This contract follows on from the existing successful Special Missions operation, which began in 2016 and has repeatedly demonstrated its value over a wide range of OSRL-led exercises and spill responses across three continents with its TERSUS dispersant system fitted to a pair of Boeing 727s, designed, built, tested, and certified by 2Excel’s in-house Capability Development Team.
The new service will begin operation in 2028 with a pair of specially modified Boeing 737-800s, offering a significantly lower fuel burn and carbon emissions profile than the current 727s. The aircraft will be hanged and available to deploy worldwide at six hours’ notice, helping to minimize the effect a spill may have on the environment.
The 737s will be equipped with an improved TERSUS II system, which offers improved components for longer life and enhanced performance, along with other continuously developing features such as the “Flight in Known Icing” (FIKI) modification that allows the aircraft to operate in icy conditions, also developed by the 2Excel team.
Vania De Stefani, CEO of OSRL, said, “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with 2Excel, which allows us to provide unrivaled service to our members.
“The new aircraft will help align with our sustainability goals, with reduced fuel burn and carbon emissions.
“With the two new modified aircraft, we will be able to offer an enhanced capability along with an efficient response service to ensure we can support our members effectively, anytime, anywhere.”
Andy Offer, Co-Founder and Director of 2Excel Group, said: “Securing the next generation Global Wide Area Dispersant Service contract continues a highly successful partnership between 2Excel Group and Oil Spill Response Ltd.
“Our proven TERSUS delivery system is deployed to exacting industry standards and carefully designed to reduce the impact on the environment whilst combatting spills effectively.
“Combined with our dedicated and highly skilled aircrews, 2Excel stands ready with OSRL to tackle oil spills anywhere in the world if called upon.”