Oil Pollution by the Offshore Industry Contrasted with Tankers: An Examination of the Facts

Abstract

The topic of oil pollution of the sea by the offshore industry is topical in view of public reaction to the Exxon Valdez accident. The facts are examined to show whether the offshore industry's record is acceptable. Without such a rational examination and presentation of the facts and a global perspective, public pressure may lead governments, regulatory authorities and oil companies to act in such a way that the risk of oil pollution is increased. Oil-spills are examined on a global basis and several specific oil-spill cases are detailed. An outline of oil industry blow-outs shows that very little of the oil spilled into the oceans is derived from this source. Data on oil from drill cuttings and produced water is presented. The paper brings the various aspects together in a comparative analysis. Costs are also discussed. The conclusion is drawn that increasing the level of domestic exploratory drilling together with piping it to shore would in turn reduce the amount of imported oil in many countries. The reduced need for tankers would reduce the amount of oil spilled. Facts are also presented which show that both tankers and offshore drilling are less than 5 per cent of the source of oil in our oceans.