Busan Coast Guard Reports Decrease in Marine Pollution Incidents Compared to Previous Year... 85.5% Reduction in Pollutant Spillage

May 4 oil tanker oil spill accident scene. [Image provided by Busan Maritime Police Station]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] The Busan Coast Guard reported that marine pollution accidents occurring in the waters off Busan in the first half of 2022 have decreased compared to the same period last year.

According to the Busan Coast Guard, there were a total of 21 marine pollution accidents in the first half of this year, with 1.687㎘ of pollutants such as oil spilled. This is a decrease of 17 cases, or 44.7%, compared to 38 cases last year, and a reduction of 9.933㎘, or 85.5%, compared to the 11.62㎘ spilled last year.

The causes of the accidents were 13 cases of negligence, 6 cases of damage, and 2 cases of other causes, with accidents due to negligence accounting for the highest proportion at 61.9% of all accidents.

The area with the most frequent accidents was Gamcheon Port with 10 cases and 0.435㎘ spilled, while the area with the largest spill volume was Bukhang with 6 cases and 1.193㎘ spilled.

Other areas included Namhang with 4 cases and 0.054㎘ spilled, and Namoehang with 1 case and 0.005㎘ spilled.

The Busan Coast Guard has designated Bukhang and Namoehang, areas with a high risk of pollution accidents, as vulnerable marine pollution zones and is making efforts to reduce marine pollution accidents by ▲joint inspections of moored oil tankers upon notification ▲surveys on risk factors of long-term moored vessels ▲establishing an emergency mobilization system for private tugboats ▲identifying excellent pipelines in port areas to prepare for pollution accidents and holding meetings with responsible agencies ▲and preemptively disseminating frequent marine pollution risk forecasts to refueling companies and marine facilities during typhoons and other adverse weather conditions.

A Busan Coast Guard official said, “From this year, we have established and are operating a dedicated department to respond more swiftly to marine pollution accidents,” adding, “We will do our best to prevent and respond to marine pollution accidents by strengthening night and holiday patrols at port wharf facilities where pollution accidents frequently occur.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.