Integration of lessons learned from 30 years of oil on water exercises, testing and training in an improved industry oil spill contingency framework

Abstract

ABSTRACT On behalf of the operators on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, the Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (NOFO) has the responsibility for providing a documented and verified level of oil spill response, fulfilling the requirements set by the regulatory authorities for each individual production and exploration activity. To meet this responsibility and document the established oil spill preparedness, a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary project has been undertaken, integrating results and lessons learned from oil on water exercises and test facilities in the period 1985 to 2018. The structured results feed into standardized algorithms for system capability and operational windows, applicable across all combat methods in the NOFO toolbox. Through gap and sensitivity assessments, topics for R & D area prioritisation are identified. Data and information are structured in order to fit into the assessment methodology for Environmental Risk Assessments (ERA) and Spill Impact Mitigation Assessments (SIMA), and a step by step methodology for oil spill response assessments (OSRA) was developed as part of the project, facilitating standardised and comparable oil spill response plans. In addition to this standardisation and documentation process, templates for presentation of key data for oil spill response planning purposes are developed, and disseminated to a dedicated web site, as well as the NOFO Common Operating Picture GIS. In this way, a cohesive set of data and standards are available for use in assessments, planning, authority assessment and in incidents.