Emerging marine pollution from container ship accidents: Risk characteristics, response strategies, and regulation advancements. (20th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wan, Shuyan; Yang, Xiaohan; Chen, Xinya; Qu, Zhaonian; An, Chunjiang; Zhang, Baiyu; Lee, Kenneth; Bi, Huifang
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 376(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11-20
• Subjects: Marine pollution -- Container ship accidents -- Environmental risk -- Response -- Regulation; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134266
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Container ship accidents can contaminate the surrounding marine environment and even have wider impact. Our study aims to provide a comprehensive review of emerging marine pollution from container ship accidents with the focus on risk characteristics, response strategies, and regulation advancements. It was found that the number of container ship accidents significantly increased in the past decade, and most accidents occurred in ports, harbors, piers, anchorages, berths, and open seas. The types of accidents were mainly collisions, groundings, and fires. The risk of marine pollution from container ship accidents is complex due to the variety of containerized cargo. The contamination derived from heavy metal, plastic fiber, leaked fuel, and hazardous and noxious substances after accidents can endanger entire marine habitats and be continuously accumulated through the food chain, eventually posing a threat to human health. The risks and pollution caused by container boxes are often overlooked. There is a basic response process, comprising data collection, decision-making, emergency response, monitoring, etc., for container ship accidents. There are currently deficiencies in management regulations for mitigating sunken container pollution. Improving operating procedures, establishing regional cooperation frameworks, developing contingency plans and protocols, and increasing public awareness can help deal with these pollution issues. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Maritime transportation and container ship accidents significantly increase. Trends and characteristics are revealed for the accidents in the past decade. Accidents can contaminate the surrounding marine environment and have wider impact. Various response measures can help reduce the pollution from maritime accidents. Current deficiencies and future prospects for management regulations are proposed.