Pollution Prevention and Oil Spills

The model clauses incorporated into production licences require that licensees prevent the escape of petroleum into the sea and notify the Secretary of State of any such escape. Licensees are also required to show that they have funds available to discharge liability for damage caused by pollution.

In addition to the requirements set out in the model clauses, the Prevention of Oil Pollution Act 1971 states that no oil shall be discharged in to the sea although it does provide for the Secretary of State to grant exemptions where necessary.

The following table gives a breakdown of the quantities of oil spilled during the period 1991 to 2003. The total amount of oil spilled during 2003 was 68 tonnes. This table does not include the volumes involved in three incidents that resulted in the instigation of court proceedings. These volumes will be included in next years returns, should court proceedings be complete. There is however a significant drop in spills over 1 tonne.

The 119 NON PON reports for 2003 are not included in the total number of oil spill reports, as they are not classed as oil spills, these consist of Produced Water Sheen Reports that are within legal limits, Shipping Spills etc.

Oil Spills Reported to the Department 1991 - 2003

 

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Total Amount Spilled (tonnes)

 192

 225(1)

 224

 174

84(2)

127

866(4)

 137(5)

 120(6)

 524(7)

 94

 96

 68(8)

Amt of Spills > 1 tonne

-

-

-

-

-

-

26

14

21

18

17

18

7

Amt of Spills < 1 tonne

-

-

-

-

-

-

323

378

 

405

419

463

365

Third Party Reports

 

 

 

 

 

 

25

20

45

18

22

35

31

Chemical Reports

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

47(9)

Non Spill Reports (Non PON’s)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

6

8

-

177

119

Number of Installations Reporting Spills

 39

43

 43

50

52

77

96

101

112

117

139

144

127

Total Number of Oil Spill Reports

 234

194

183

147

145

300(3)

349(3)

392(3)

372(3)

423(3)

436(3)

481

372
  1. Includes one spill of 38 tonnes and another of 20 tonnes.
  2. Includes one spill of 25 tonnes and another of 22 tonnes.
  3. This figure now includes observations from the aerial surveillance programme.
  4. Includes spills of 685 tonnes, 29 tonnes and 36 tonnes.
  5. Includes one spill of 46 tonnes and another of 35 tonnes.
  6. Includes one spill of 45 tonnes.
  7. Figure revised to include 450 tonne spill (Successful Prosecution).
  8. Three potential prosecution cases to be included after conclusion of court proceedings.
  9. New entry due to Offshore Chemical Regulations 2002.

This data was last updated on : August 2004 and is due to be updated on : May 2005

If any errors are found or if you have any comments or other queries please contact:

Hazel Brodie
email: hazel.brodie@dti.gsi.gov.uk
phone: +44 (0) 1224 254027
fax: +44 (0) 1224 254018

Back | Title | Table of Contents
Appendix 1 | Appendix 2 | Appendix 3 | Appendix 4 | Appendix 5 | Appendix 6 | Appendix 7 | Appendix 8 | Appendix 9
Appendix 10 | Appendix 11 | Appendix 12 | Appendix 13 | Appendix 14 | Appendix 15 | Appendix 16 | Appendix 17
Index Map | Plate 1 | Plate 2W | Plate 2E | Plate 3W | Plate 3E | Plate 4W | Plate 4E | Plate 5 | Plate 6
Plate 7 | Plate 8W | Plate 8E | Plate 9W | Plate 9E | Plate 10W | Plate 10E | Plate 11 | Plate 12 | Legend