Spill response has become a critical issue with increasing offshore activity in Latin America, which has raised the potential risk of environmental incidents, especially in areas with limited response capacity. In this context, Matt Simmons, Regional Response Manager for the Americas at Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), details how the organization is expanding its coverage in the region to reduce impacts on vulnerable ecosystems and improve its operational capacity.
During his participation in the OSRL 2025 event, Simmons shared how they are transforming their operating model to anticipate critical scenarios by working together with governments, operators and communities.
One of the most obvious challenges, according to Simmons, is the lack of response infrastructure in many Caribbean islands.
"In places like Tobago, there is simply no equipment and no trained personnel. If a spill hits their shores, there is no one to act and no one to act with."
Simmons explained.
The presence of informal fleets ("shadow fleet") that transport crude oil without insurance or traceability aggravates the risk, in case of an incident, there is no legal responsibility and local authorities do not have the means to contain the impact. All this generates critical delays that allow the spill to spread and affect coastal and economic resources.
In response to this scenario, OSRL has structured its work under a model that goes well beyond equipment deployment. Simmons emphasizes that an effective response begins long before an incident: "We want to be able to say 'how are you,' not 'who are you' when we arrive on site."
To achieve this, OSRL maintains constant interaction with its members, reviewing their capabilities, training local personnel, and developing contingency plans. This relationship makes it possible to identify in advance if an operation needs reinforcements, or if it already has sufficient equipment and personnel to deal with an event.
The organization also engages with ministries, security agencies and contractors to learn about the logistical processes, permits and authorizations that can make the difference between an immediate reaction or a chain of obstacles.
In the aftermath of the Macondo spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the industry has made significant strides in incident management subsea. The development of capping stacks, dispersion systems, and simultaneous operation protocols now make it possible to address leaks from the seafloor more efficiently.
However, Simmons warns that there are still knowledge and coordination gaps, especially on the regulatory side. Many government agencies lack technical expertise and make decisions without adequate information. To address this, OSRL proposes short virtual or face-to-face training sessions for decision-makers to facilitate smoother interaction during an emergency.
A major achievement in OSRL's strategy in the Americas has been the start-up of its new operating base in Guyana. This facility houses a 15,000 PSI capping stack and other specialized equipment that has already been authorized by the government to operate in the entire equatorial margin region, which includes northern Brazil to Mexico, except for the United States, Cuba and Venezuela.
The center is currently staffed with resident and backup personnel from Fort Lauderdale and Brazil. In addition, plans are underway for OSRL to also take over the management of surface equipment and dispersants from its main member in the country.
"This center allows us to respond more quickly and autonomously. We are no longer solely dependent on resources in Europe or Asia."
Simmons clarified.
He also stressed that this base is being structured to the same standards as OSRL's other global facilities, including maintenance, inventory and ongoing training.
The Forum OSRL 2025 showcased how collaboration between equipment manufacturers, offshore operators and response entities forms an interconnected ecosystem. Simmons points out that even if an operator is working alone on the surface, an incident at another nearby subsea facility could directly impact him.
"The faster the source of a spill is contained, the less impact there will be on the surface and the fewer resources we will need to clean up," he said. Therefore, first-hand knowledge of the technologies available and the players involved is crucial for any company operating in at-risk areas.
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Source: Inspenet.
