OEUK launches framework to help offshore companies respond to oil spills

(WO) – A new initiative has been launched which will help UK offshore companies respond more effectively in the event of an oil spill.

Developed in collaboration with Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), OEUK has worked with its members to create the UK Mutual Aid Framework Agreement (UK MAFA) which aims to facilitate mutual aid of personnel between UK operators in the event of a sustained incident response.

This initiative will allow for the potential sharing of specialist expertise and support between members in the event of an oil spill.

Caroline Brown, OEUK’s Environment Manager, commented, “For the last three years, an OEUK Task Finish Group has been working on this to ensure industry could respond to a large, long-term spill should the worst-case scenario occur.

"Thankfully these incidents are few and far between, but this demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring companies have access to the necessary resources to respond effectively to an emergency situation.”

She added, “We hope this new initiative will give well operators greater resilience should an incident occur, whilst the ability to share personnel is hugely beneficial.

“At OEUK, we know that operators and companies across the offshore energy sector have comprehensive oil spill response plans in place to mitigate against potential incidents occurring and minimize the impact should they occur.  This framework will add to that by allowing the wealth of experience across industry to be shared.”