Oil Spill Detection

With more than 250 Miros OSD™ systems delivered to oil companies, ship owners and coastal agencies around the world, Miros has established itself as a global leader in the provision of tools supporting oil spill response and surveillance operations. In fact, Brazil’s Petrobras engaged Miros in the world’s largest X-band radar-based OSD surveillance and response contract to date.

Every offshore installation must prepare itself for the unlikely event of an oil spill. Whilst early detection capability is vital, a low false alarm rate is also paramount, since false alarms that initiate manual activities can be extremely costly. Nevertheless, dialing down the sensitivity of a system in order to avoid false alarms is not an option as this could lead to the delayed detection of genuine spills.

150 +
Miros OSD Systems Sold Worldwide

The Miros OSD system has a unique ability to interpret multiple indicators simultaneously, only triggering alarms when the “right” combination is identified. Indicators, which include wave height and behavior, surface characteristics and drift, are collected and analysed using marine X-band radar, as well as infrared and daylight cameras. Miros OSD then processes the data and the appropriate signal is sent to the user interface.

The Advantages of Miros Oil Spill Detection

Petrobras Make 
Record-Breaking Order

In February 2018, Brazil’s Petrobras engaged Miros in the world’s largest X-band radar-based oil spill detection and response contract to date.

Fully Functional in Low Visibility or Darkness

Infrared cameras and radar technology allow for optimal tracking in the toughest conditions.

Proven Efficacy in Genuine Spill Incidents

Miros OSD has been thoroughly tested in oil-in-water exercises since 2004 and has successfully guided spill response operations in genuine oil spill incidents. 

Employing an oil spill detection system is an integral part of any oil spill contingency plan, significantly reducing the potential for both environmental impact and the cost of response operations. Miros OSD equips users with early detection and mobilisation capabilities, reducing the chance of oil being spread over vast areas and making spills easier to combat. Infrared cameras enhance the Miros OSD system’s detection capabilities, adding valuable information to surveillance or spill response operations and allowing them to continue at night.

Miros OSD is used on offshore installations, vessels and shore-based stations too. The system can be used either as a standalone or as part of a sensor network. 

Data from Miros OSD is a vital contribution to 3rd party response management systems. While satellite and airborne systems periodically cover a larger area, 

The Miros Oil Spill Detection System provides continuous, local surveillance. Recovery operations can be continued in poor visibility or darkness, as well as when aerial data is unavailable.

Miros OSD provides continuous monitoring of high-risk areas. The system automatically generates alarms based on oil spill detection and each individual slick is characterised according to area and drift. Thanks to its capacity to raise alarms promptly, the Miros Oil Spill Detection System is able to dedicate more time to the characterisation of spills and the initiation of appropriate responses.

The Miros OSD System is modular and can be configured according to the needs of the user. The system can make use of existing marine X-band radar and includes:

  • Wave monitoring algorithms
  • Dedicated radar with horizontal or vertical polarisation
  • Supporting IR camera sensor

Miros OSD is designed to be flexible and components are chosen according to site topography, as well as user requirements:

  • Number of radar installations
  • Number of IR camera installations
  • Control room work stations
  • Integration of information into a common operating picture

Switching From Surveillance to Recovery

Once the system has detected a spill, Miros OSD is designed to provide automatic alarms and situational awareness. The user display shows the spill overlaid with AIS targets, as well as infrared and daylight camera views. The integrated system automatically tracks the spill, switching seamlessly between cameras for optimal response. Early warning data to support response planning and decision making is provided to relevant offshore installations and vessels, as well as to appropriate coastal and port sites. 

The Miros Oil Spill Detection System is an essential tool for oil spill detection during mechanical oil recovery or chemical dispersant operations. Early mobilisation keeps the oil from spreading over larger areas, making it easier to combat. Miros OSD functions as an aid for the navigation of the vessel towards the oil slick and for the correct positioning of booms and skimmers. The system tracks the oil slick over time, logging data from the operation in order to support the post-incident analysis. Since Miros OSD is equipped with infrared cameras, the operation can continue in poor visibility, or even at night.

Satisfactory for NOFO Modes of Operation

The Miros OSD System has been thoroughly tested in oil-in-water exercises since 2004 and has successfully guided spill response operations in genuine oil spill incidents. 

Two thirds of the European Maritime Safety Agency’s oil spill response vessels and 16 NOFO oil response vessels are fitted with Miros OSD Recovery systems. 

Today, more than 250 OSD systems of various configurations have been sold to coastal agencies, oil companies and ship owners around the world.

The Miros OSD System provides continuous oil spill monitoring of high risk areas. The system gives automatic oil spill detection and alarms generation. Each slick is characterised by area and drift. Given the early alarm, more time is given to verify and characterize the oil spill and decide on the appropriate response.

Petrobras Engages Miros in Record-Breaking OSD Contract

In February 2018 Brazil’s Petrobras engaged Miros – in association with Ulstein Belga Marine – in the world’s largest X-band radar-based oil spill detection and response contract to date.

The Miros OSD system is being continuously enhanced, developed and tested. It has been verified in oil-on-water exercises and has successfully guided spill response operations in actual oil spill incidents. Whether present on offshore installations, vessels or shore-based stations, the Miros oil spill detection system helps give authorities and operators the confidence that they are applying the best available technology to detect and control oil spills. Whilst at the same time reducing the risk (and potential cost) of false alarms.

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