It is a great honour for me to take over as Chairman of Oil Spill Response in its 25th year. The Company has been well looked after by my predecessor Paolo Linzi who steps down after a very full three years. He has led a competent and committed Board of Directors which has worked very hard and is focused on ensuring the Company has a sound strategic direction and that its resources are well looked after.

The Company continues to grow and provide more added value to Shareholders. In the last 25 years we have seen the transformation from a single site operation to one with real global cover, putting more resources closer to you in many parts of the world. We are truly a "Global Company with a Strong Regional Focus".

The last year has been dificult as was expected and we believe that 2010 will be not too much different. We are confident however that the Company is well resourced with excellent people, has a good strategic plan, is well managed and will continue to carry out the important role you expect of it. I am grateful to Paolo for the hard work he has put in over the last three years and I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Management and all the staff in the future.

LON LANGLOIS
Chairman
January 2010