PRESS RELEASE – INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON GROUP V (NON-BUOYANT) OILS

 

Michael Rancilio, ISCO’s Event Manager for the International Forum being held in September 2014 has just issued the following press release. Readers who are involved as editors of publications, such as magazines, technical journals, newsletters, etc. are kindly requested to help publicise the Forum by printing this Press Release.

 

“Sinking oils (Group V Class C/D) including oil sands, Dilbit, Bitumen, Lamp Black and other non-buoyant oils have a specific gravity of > 1, which is heavier than water and, if spilt, will submerge or sink in water. There has been a dramatic increase in the exploration and drilling efforts of these type oils in the US, Canada, Europe and throughout the world.

This production increase presents unique challenges to the oil and gas industry and regulatory communities in the storage and transportation of these oils including tankers and barges, pipelines, rail and over the road tankers. The Spill Response Industry is faced with augmenting “traditional” Spill Preparedness, Detection/Surveillance, Response Tactics, Recovery Methods and Techniques to meet the characteristics of sinking oils in the environment.

The International Spill Control Organization (ISCO), celebrating its 30th Anniversary, announces the presentation of the “International Forum on Group V (Non-buoyant) Oils to be held 9-10 September, 2014 at the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority located at 130 Atwater, Detroit, MI 48226. The Forum is open to all interested parties. Co-sponsored, at this point, by: USCG and NOAA and Industry Sponsors OSG, Marine Pollution Control Corporation and others to be announced.

The Forum will present expert analysis from the oil and gas industry, multi regulatory community, the scientific community, and spill responders with the most up to date counter-measures and equipment available and to be developed. It will offer excellent opportunities for exchange of best practices in meeting the challenges of these type oils and in networking with other professionals. In addition to speaker presentations and panel discussions, a table-top exhibition area will be included as part of the event”.

 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The website for the Forum is at www.spillcontrol.org

For further information follow the weekly ISCO Newsletter www.spillcontrol.org or contact:

Michael Rancilio, Event Manager – [email protected]

John McMurtrie, Secretary, ISCO – [email protected]

Note for Editors – Background information about ISCO

Mission Statement – ISCO (International Spill Control Organization) aims to raise worldwide preparedness and co-operation in response to oil and chemical spills, to promote technical development and professional competency, and to provide a focus for making the knowledge and experience of spill control professionals available to IMO, UNEP, EC and other organisations.

ISCO is a not-for-profit organisation incorporated in London in 1984 and dedicated to improving world-wide preparedness for response to oil and chemical spills.

ISCO is a truly international organization, currently with membership in 45 countries around the world – Australia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Columbia, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and USA.

Through its Consultative Status at IMO, ISCO gives the spill response community a voice and input to the work of IMO in safeguarding the marine environment.

ISCO also holds Observer Status with the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds), giving practical advice on best international practice on oil pollution response.

Through its involvement in IMO and IOPC Funds, ISCO alerts the spill response community on new developments, some of which present opportunities for ISCO members.

ISCO is contributing to the work of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR), collating information on experience in response to HNS spills and to Subsea Oil Recovery. The emphasis is on the collation of experiences, problems solved and lessons learned by spill responders – information that is often not published or presented at conferences. This information will be valuable in the drafting of new response guidelines and manuals. Contributors have an incentive to contribute to this work because their inputs will be acknowledged, raising individual or company profiles with governments, oil and shipping industries, insurance interests and others. ISCO is also contributing to the IMO International Offers of Assistance (IOA) initiative and the International Inventory of Oil Spill Response Resources.

ISCO is committed to supporting IMO’s Technical Co-operation Programme, finding qualified individuals who can help third world countries to implement OPRC and other conventions. Day rate, travel and subsistence costs are payable to selected candidates.

Sourcing help –

Spill scenarios are often unique – presenting very specific problems and requiring innovative approaches or application of methodologies that aren’t in the textbook. ISCO has the contacts that can help you to quickly find the expertise or specialised equipment you need to find in a hurry.

ISCO encourages co-operation between spill responders and can help members find the right partner with complementary skills and know-how to meet new challenges.

ISCO assists governments and other organisations in sourcing emergency support and resources in major pollution incidents.

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