Oil Spill Response Ltd (OSRL), an international industry-funded cooperative dedicated to oil spill response Source: OSRLoptimization, has expanded its member offer with the launch of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) service. The new service aims to enhance preparedness and response capabilities to better support members’ needs in the event of a spill.

To facilitate the service on a global basis, and to ensure the shortest time to mobilization, OSRL has signed "call-off agreements" with a number of third-party UAV providers around the world. Launch partners for the service include Bristow Aerial Solutions, Sky-Futures and Vertical Horizon Media. Partners have been selected based on their relevant in-country experience, technical capabilities or geographical reach, and will ensure OSRL members have the most appropriate and effective solution to the specific challenge in hand, with the necessary flexibility to meet the broadest range of scenarios.

The signed call-off agreements will provide OSRL members with pre-agreed rates, defined mobilization procedures and a standardized approach to managing common preparedness and response activity. The new service can be mobilized through the OSRL duty manager, on a best endeavor basis, and will be subject to flight permissions and the meeting of regulatory requirements.