Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much revenue was raised from fines of oil companies for all oil spills occurring during offshore operations in each of the last five years.

OPRED issues fines for oil spills as an alternative to criminal prosecution for the more serious offences. A maximum fine of £50,000 can be issued for the most serious of spills. Revenue raised from fines of oil companies for all oil spills occurring during offshore operations in each of the last five years was £25,000 in 2020 and a £25,000 fine due to be issued for an oil spill in 2024. No fines for oil spills were issued in the other years.

OPRED has a range of other enforcement options that can be taken to ensure compliance with the law.