The Offshore Pollution Liability Association Ltd

All offshore operators currently active in exploration and production on the UKCS are party to a voluntary oil pollution compensation scheme known as OPOL.

On this website you can find out more about OPOL, read and download copies of the OPOL Agreement, Articles of Association, Memorandum of Association, Rules, Information for Prospective Members and Guildelines for Claimants. If you wish to print individual web pages - please use 'landscape' mode for best results

The Agreement came into effect on 1st May 1975, and was initially an interim measure to provide for a strict liability regime, whilst awaiting a regional Convention of Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage resulting from Exploration for and Exploitation of Seabed Mineral Resources (CLEE).

However the nine participating States were unable to agree and the final text of the treaty remains unratified and the UK Government judged that their interests could best be achieved through the continuing working of OPOL.

In particular, emphasis was placed on the value of the mutual guarantee which OPOL members bear for each other's obligations which would not have been the case under the l976 Convention.

Address and contact details for OPOL may be found here...

OPOL applies to all offshore facilities from which there is a risk of a discharge of oil causing pollution damage, and provides a convenient means of seeing compliance by licensees with the provisions of model Clause 23(9) of the Petroleum (Production) (Seaward Areas) Regulations l988. It is further re-inforced by the inclusion of a standard OPOL Clause in all Joint Operating Agreements.

OPOL has been extended to cover facilities in other offshore areas of North West Europe and has the support of the UK and other Governments. It is accepted as representing the committed response of the oil industry in dealing with compensation claims arising from offshore oil pollution incidents from exploration and production facilities.

OPOL Limits of Liability have been increased over the intervening years to the current US$ 250 million per incident.

Download latest Annual Report and Financial Statements here...