Oil Spills

Accidental oil discharges do happen and need a quick and adequate response in order to reduce the environmental consequences. Research and good knowledge about the behaviour and fate of the pollutant is crucial for good preparedness and adequate response actions.

A good understanding of the physical and chemical properties of crude oils and oil products and how they weather and behave on the sea surface is crucial for managing oil spills in an optimal way. SINTEF has developed a methodology for studying oil's weathering and behaviour as a function of time, when spilt at sea. This knowledge, based on 20 years experience, is the basis for e.g. oil spill modelling, oil spill contingency planning, response and clean-up and NEBA (Net Environmental Benefit Analysis). Integrated with our competence within toxicology and marine biology, this makes an important input to our modelling tools for environmental risk analysis and impact assessment.

Contact person: Merete Ø. Moldestad