The Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) and Clean Sound Cooperative Inc. Merge

Published Apr 13, 2005 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

The merger combines the personnel and resources of Clean Sound in the Puget Sound area with MSRC's Pacific Northwest resources. It also provides access to MSRC's considerable national resources in the event of a large incident.

According to MSRC President Steve Benz, "This merger brings the reputation and local
commitment of Clean Sound to the protection of the marine environment in Washington
State and combines it with the national strength and capability of MSRC. We believe
this merger will enhance the spill response infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest and
result in better protection of the waters of Washington State."

MSRC, founded in 1990, is the largest, most comprehensive, dedicated oil spill
response organization in the United States. It is a national, not-for-profit, response
company which owns and operates a fleet of dedicated Oil Spill Response Vessels
(OSRV), ocean going barges, shallow water skimming systems, and other response
equipment and enhanced communications capabilities throughout the United States
East, Gulf, and West Coasts, the U.S. Caribbean, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Midcontinent region.

MSRC is funded by the Marine Preservation Association (MPA), a member-supported, not-for-profit organization created in 1990 to assist the petroleum and energy-related industries by addressing problems caused by oil spills on water. MPA members may enter into a contract with MSRC that provides direct, immediate access to MSRC resources.

Clean Sound Cooperative, Inc. was established in 1971 by the oil industry for the
purpose of responding effectively to marine oil spills in Washington State. The former
members of Clean Sound are also members of MPA.

For more information on MSRC, visit its web site at www.msrc.org or contact Judith
Norell at (703) 326-5617. For more information on MPA, visit its web site at http://www.mpaz.org or contact Robert Aldag at (480) 991-5500.