ABSTRACT
The sharing of specialised resources is one of the underpinning principles of the Tiered Preparedness and Response (TPR) model and is also aligned with the commitments set out in the Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC) convention. Robust preparedness and response frameworks utilise TPR to help define how access to the right capability can be achieved, including the encouragement and testing of cooperation, mutual assistance and effective integration of those shared resources. There are many examples of mutual aid agreements that allow the sharing of capability, but this paper makes a case for the growing importance of inter-operator mutualisation of expertise, arguably the most critical facet of effective oil spill response capability.
Using the OSRL Subsea Well Intervention Services and UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) as a case-study and set against the backdrop of the burgeoning energy transition, this paper provides an insight into how a mutual aid framework has been brought to life via the natural collaborative springboard of an industry owned cooperative OSRO. As a membership-based organisation oil spill response Ltd (OSRL) is acting to unlock the expertise potential of its members operating in the UKCS region to enable collaborative inter-operator support for any pollution incident response.
Lessons learned from the implementation of this framework are shared, along with the benefits and potential drawbacks of such a capacity building mechanisms. Finally, the paper closes with a forward look at the evolving risk landscape and the potential future role of such schemes as a part of the sustainable and responsible operations of tomorrow.