Oil spills are among the greatest threats to the marine ecosystem. Offshore installations are required to have a contingency plan in place, to identify and respond to an oil spill should it occur.

Early detection and response capability is vital. A low false alarm rate is also important to avoid needlessly triggering response operations. Nevertheless, reducing the sensitivity of a system in order to avoid false alarms could lead to delayed detection of genuine spills.

The Miros OSD™ system continuously gathers data on the ocean surface using marine X-band radar as well as infrared and daylight cameras. The data includes wave height and behaviour, object drift, and numerous other surface characteristics that may be associated with an oil spill. The infrared technology allows for optimal tracking, even in darkness and other difficult conditions.

The Miros OSD system uses a unique algorithm to interpret multiple indicators simultaneously, ensuring accuracy and minimising the risk of false alarms. When a spill is identified, the system sends an alert to a user interface. The system then automatically tracks the spill on a display, switching seamlessly between cameras to support response planning and recovery. All data from the operation is logged to support a post-incident analysis.

The Miros OSD™ system is fully functional in darkness and low visibility conditions. The system has been thoroughly tested in oil-in-water exercises since 2004. It has also proven successful in guiding spill response operations during genuine oil spill incidents.

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

With more than 200 Miros OSD™ systems delivered to oil companies, shipowners 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.

Two thirds of the European Maritime Safety Agency’s oil spill response vessels and 16 of the Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies’ (NOFO) oil response vessels are fitted with Miros OSD Recovery systems. In February 2018, Miros signed a contract with Petrobras in Brazil for the world’s largest X-band radar-based OSD surveillance and response contract to date.

Miros is a technology company that specialises in measuring the ocean surface. The company has provided sensors and systems for environmental monitoring to the global offshore and maritime industries for more than 35 years and has a presence in 28 countries around the world.