Climate

Satellite data reveal massive scale of routine oil pollution in oceans. See the map

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 05/10/2026, 12:09:24 UTC.

Briefings

A recent report by Skytruth, a U.S.-based nonprofit, estimates that oil slicks from ships and offshore platforms cover nearly 1.6 million square kilometers annually, an area slightly larger than Mongolia. This data, derived from satellite imagery, machine learning, and vessel tracking between 2023 and 2025, highlights that routine oil discharge is largely invisible to operators. The primary cause identified is bilge waste, a mix of oil and water that accumulates in ship hulls, often flushed into the sea. Most discharges violate MARPOL, an international treaty adopted in 1973 that limits oil content to 15 parts per million. Coverage is limited to the 2023-2025 period and relies on satellite analysis rather than direct vessel observation.

Key points

• Skytruth estimates 1.6 million square kilometers of annual oil pollution, an area larger than Mongolia.
• Bilge waste from ships is the primary source of invisible oil slicks detected via satellite tracking.

Context and limitations

Data covers only the 2023-2025 period and relies on satellite imagery rather than direct vessel observation.

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