Environmental disasters can cause a company a small fortune to clean-up. Vessel pollution is a common environmental hazard facing marine companies throughout the world. Here are a few of the most common pollutants of ocean-going vessels.

Cargo

With the vast majority of the world’s trade happens by sea, hazardous cargo can be a real problem should the ship leak or collide with something during the travel. Metals, chemicals, oil, gas, barrels of crude and material goods can release pollution into the ocean, sea and even affect land.

Air

Because a ship requires lots of fuel to make it across the seas, those pollutants enter the air similar to a vehicle but on a larger scale. Common air pollutants include particulate matter, Sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Not to mention the infamous carbon dioxide that contributes to the rising temperatures across the globe.

Spills

The Exxon-Valdez Oil Spill still affects Prince William Sound three decades later. According to https://www.wqis.com/, whoever owns the vessel that caused the spill must pay for the cleanup costs according to the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970. Companies are now responsible for potentially millions of dollars in cleanup costs.
Protecting your maritime business against the effects of vessel pollution can keep your business running smoothly. Working to decrease pollution and covering your liabilities with the right insurance should be part of your risk management plan.