OSRL has unveiled a new shallow-water deployment capability at SpillAsia 2026, integrating InterMoor’s Split Lowering System and Oceaneering’s Snub Line Winch System. Designed for water depths between 75 and 600 meters, the technology enables safe, precise capping stack deployment outside hazardous surface plumes. Mobilizable rapidly from Norway, the innovation strengthens global well-control preparedness for complex subsea incidents.
Singapore and Southampton | September 23, 2026 – Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) has officially launched a pioneering shallow-water deployment capability at SpillAsia 2026, significantly strengthening global source-control preparedness for complex, high-consequence subsea well-control scenarios.
Delegates at SpillAsia 2026 are getting a first look at the integrated system through dedicated poster displays and expert speaker sessions throughout the event.
Overcoming Complex Shallow-Water Challenges
The newly unveiled capability bridges a critical technical gap by integrating two advanced engineering systems:
- The Split Lowering System (SLS): Developed in partnership with InterMoor, the SLS allows a capping stack to be deployed, positioned, and lowered from an offset location safely outside the hazardous surface plume.
- The Snub Line Winch System: Developed by Oceaneering, this system provides precise, controlled final alignment and landing onto the Blowout Preventer (BOP) or wellhead.
Together, these technologies enable safe capping stack deployment in challenging environments where surface conditions make conventional vertical access unsafe or impracticable.
Vania De Stefani, Chief Executive Officer at OSRL, emphasized the collaborative nature and strategic importance of the launch:
“This shallow-water deployment capability reflects OSRL’s continued investment in strengthening industry readiness for complex subsea incidents. By bringing together the Split Lowering System and Snub Line Winch System, it helps support safer, controlled capping stack deployment in challenging shallow-water scenarios and reinforces the value of collaborative preparedness across the industry.”
Key Operational Benefits
Engineered to handle low-frequency, high-consequence subsea incidents, the new OSRL capability delivers several distinct advantages:
- Uncompromised Safety: Enables deployment even when surface conditions prevent safe vertical access.
- Enhanced Precision: Provides superior control during the delicate final landing sequence.
- Versatile Depth Range: Fully optimized for shallow-water depths ranging from 75 to 600 meters.
- Rapid Global Mobilization: Can be rapidly mobilized by sea or air directly from OSRL’s strategic Norway base.
- Streamlined Installation: Supports installation without requiring a permanent seabed interface of components.
The introduction of this system elevates OSRL’s comprehensive shallow-water capping portfolio, providing members with enhanced protection and operational confidence in difficult offshore environments.
About Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL)
Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) is the largest international industry-funded organization dedicated to preparing for and responding to global oil spills. Wholly owned by its members, OSRL’s core mission is to provide efficient and effective resources to mitigate the impact of spills on communities and the environment, delivering world-class preparedness, response, and intervention services. Headquartered in Southampton, UK, OSRL employs 300 professionals across 13 locations worldwide.
Source: OSRL