Concentrations and spatial distributions of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in marine sediment samples in the western Taiwan Strait were investigated and analyzed for the first time. The total OPE concentration (∑OPE) in sediments was in the range of 5263–34,232 pg/g (dry weight), with an average value of 12,796 pg/g. Generally, there was a higher abundance of non-halogenated OPEs than halogenated OPEs and aryl OPEs, with tributyl phosphate, tris (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, and tri-(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate being the main components. The ∑OPE concentrations in the western coastal and northern sampling sites were relatively high. The results indicated that OPEs in the study region originated mainly from terrestrial river inputs and local emission sources, as well as exogenous influxes by ocean currents. Display omitted •Organophosphate esters were found in coastal sediment in the Taiwan Strait•Organophosphate esters originated mainly from terrestrial river discharges•More than 13.0 tones organophosphate esters were deposited in the Taiwan Strait