Ipieca publishes updated Dispersant storage, maintenance, transport and testing technical support document
22 January 2026
Dispersants can be used to mitigate the overall impact of an oil spill by removing oil from the sea’s surface, thereby protecting marine mammals, birds, coastal habitats and shorelines. They can also improve responder health and safety by reducing the concentrations of volatile organic compounds in the vicinity of a subsea well release.
Due to the priority placed on the prevention of oil spills by both regulators and the oil and shipping industries, it is likely that dispersant stockpiles will remain unused and stored for many years. It is important that dispersants within stockpiles remain effective and fit for purpose.
What does it cover?
Introduction
Key messages
Composition of dispersants
Hazard classification and labelling
Shelf life
Storage
Maintenance
Retesting
Disposal
Who is it for?
This report provides guidance and recommendations for personnel who may be responsible for the procurement and custodianship of dispersant stocks.
Ipieca guidance and resources to help protect the ocean.
Ipieca-OSRL publish 'Plastic pellets clean-up field guide'
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Effective plastic pellets clean-up relies on early planning, accurate assessment, and response techniques matched to shoreline type, sensitivity, and contamination levels.
Oil spill waste minimization and management good practice guidelines
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Ipieca alternative fuels spill response tabletop exercise
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Ipieca hosted a marine spill tabletop exercise involving ammonia, LNG and very low sulphur fuel oil, bringing together members, first responders and regulators.
