Adnan Close

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) is a pivotal piece of U.S. legislation enacted in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. Designed to strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent and respond to oil spills, OPA 90 mandates that oil storage facilities and vessels submit detailed spill response plans and demonstrate financial responsibility to cover cleanup costs and damages. The law also created the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, which is used to finance spill response efforts when responsible parties are unable or unwilling to do so.

OPA 90 dramatically reshaped the oil and maritime industries by enforcing stricter vessel construction standards, requiring double hulls on tankers, and holding polluters liable for cleanup and restoration costs. It also established the authority of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to oversee compliance and coordinate emergency response.

Companies involved in maritime transportation, offshore operations, or oil handling must maintain rigorous safety protocols and participate in drills and training to remain compliant with OPA 90. As part of Resolve Marine’s commitment to environmental protection and industry leadership, we offer services aligned with OPA 90 requirements, including drills, training, and certification.