- On-site support doubles, including first visit to Solomon Islands for 2021 spill.
- Remote technical advice provided for 48 incidents amid emerging maritime risks.
- Chairman Hånell highlights rise of ’dark fleet’ vessels.
ITOPF has just released its 2025 Annual Review, showcasing how it has tackled various incidents while keeping a strong focus on alternative fuels and ESG-related initiatives, reports Safety4Sea.
On-Site Technical Assistance
Over the past financial year, ITOPF stepped up to the plate, responding to 14 incidents that required on-site technical support, double the number from the previous year. Notably, this included a first-ever visit to the Solomon Islands to evaluate contamination stemming from a 2021 incident that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remote Technical Support and Emerging Risks
Beyond on-site assistance, ITOPF also offered remote technical guidance for 48 incidents. This support covered situations involving vessels facing hostile attacks in the Red Sea and a concerning rise in casualties off the coast of South Africa, likely due to ships rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope.
“Due diligence processes are in place to ensure that it is compliant with applicable regimes. Regrettably, ’dark fleet’ vessels, some of which operate outside international regulations and tracking systems, are now increasingly common,” said Erik Hånell, Chairman, President & CEO of Stena Bulk. Two incidents could not receive ITOPF operational or technical support due to sanctions concerns.
Notable Incidents
- MARINE HONOUR (Singapore): A stationary product tanker was hit by a dredging vessel while it was bunkering at the Pasir Panjang terminal. This unfortunate incident led to a spill of IFO 380, which contaminated coastlines in both Singapore and Malaysia. ITOPF jumped into action from day one, thanks to its strong relationships with the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and other key players involved.
- TERRANOVA (Philippines): In Manila Bay, a product tanker sank during severe weather, resulting in the tragic loss of one crew member and a small oil slick stretching two nautical miles that impacted nearby shorelines. ITOPF’s previous work in the Philippines, including preparedness missions, made its response more effective.
Additionally, follow-up site visits were carried out in Sri Lanka and South Africa concerning plastic pellet spills from 2021 and 2020.
Focus on Alternative Fuels
ITOPF is keeping a close eye on the latest trends in maritime fuels. They’ve put together reports for the International Group of P&I Clubs Alternative Fuels Working Group, covering seven different fuels: biofuels, LNG, LPG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and lithium-ion batteries. These reports delve into the hazards, environmental impacts, and potential costs associated with spills.
Moreover, ITOPF is investigating the risks linked to nuclear-powered ships. They’ve set up an internal working group to study vessels that use Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and carry radioactive cargo.
ESG Initiatives
In the realm of ESG, ITOPF is assisting the maritime industry in evaluating and reporting on environmental and social impacts. With support from several P&I Clubs, they’re testing out ESG assessment tools, including a greenhouse gas (GHG) calculator to estimate the carbon footprint of response operations. This effort contributes to a broader tool that captures various ESG impacts from marine incidents and highlights important lessons learned.
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Source: Safety4Sea
