Oil Spill Response celebrates 25 years

Established in 1985, the company has transformed from a single site operation with a handful of staff to become an industry leader in oil spill preparedness and response.

OSR has responded to over 300 spill incidents worldwide since its formation, operating often in very challenging conditions to help protect and preserve the environment. The non-profit cooperative boasts a membership of over 100 companies which account for over 60% of global oil production.

OSR is currently responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico but at the same time is also working in training and education to mitigate the impact of these tragic though thankfully infrequent incidents.

OSR’s AGM was very well attended and particularly lively, with debate and Q&A sessions involving OSR specialists, the audience and other industry experts .

During his 15 years with Oil Spill Response, CEO Archie Smith has witnessed significant change within both industry and the organisation alike, but what endures is the company’s pursuit of excellence in providing a world class service to its customers. He said, ‘In adjusting to this ever changing world we need a multi-disciplined approach to deliver a wide range of preparedness services that complement the ongoing importance of response as our core business.’

He said he believes that the success of Oil Spill Response is due to dedicated people working together towards a common goal. ‘Effective response depends upon trained people working to a well developed contingency plan that has been properly resourced and regularly exercised.

‘We are justifiably proud of our heritage and honoured to have this responsibility. In 25 years we have never let our customers down, and that is the certain assurance we continue to give.’

Oil Spill Response is the world’s largest organisation of its kind, operating from bases in the United Kingdom, Singapore and Bahrain and from offices in London, Aberdeen, Libya, Jakarta and West Africa. It is an oil industry funded cooperative employing some 140 specialist personnel, and with extensive spill response equipment stockpiles that include aerial dispersant delivery systems.