The most common reason for oil tanker spills is unintentional grounding of the vessels. 31 percent of all oil spills that occurred between 1970 and 2024 were the result of the respective vessel running aground. Fire and explosions aboard the tankers were responsible for 11 percent of all oil spills.
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ITOPF. (January 28, 2025). Distribution of reasons for large oil tanker spills worldwide between 1970 and 2024 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved August 05, 2026, from /statistics/671611/causes-of-large-oil-spills-from-oil-tankers-worldwide-distribution/
ITOPF. "Distribution of reasons for large oil tanker spills worldwide between 1970 and 2024." Chart. January 28, 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed August 05, 2026. /statistics/671611/causes-of-large-oil-spills-from-oil-tankers-worldwide-distribution/
ITOPF. (2025). Distribution of reasons for large oil tanker spills worldwide between 1970 and 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: August 05, 2026. /statistics/671611/causes-of-large-oil-spills-from-oil-tankers-worldwide-distribution/
ITOPF. "Distribution of Reasons for Large Oil Tanker Spills Worldwide between 1970 and 2024." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 28 Jan 2025, /statistics/671611/causes-of-large-oil-spills-from-oil-tankers-worldwide-distribution/
ITOPF, Distribution of reasons for large oil tanker spills worldwide between 1970 and 2024 ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/671611/causes-of-large-oil-spills-from-oil-tankers-worldwide-distribution/ (last visited August 05, 2026)
Distribution of reasons for large oil tanker spills worldwide between 1970 and 2024 [Graph], ITOPF, January 28, 2025. [Online]. Available: /statistics/671611/causes-of-large-oil-spills-from-oil-tankers-worldwide-distribution/
