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24/7 Emergency Response: +44 (0)23 8033 1551
24/7 Emergency Response: +44 (0)23 8033 1551
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Who We Are

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Supporting the industry with expertise and readiness

OSRL is the world's largest industry-funded cooperative for oil spill preparedness and response.

For over 40 years, we have provided industry-leading expertise, resources, and rapid response capabilities, helping our members prepare for and respond to oil spills effectively.

Our role extends beyond spill response—we collaborate with industry to improve preparedness, develop response capability, and share technical insight.

Learn more about OSRL's mission and vision

Our history - a collaborative beginning

OSRL’s story began in the 1980s when leading oil companies recognised the need for a dedicated, industry-wide response capability to manage oil spills more effectively. Understanding that spills were a shared challenge rather than the responsibility of individual companies, bp, Esso, Texaco, Petro-Canada, and Mobil came together to form what is now OSRL.

What began as a single-company initiative quickly evolved into a global cooperative, built on the principle that collaboration strengthens preparedness and response capabilities across the industry.

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Board and Executive Team

OSRL is led by a governing Board and an executive leadership team, ensuring strong strategic direction, industry collaboration, and operational excellence. Our leadership brings together decades of experience in oil spill response, crisis management, and industry good practices, working closely with members and stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.

Learn more about our Board and Executive Team

Our people

At OSRL, our people are at the heart of everything we do. With a team of over 300 specialists across 13 global bases, we bring together technical expertise, operational experience, and industry insight to support our members in oil spill preparedness and response.

From emergency responders and technical advisors to trainers and scientists, our diverse team works collaboratively to ensure that our members are ready to respond effectively to any spill, anywhere in the world.

Learn more about our people

40 years of OSRL

2024 marked a momentous milestone for OSRL as we celebrated 40 years of leadership, innovation, and global impact in oil spill preparedness and response. From humble beginnings to becoming the trusted global partner for over 170 members, OSRL has shaped the future of oil spill response through cutting-edge solutions, expert teams, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

With our members, we have embarked on a remarkable journey, building partnerships for success. Together, we look ahead to advancing industry standards and enhancing oil spill preparedness and response.

Discover our story