While major tanker oil spills have declined significantly over the past several decades, the risk of marine pollution remains. Advances in vessel design, regulations, and spill response have improved safety, but even a single incident can have lasting environmental and economic impacts.
The following statistics are based primarily on data collected by the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF), which has tracked global tanker oil spill incidents since 1970. ITOPF’s database now includes more than 10,000 tanker oil spill incidents, making it one of the industry’s leading sources for oil spill data and trends.
Oil Spill Statistics You Should Know:
- Oil tanker spills greater than 7 tonnes have decreased by more than 90% since ITOPF began tracking global spill data in 1970, thanks to improvements in vessel design, regulations, and safety practices.
- Only six tanker spills greater than 7 tonnes were recorded worldwide in 2025, including three large spills (over 700 tonnes) and three medium spills (7–700 tonnes).
- The industry now averages about seven tanker spills per year, a significant decrease from the dozens of spills reported annually during the early years of ITOPF’s reporting.
- Collisions, groundings, and allisions remain the leading causes of major tanker spills, reinforcing the importance of safe vessel operations and navigation.
The decline in major oil spills reflects decades of progress, but prevention and preparedness remain just as important as ever. Understanding industry trends and applying best practices can help brokers better manage evolving marine risks for their clients before incidents occur.
Looking for additional marine risk insights? Explore Falvey’s resources or connect with our team to discuss your client’s unique exposures and insurance needs.
