COVID 2019 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)

Our preparedness services largely depend on delivering you the highest quality expertise, being on-site and visiting you at your operations. Despite current limitations on travel and movement, we are still very much able to meet your changing needs and support you through this challenging time, adapting our work practices to support you. 

Whatever your current needs, we can provide you with a solution. From online courses to reviewing your contingency plan, virtual training to general advice. Whatever you need, we can provide a solution during these testing times. 

We continue to carefully monitor country-by-country restrictions of personnel and equipment movements and seek to put in place mitigation strategies wherever possible.  In many jurisdictions we will be seeking government / regulatory exemptions for “humanitarian aid” in the event of any mobilisation.  In these cases we will seek the assistance of the Responsible Party to secure access.  With personnel safety our prime concern the current status of virus spread in the impacted country and the disease control measure in place will be a key part of our risk assessment. 

As we noted in the last communication, our global footprint of responders and equipment gives us added resilience.  Many Members have asked about our continued ability to mobilise equipment around the globe and this is addressed further here. 

Global Logistics 

Logistics forms an integral part of a successful response. The current COVID-19 outbreak has seen a significant change in the number and type of available resources normally available to transport cargo by air.

OSRL is working very closely with air charter organisations to monitor the status of aircraft available on a daily basis and understand the potential risk and delays this may have for a response.

In summary, the air charter market is extremely busy. Boeing 747 and other freighter options are being heavily utilised due to the reduction of commercial airlines flying passengers (with cargo as belly freight). The AN-124 market is now starting to be utilised for cargo charter, which in turn reduces availability of these aircraft. A s such, normal charter lead times have increased, and the availability of aircraft has reduced. Additionally, the cost of transporting cargo by air has increased significantly. Charter brokers have also been assessing availability other aircraft such as IL-76 which will be useful in many scenarios.

It has been identified that some passenger airlines are starting to offer aircraft back to the market to carry freight (no passengers) which may alleviate some demand on freight. It should be noted that research has identified an increase on freight movement from China supplying goods overseas.

Other factors that need to be considered include airline crew supporting the aircraft. Whilst cargo is still moving freely, the management of crew is increasing in complexity.

To maintain market awareness, OSRL have increased the frequency that the air charter market is being analysed, with daily reports being received from our aviation brokers and freight forwarders.   

Transportation by air is not the only way to mobilise response equipment and there are several other key logistics functions that contribute towards a successful response. OSRL continue to liaise with: 

• Base operators co-located with OSRL 
• Customs agents 
• 3rd party logistics providers  
• Air charter agents 
• Crane providers  
• Road haulage companies  

OSRL have also developed tactical logistics plans for each of the storage locations (surface equipment, SWIS and GDS). These plans ensure that all potential transportation options are considered in the event of limitations with infrastructure (i.e. road closures). These plans both the physical movement (road sea and air) and exportation process for emergency response equipment.  

We are just a phone call away, ready to virtually support you and your operations. 

Should you have any questions, please email CMT@oilspillresponse.com