During 407 missions, 43 pollution incidents were identified in German territorial waters and in the Exclusive Economic Zones of the North Sea and Baltic Sea - 33 of them in the North Sea and ten in the Baltic Sea. In addition, 58 further contaminants were found outside German waters and passed on to the responsible authorities in neighbouring countries. These were located in sea areas in the Netherlands, Denmark, Great Britain, Poland and Sweden.
Only minor soiling detected
The number of contaminations is set in relation to the missions and flight hours. For 2024, this means that the sensor aircraft detected a contaminant approximately every eleven flight hours. By comparison, in the early years of oil monitoring, pollution was detected on average every four hours. The figures were published by the Cuxhaven-based Central Command for Maritime Emergencies.
The pollution detected in German waters was minor (less than 0.1 cubic metres spread), which is why no measures were taken to combat the oil, such as the use of oil collection equipment or technical devices, according to the press release. Both aircraft used for oil monitoring have also been modernised in recent years so that they are able to detect even very small spills thanks to new, even more powerful sensor equipment.
"Those who act illegally do not go unnoticed"
The head of the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, Dr Robby Renner, draws a positive balance accordingly: "For another year, the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies worked together with the naval aviators to protect the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The high number of national surveillance flights is a strong signal to the shipping industry: those who act illegally will not go unnoticed. It is crucial that we continue our efforts to keep marine pollution at this low level."
The airborne surveillance of the North Sea and Baltic Sea is a collaboration between the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies and the Naval Air Wing 3 "Graf Zeppelin". The Navy pilots and operators fly the two Do 228 aircraft on a civilian mission for the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies.
Radar, infrared and ultraviolet sensors help with the search
The aim of the oil reconnaissance programme is to continuously monitor the North Sea and Baltic Sea and detect pollution in German waters. To this end, the aircraft are equipped with radar, infrared and ultraviolet sensors that can detect oil films and other pollutants on the surface of the water. In the event of accidents at sea, the aircraft crews can also provide valuable information for the emergency services.
