Middle East Situation: Oil Spill Response Update

OSRL Update on Middle East Response Readiness

Statement 5: 9th April 2026

The OSRL Bahrain base is now operational and able to support Member requests.

Following inspection by the appointed surveyor, the building’s structural integrity has been confirmed. A restoration plan is underway to reinstate office facilities alongside ongoing operations.

Requests for mobilisation should be made via OSRL’s activation telephone line, coordinated through the OSRL Duty Manager.

You can find our global telephone numbers on our Activation Procedure page.

Previously Issued Statements

: OSRL does not currently undertake oil spill response operations in active conflict zones, due to unacceptable safety and operational risks. At this time, this includes much of the Middle East region and any areas directly affected by ongoing conflict.

How we continue to support our Members

Although on‑site response may not be possible in these locations, OSRL continues to provide remote technical advice and support to all Members. Our global response capability remains fully available outside of conflict‑affected areas.

Our Bahrain base is temporarily non‑operational; however, our global resourcing model ensures uninterrupted support from our other international locations.

Assessment of requests in the wider region

For potential mobilisation within the broader Middle East region outside of conflict zones, OSRL will assess each request on a case‑by‑case basis. Early sharing of relevant operational information enables us to determine the feasibility of an in‑field response more quickly and offer timely remote technical guidance where required.

We’re here to help

We remain available to support preparedness and response planning. Members are encouraged to contact the OSRL Duty Manager or their usual member support representative for further guidance.

We continue to monitor developments closely and will provide updates should there be any significant changes to our response position.

You can find our global telephone numbers on our Activation Procedure page.
: OSRL’s Bahrain base is transitioning back to operational status. Personnel continue to operate in line with independent security intelligence and relevant government advisories, with enhanced precautionary measures applied where appropriate.

OSRL’s global response capability remains fully operational, except in areas assessed as active conflict. In line with its duty of care obligations, OSRL does not deploy personnel into active conflict zones. The safety and wellbeing of OSRL personnel remains the organisation’s highest priority, and all deployment decisions continue to be guided by independent security advice and government guidance.

OSRL remains committed to supporting Members with equipment mobilisations. Each request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with teams working closely with Members to identify practical and timely solutions and to discuss any implications for operations, preparedness planning, or mobilisation requirements.

As with all mobilisations, OSRL’s standard mobilisation processes apply, and risk for equipment remains with the Member.

OSRL continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates should conditions change.

For urgent enquiries, Members may contact the OSRL Duty Manager.

You can find our global telephone numbers on our Activation Procedure page.
: The OSRL Bahrain base is currently non-operational.

All OSRL personnel are safe and accounted for.

There is no change to OSRL’s wider operational posture. OSRL remains response ready globally outside affected areas, and remote technical advisory support remains available.

We are continuing to assess the situation at our Bahrain base and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

For urgent enquiries, Members may contact the OSRL Duty Manager.

You can find our global telephone numbers on our Activation Procedure page.
: Following an incident that occurred near OSRL’s Bahrain base, the OSRL facility in Bahrain has sustained damage and is currently non operational.

All OSRL personnel are safe and accounted for.

At present, operations from the Bahrain base are paused due to restricted physical access and uncertainty over the structural integrity of the facility. OSRL will undertake further assessment once it is safe to do so, working with relevant local authorities.

OSRL’s wider operational posture remains unchanged. OSRL remains globally response ready outside areas assessed as active conflict, and continues to maintain readiness and continuity of service through its global footprint, including remote technical advisory support where appropriate.

Further updates will be provided as additional verified information becomes available.

For urgent enquiries, Members may contact the OSRL Duty Manager.

You can find our global telephone numbers on our Activation Procedure page.
: OSRL’s Bahrain base remains non‑operational while a structural assessment is underway to confirm the safety and integrity of the facility.

The assessment is focused on site safety and structural condition and is a necessary step before determining when safe access can be restored and operational decisions confirmed. There is still no indication that OSRL response equipment or dispersant stock has been compromised; this will be formally verified once safe access conditions allow.

All OSRL personnel are safe and accounted for.

OSRL’s wider operational position remains unchanged. OSRL remains globally response‑ready outside areas assessed as active conflict, with readiness and service continuity maintained through its global footprint, including remote technical advisory support where appropriate.

Further updates will be provided as additional verified information becomes available.

For urgent enquiries, Members may contact the OSRL Duty Manager.

You can find our global telephone numbers on our Activation Procedure page.

Middle East Response Coverage Overview

Map Update: 16 March 2026

At this time, OSRL may consider the mobilisation of response equipment on a case‑by‑case basis across the region, subject to a detailed assessment of security conditions, logistics, legal considerations, and duty‑of‑care obligations.

Equipment Mobilisation
For countries classified as “Amber”, OSRL will conduct a case‑by‑case assessment prior to confirming any mobilisation, taking into account the prevailing security environment and operational feasibility. Countries currently classified as Amber include: Cyprus, Egypt, and Turkey.

Personnel Mobilisation
OSRL will not deploy personnel into countries classified as “Red” conflict zones.
Countries currently classified as Red include: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE, and Yemen.

Useful Resources

You may find the below information useful in answering any questions you may have around our response readiness during this time.

Equipment Response Readiness Report

Our Bahrain base remains temporarily non-operational. View the report to see the equipment available for our Members at this time.

Equipment Response Readiness Report

Activation Procedure

We remain ready, available to respond, and here to give you advice. Whether you want to notify us about a potential incident or need to mobilise OSRL in the event of an oil spill, call your region's 24-hour emergency telephone number.

OSRL Activation Procedure

Situation in the Middle East

OSRL Update on Middle East Response Readiness

Useful Resources

Previously Issued Statements

How we continue to support our Members

Assessment of requests in the wider region

We’re here to help

Middle East Response Coverage Overview

Useful Resources

Equipment Response Readiness Report

Activation Procedure

Our Duty Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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