Oil Pollution in the Mediterranean: Status and actions needed

The Mediterranean Sea is a critical global maritime corridor, handling a significant share of international oil transport. Its semi-enclosed nature and dense shipping traffic make it particularly vulnerable to petroleum pollution. While major oil spills are relatively infrequent, chronic pollution from routine shipping operations, illegal discharges, and port activities remains a persistent and widespread problem, especially along major routes and coastal zones. This ongoing pollution poses serious risks to marine ecosystems, coastal economies, and public health. Oil contamination affects biodiversity, damages fisheries, and undermines tourism—key economic sectors for Mediterranean countries. Due to limited water exchange, pollutants tend to accumulate, amplifying long-term environmental impacts. Addressing oil pollution is strategically important for environmental protection, economic stability, and regional cooperation. It also aligns with broader sustainability and zero-pollution goals at regional and international levels. A coordinated, preventive approach is essential. Reducing chronic pollution—alongside preparedness for major incidents—will be key to safeguarding the Mediterranean’s environmental integrity and economic resilience.

The event is aiming at sharing ongoing initiatives in the area addressed to strengthening data sharing and monitoring and surveillance systems, including satellite-based detection, improving oil spill preparedness and rapid response capacity and promoting safer shipping practices and cleaner technologies.  

Session Chairs

Antonio Navarra, CMCC  
Elisabetta Balzi, EU Commission

Program

Introduction by the Chairs

State of the art of hydrocarbon pollution in the Mediterranean
Marilisa Lombardi, Corpo delle Capitanerie di porto– Guardia costiera (TBC)

Science-based solutions for oil spill hazard and risk mapping and support to disaster response
Giovanni Coppini, CMCC

Defense of the sea and committee for the safety of maritime operations: the case of Italy 
Emanuela Spadoni, Ministry of Environment and Energy Security

Upstream pollution  

Services for drilling and extraction (upstream)
Representative of Entreprise Nationale de Services aux Puits – ENSP (Sonatrach, Algeria) (TBC)

Marine spill management, ports and coastal environments

Prevention and response to marine pollution
Representative of Ad Mare Solutions (Portugal)

Innovation and sustainability in Mediterranean ports
Miquel de la Mano, Direttore técnico of BCN Port Innovation (Spain – Port of Barcelona)

Environmental remediation and pollution recovery

Tank cleaning, hazardous waste, oily water treatment
Representative of Hasna Petroleum Services (Tunisia)

Discussion and Conclusions by the Session Chairs