125
© The Author(s) 2016
M. Gilek et al. (eds.), Environmental Governance of the Baltic Sea,
MARE Publication Series 10, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-27006-7_6
Chapter 6
Oil Spills from Shipping: A Case Study
of the Governance of Accidental Hazards
and Intentional Pollution in the Baltic Sea
Björn Hassler
Abstract Despite most tankers being more technically safe than in the past, the
increasing volume of transportation probably outweighs most, if not all, technical
safety gains. Two major types of threats to the Baltic Sea environment caused by oil
pollution are discussed in this chapter: accidental and intentional spills. It is shown
that individual countries or coalitions have infl uenced governance outcomes in both
areas. The introduction of double hull regulations by IMO was speeded up signifi -
cantly by unilateral action taken by the USA and the EU. The move towards differentiated port controls has probably increased effi ciency since it has made it
possible to target substandard vessels. The Paris MoU has been important in
ensuring coherent inspection practices. Intentional oil spills typically result from
unlawful cleaning of tanks and engine rooms at sea. Flight surveillance and the
No-Special-Fee system have been adopted to reduce oil spills. However, both
mechanisms suffer from weaknesses caused by differences in countries’ capacities
and priorities. Flight surveillance intensity differs signifi cantly among HELCOM
member states, which makes it possible for tankers to avoid detection. The
No-Special- Fee system has been only partially effective, due to varying interests
and capacities of individual Baltic Sea countries, port authorities and ports.
Keywords Oil transportation • Double hulls • Oil spill • Port State Control • IMO
6.1 Introduction
Oil transportation has increased signifi cantly in the Baltic Sea over the last couple
of decades. There are 17 major oil ports in the Baltic Sea, and the volume of transported oil now exceeds 250 million tonnes yearly. It is expected that these amounts
B. Hassler (*)
School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies , Södertörn University ,
14189 Huddinge , Sweden
e-mail: bjorn.hassler@sh.se
© The Author(s) 2016
M. Gilek et al. (eds.), Environmental Governance of the Baltic Sea,
MARE Publication Series 10, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-27006-7_6
Chapter 6
Oil Spills from Shipping: A Case Study
of the Governance of Accidental Hazards
and Intentional Pollution in the Baltic Sea
Björn Hassler
Abstract Despite most tankers being more technically safe than in the past, the
increasing volume of transportation probably outweighs most, if not all, technical
safety gains. Two major types of threats to the Baltic Sea environment caused by oil
pollution are discussed in this chapter: accidental and intentional spills. It is shown
that individual countries or coalitions have infl uenced governance outcomes in both
areas. The introduction of double hull regulations by IMO was speeded up signifi -
cantly by unilateral action taken by the USA and the EU. The move towards differentiated port controls has probably increased effi ciency since it has made it
possible to target substandard vessels. The Paris MoU has been important in
ensuring coherent inspection practices. Intentional oil spills typically result from
unlawful cleaning of tanks and engine rooms at sea. Flight surveillance and the
No-Special-Fee system have been adopted to reduce oil spills. However, both
mechanisms suffer from weaknesses caused by differences in countries’ capacities
and priorities. Flight surveillance intensity differs signifi cantly among HELCOM
member states, which makes it possible for tankers to avoid detection. The
No-Special- Fee system has been only partially effective, due to varying interests
and capacities of individual Baltic Sea countries, port authorities and ports.
Keywords Oil transportation • Double hulls • Oil spill • Port State Control • IMO
6.1 Introduction
Oil transportation has increased signifi cantly in the Baltic Sea over the last couple
of decades. There are 17 major oil ports in the Baltic Sea, and the volume of transported oil now exceeds 250 million tonnes yearly. It is expected that these amounts
B. Hassler (*)
School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies , Södertörn University ,
14189 Huddinge , Sweden
e-mail: bjorn.hassler@sh.se