Decrease in Pollution Accidents and Pollutant Spills in Changwon Waters Last Year

7 Accidents and 403.3ℓ Leakage in 2022

Number of marine pollution incidents and volume of pollutants spilled within the jurisdiction of Changwon Maritime Police Station, Gyeongnam. [Data provided by Changwon Maritime Police Station]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Over the past five years, the number of marine pollution incidents and the volume of pollutants discharged in the Changwon sea area of Gyeongnam have been decreasing.

According to the Changwon Coast Guard on the 25th, there were 7 marine pollution incidents and 403.3 liters of pollutants discharged in 2022.

Although this is an increase from 2 incidents and 282.3 liters discharged the previous year, compared to the five-year average, it represents a decrease of 4 incidents and an 86% reduction in discharge volume.

By sea area, Masan Port recorded the highest number of incidents with 4 cases, and by pollution source, cargo ships accounted for the most with 3 cases, all caused by equipment damage.

The Changwon Coast Guard stated that all 7 marine pollution incidents in 2022 were promptly controlled, and for 23 incidents with potential marine pollution risks, emergency rescue measures such as transferring 577 kiloliters of oil and sealing breaches were taken to minimize pollutant discharge.

Jinhae Bay, the largest typhoon shelter in Korea, has been designated as a marine pollution vulnerable area, with a response system established and managed, resulting in zero typhoon damage last autumn.

Hwang Seonju, Director of the Marine Pollution Control Division, said, “We will do our best to minimize marine pollution damage by continuously conducting cooperative prevention training and various preventive activities with related organizations.”