Global Trends in Ship-Sourced Marine Pollution 
15 
Table 2 lists the ten countries where ITOPF has attended spills most frequently In the past ten years. China 
Is where ITOPF have attended most spills, because of the vast coastline, busy shipping and many busy 
ports and harbours. In addition, China has experienced substantial economic growth resulting In Increased 
export and Imports of oil and consumer goods. Japan and the UK are Island nations and have a large ma 
ritime Import and export sectors, with many ships trading, contributing to the Increased risk of an Incident 
occurring. 
Country 
China 
Japan 
United Kingdom 
South Korea 
USA 
Spain 
France 
Egypt 
Brazil 
Greece 
Incidents 
23 
12 
12 
11 
10 
09 
09 
08 
07 
06 
Table 2: Top ten countries of ITOPF attended spills In the period 2000-2010 
Conclusions 
The downward trend In oil spills Is a very positive sign that both governments and the shipping Industry 
have taken significant steps In Improving safety and reducing the risk of an Incident occurring. However, 
there Is no room for complacency and Incidents will continue to occur In the future. Whilst prevention of 
spills should be of the highest priority, there needs to remain a high level of preparedness. When dealing 
with Incidents actual past experience of managing such complex situations Is Invaluable. However, with the 
decline In the number of Incidents worldwide, Inevitably means that those responsible for oil spill response 
gain less hands on experience. Consequently It remains vital that contingency plans are kept up to date 
and regular exercises are held to train responders and test emergency procedures. This, In turn, will Identify 
areas In the contingency plan that requires Improvements and updating.