incidents where there is no reported pollution are not entered unless there are preventative measures taken by National Plan authority which incur costs.

While AMSA makes every effort to ensure the Oil Spill database is as complete as possible, the reliability and completeness of the data cannot be guaranteed, as only those incidents reported to AMSA can be included.

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Oil Pollution Statistics 1992/93 to 1996/97

There were 1533 oil discharge sightings and oil spills reported in the five year period from the 1992/93 financial year to 1996/97 inclusive. Of these, the National Plan was involved in 125. The breakdown for each year is shown in Figure 2.

Fig 2 Oil discharge sightings

Figure 2 - Oil discharge sightings and oil spills

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Oil Pollution Sources

Figure 3 indicates the types of vessels from which discharges were reported during the five year period. Fishing vessels continue to be the main single source of oil discharge sightings. Where a vessel type is not identified, this generally means that a large vessel has been seen from the air and cannot be classified.

Fig 3 Discharge sources by vessel

Figure 3 - Discharge sources by vessel type

The sources of 910 sightings during the period were not identified, although the majority are assumed to be ship-sourced.

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Incidents in Australian Waters 1996/97

Peacock Grounding, Piper Reef

At approximately 0155 EST on Thursday 18 July 1996 the Panamanian registered cargo ship MV Peacock

, while transiting southbound through the inner route of the Great Barrier Reef, grounded on Piper Reef approximately 350 nautical miles north of Cairns. At the time of grounding the Peacock was unladen but carried 605 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and 57 tonnes of marine diesel oil bunkers. Most of the bunker oil was carried in double bottom tanks.

In accordance with National Plan Administrative Arrangements, the Queensland Department of Transport was the lead agency responsible for responding to the incident and for contingency arrangements in the event of a marine oil spill. AMSA supported the response.

Equipment such as booms, skimmers and inflatable barges were transported to the scene in the event of oil escaping from the vessel during salvage operations. Five vessels from the Queensland Department of Transport and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority were provided for accommodation and other support services due to the remoteness of the area.

While the vessel was aground there was no sign of pollution and soundings of the vessel's tanks indicated no ingress of water.

More than 65 people were involved both locally and in the control centre in Cairns during the incident.

The vessel was refloated on Friday 26 July during a high tide. Apart from extensive abrasion to the hull's protective painted surfaces there was no apparent structural damage and the decision was then made to allow the vessel to proceed. The vessel was taken to Cairns under tow for further inspection.

Grounding of the Peacock at Piper Reef

Grounding of the Peacock at Piper Reef

Niaga 46 Incident

On 9 August, an Indonesian bulk carrier Niaga 46 grounded stern first on the north west corner of Christmas Island. Approximately 200 litres of oil spilled and drifted off shore. Bunker fuel on board the vessel (170 tonnes) was transferred to undamaged tanks to avoid further pollution.

As the Commonwealth is responsible for Christmas Island in the event of an oil spill, AMSA assumed lead agency responsibility with assistance from the Western Australian Department of Transport. The vessel was successfully refloated and towed to Indonesia for repairs.

Only minor pollution occurred, with the oil being taken offshore by prevailing winds and currents.

Western Winner Grounding

In the early hours of 10 May, a Korean bulk carrier Western Winner grounded on Tiparra Reef, off Wallaroo, South Australia.

The South Australian Department of Transport assumed lead agency responsibility. An overflight of the vessel at first light confirmed no release of oil. Equipment was mobilised from Port Adelaide.

The vessel was successfully refloated and proceeded to Wallaroo for inspection by divers and surveyors.

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last updated:
18 June 2001