Barents Solution 2012: Use of RPAS for Oil Spill Monitoring

The Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies is responsible for the oil spill contingency apparatus that will be activated in case of accidents causing oil spills associated with the oil and gas industry within the Norwegian exclusive economic zone. In September the oil spill contingency exercise «Barents Solution 2012» took place on the Northern coast of Norway simulating a spill at the Goliat oil field 50 km offshore. Use of RPAS was included for the first time as an integral part of the exercise. The RPA was used to map beaches and coastal terrain to identify type of equipment needed to respond as rock, gravel or sand requires different equipment, as well at to plan access to the affected areas based on topography. A spill was simulated using popcorn and the RPA was used to detect the spill and monitor the effectiveness of the cleanup operation. We will share experience with how to handle large amounts of data in a region where there are challenges with communication coverage. Experience on how to handle communication with the data user and decision makers to get the data and feedback on further data need in near real time should be organized.