Oil production takes place offshore, but the consequences of a major spill can extend far beyond an operating area. Currents, weather conditions and marine activity can carry impacts across borders, affecting coastal communities, fisheries and other ocean users.
With Guyana’s Stabroek Block operations producing well over 900,000 barrels of oil per day, a robust oil spill preparedness framework is essential. Supporting that framework are a series of international agreements Guyana has ratified, which strengthen pollution prevention, emergency response and compensation following oil spill incidents.
OPRC: Building the ability to respond
The International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation OPRC Convention) focuses on ensuring countries are prepared before an oil spill occurs.
Guyana is among the 123 countries that are Parties to OPRC, which was adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 1990 and has been in force since 1995. Under the convention, participating countries are required to maintain national oil spill response systems supported by emergency plans, trained personnel, response equipment and coordination procedures. Ships and offshore installations must also have oil pollution emergency plans that are coordinated with national response systems.
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The OPRC also requires pollution incidents to be reported to coastal authorities, encourages countries to maintain oil spill response equipment and conduct regular exercises, and provides a framework for international assistance when a major spill exceeds a country’s response capacity.
Civil Liability Convention: Establishing responsibility
The Civil Liability Convention addresses who is responsible when oil pollution causes damage.
The agreement establishes a system where shipowners are required to maintain insurance or other financial security to cover compensation claims related to pollution damage caused by tanker spills.
For affected communities, businesses and governments, the convention provides a pathway to seek compensation for losses linked to pollution incidents. It places financial responsibility on parties involved in transporting oil and managing associated risks.
International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund
The 1992 International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund works alongside the Civil Liability Convention by providing additional compensation when damages exceed the limits available under shipowner liability.
The fund provides another layer of financial protection for countries affected by major tanker-related oil pollution incidents, including damage to marine ecosystems, fisheries, coastal communities and economic activities.
It is paid for by companies in member countries that import more than 150,000 tonnes of crude oil or heavy fuel oil by sea each year. The more oil a company receives, the more it contributes to the fund.
For a coastal oil-producing country such as Guyana, the fund forms part of a wider international system designed to address the financial consequences of major pollution events.
MARPOL: Preventing pollution from ships
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, known as MARPOL, focuses on reducing pollution from vessels through both normal operations and accidental releases.
The agreement establishes requirements covering oil pollution, chemicals, sewage, garbage and air emissions from ships.
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MARPOL is particularly relevant to offshore oil operations because production depends on a network of vessels, including supply ships, tankers and offshore support vessels. Compliance with the convention helps reduce pollution risks associated with maritime activity supporting oil production.
Preparing beyond national waters
Oil spill response also requires cooperation when an incident extends beyond a country’s maritime boundaries.
Guyana’s oil spill planning framework recognizes the possibility of transboundary impacts and provides for coordination with neighboring countries, including Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.
In the event of a spill affecting areas outside Guyana’s exclusive economic zone, response efforts may involve coordination between governments, response organizations and affected jurisdictions.
According to ExxonMobil’s oil spill preparedness plan, the company will work with the governments of Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname to coordinate cross-border response efforts if an incident extends beyond Guyana’s waters. The plan includes arrangements for sharing information, coordinating operations and supporting the movement of response personnel and equipment during an emergency.
