Arpel's report, “Operational and Regulatory Considerations for the Efficient Use of Dispersants to Combat Oil Spills”, was recently published.

The study provides an overview of key regulatory requirements for the pre-approval and field use authorization of dispersants in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, the United States, and Uruguay.

It also identifies opportunities for improvement for the effective use of dispersants in the event of an oil spill, as well as key operational considerations that require advance planning.

The Arpel dispersants report was launched during a webinar delivered by Dr. Victoria Broje from Shell.

More than 200 professionals from industry, government, OSRO’s, Universities, and other stakeholders, representing 27 countries, participated in the webinar.

It is expected that the analysis of this report will support the development/update of countries’ effective regulations and policies for the approval and use of dispersants as an option to combat oil spills and encourage the implementation of good practices and transboundary collaboration. It will also assist industry partners to enhance operational considerations of their dispersants programs.

In 2026, Arpel expects to enhance the quality and scope of the report including an update of the information from countries included in this edition as well as information from Caribbean Islands and States.

Download link: https://www.arpel.org/en/publications/operational-and-regulatory-considerations-for-the-efficient-use-of-dispersants-to-combat-oil-spills-april2025

Launch webinar link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgBHVYQ4GhQ&t=435s