ITOPF has just published its Annual Review for 2025. This incorporates financial statements for the year ending 20th February 2025 and provides notice of the Annual General Meeting in Singapore on 19th November 2025.
In the Review, Chairman, Erik Hånell, President & CEO of Stena Bulk, reports on another busy year for the team. ITOPF’s technical services have been in high demand, with 14 new incidents, as well as numerous training, outreach and advisory assignments, claims analysis and information provision. ITOPF also continues to prepare for the adoption of alternative fuels and has stepped up its ESG-related activities.
Notably, this included a first-time visit to the Solomon Islands to assess contamination from a 2021 incident that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Of the 14 incidents, only three involved tankers, one related to a pipeline spill and the remainder concerned various vessels including container ships, bulk carriers, barges, and a supply vessel.
Incidents involving MARINE HONOUR (Singapore) and TERRANOVA (Philippines) In the first, the stationary product tanker MARINE HONOUR was struck by a dredging vessel while bunkering at Singapore’s Pasir Panjang container terminal. The collision led to a spill of IFO 380, contaminating coastlines in both Singapore and Malaysia. Thanks to longstanding relationships with the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and other stakeholders, ITOPF was able to integrate into the incident command structure from day one.
The second incident involved the sinking of the product tanker TERRANOVA during heavy weather in Manila Bay, resulting in the tragic loss of one crew member. A two-nautical-mile oil slick was observed at the site, with minor shoreline impacts affecting areas around the bay, an ecologically and economically significant body of water supporting commercial and artisanal fisheries.
Throughout the year, ITOPF has also conducted follow-up site visits to Sri Lanka and South Africa in connection with plastic pellet spills from 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Alternative fuels
Looking ahead, ITOPF explained that it remains focused on emerging trends in the maritime industry and their implications for spill response. During the year, it produced a comprehensive series of reports for the International Group of P&I Clubs Alternative Fuels Working Group, covering seven alternative fuels: biofuels, LNG, LPG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and lithium-ion batteries. These reports examine each fuel’s hazards, environmental fate and potential costs and impacts in the event of a spill.
ITOPF is also monitoring developments in nuclear-propelled ships. An internal working group has been established to explore risks associated with vessels powered by Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), including radioactive cargo.
Hard copies of the Annual Review are currently being sent to ITOPF Members and contacts (if requested).