2.3.1 There is extensive maritime activity in
the waters of the Canaries archipelago owing to their geostrategic
location; its ports provide an ideal operational base for many types
of vessel that rely on them for their fishing activities, fuel, crews,
spare parts, provisions and other materials. To these operational
activities must be added the shipping which supplies the island population,
the vessels carrying goods for export, and the considerable tourist
traffic.
2.3.2 There is a large number of vessels that
sails the waters of the archipielago, but the major problem lies with
the intensive traffic of large oil tankers bound for the Persian Gulf.
These vessels sail in ballast along the north/south route, and loaded
along the south/north route. In both cases, there is uncontrolled
spillage of oil residues. The number of such vessels is estimated
to be 1,500 per year. The oil refinery, with a sea terminal on the
island of Tenerife, receives an average of 4 million tonnes of oil
per year; it distributes its products for local, national and international
consumption. Chemical tankers are also a notable presence, either
sailing the above-mentioned routes or heading for Canarian ports to
serve local industry.