Every ship over 400 Gross Tons and every tanker over 150 GRT falls under SOPEP (Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan). As a result, these vessels are required to carry a SOPEP Kit onboard at all times. EPS Marine’s SOPEP Kit meets all applicable legal standards while being manufactured to a high standard for effective cleanup on deck and in the engine room.
What Is a SOPEP Kit?
A SOPEP Spill Kit is a legally required emergency response set prepared to respond instantly to small and medium-scale oil spills onboard a vessel. EPS Marine’s SOPEP Kits are offered in three sizes: 2 Barrel (400L), 7 Barrel (1100L), and 12 Barrel (1900L). For vessels calling at US ports, our kits are manufactured to comply with OPA 90 regulations and 33 CFR Part 155, allowing vessels to pass US Coast Guard inspections without issue.
Choosing the Right SOPEP Kit Size
The right SOPEP Kit size depends on the vessel’s tonnage, operation type, and spill risk profile. For example, the 2 Barrel kit suits the day-to-day maintenance needs of small and medium-sized vessels. The 7 Barrel kit suits medium-to-large vessels and tankers, while the 12 Barrel kit suits high-tonnage tankers and higher-risk operations. However, the exact requirement should always be confirmed against the vessel’s SOPEP plan and the fleet’s risk assessment.
SOPEP Kit Components
Sorbent Boom (Sausage)
The sorbent boom is manufactured in 3-meter sections that connect to one another via carabiners and rings. Made from 100% polypropylene, it absorbs 10-12 times its own weight in oil.
Sorbent Pad
A 40x50cm, 200 gsm, 100% polypropylene sorbent pad that absorbs 10-12 times its own weight in oil.
Container
A 100x150x100cm container with a hinged, watertight lid, made from polyester and resistant to sunlight and seawater.
Common Features Across All Products
As a result of these shared design standards, every component includes the following features:
- 100% disposable construction.
- Manufactured to international industrial standards.
- Absorbs oil and all oil-derived substances (diesel, motor oil, kerosene, gasoline, etc.).
- Compliant with applicable legal regulations.
- Usable until saturated with oil; can be wrung out and reused in an emergency if needed.
SOPEP Kit Applications
Deck & Engine Room Response
The SOPEP Kit is used for immediate response to small-scale oil and fuel spills on deck and in the engine room.
SOPEP / SMPEP Legal Requirement
In addition, it is a legally required item under SOPEP for ships over 400GT and tankers over 150GRT.
US Ports & USCG Inspections
Built to OPA 90 and 33 CFR Part 155 standards, helping vessels calling at US ports pass US Coast Guard inspections without issue.
Port & Terminal Operations
Kept on hand at the worksite to respond to small spills that can occur during loading and discharge.
SOPEP Spill Kit Contents Table
| # | Item | 2 Barrel (400L) | 7 Barrel (1100L) | 12 Barrel (1900L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oil Only Boom, dia 13cm x 300cm | 4 | 8 | 16 |
| 2 | Oil Only Pad, 40x50cm | 300 | 500 | 1500 |
| 3 | Oil Only Pillow | 2 | 6 | 12 |
| 4 | Tyvek Suit | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 5 | Oil-Resistant Gloves | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 6 | Safety Goggles | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 7 | Boots | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 8 | Shovel | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 9 | Disposal Bag | 10 | 20 | 30 |
| 10 | 20 Gallon Overpack | 1 | – | – |
| 11 | Container, 100x150x100cm | – | 1 | 2 |
Units are expressed as quantity (pcs).
Component Technical Specifications
| Item | Technical Specification |
|---|---|
| Sorbent Boom (Sausage) | 3m section length, connects via carabiner/ring, 100% polypropylene, absorbs 10-12x its own weight in oil |
| Sorbent Pad | 40x50cm, 200 gsm, 100% polypropylene, absorbs 10-12x its own weight in oil |
| Container | 100x150x100cm, hinged watertight lid, polyester, resistant to sunlight and seawater |
| Tyvek Suit | Single-use protective coverall |
| 20 Gallon Overpack | Storage/transport container for the 2 Barrel kit |
| Compliance | OPA 90 and 33 CFR Part 155 (for US ports / USCG inspection) |
The SOPEP Spill Kit is a legally required oil spill emergency response kit manufactured by EPS Marine for ships over 400GT and tankers over 150GRT. It is available in three sizes: 2 Barrel (400L), 7 Barrel (1100L), and 12 Barrel (1900L). Kit contents include sorbent boom (sausage), sorbent pads, oil-only pillows, a Tyvek suit, protective equipment, a shovel, disposal bags, and — on the 7 and 12 Barrel models — a container. Sorbent materials are 100% polypropylene and absorb 10-12 times their own weight in oil. For vessels calling at US ports, the kit complies with OPA 90 and 33 CFR Part 155.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SOPEP, and which ships require it?
SOPEP (Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan) refers to a vessel’s emergency response plan for oil pollution. Every ship over 400 Gross Tons and every tanker over 150 GRT falls under SOPEP and is required to meet its obligations, which includes carrying a spill kit onboard.
What is the difference between the SOPEP Kit sizes?
EPS Marine’s SOPEP Kits come in three sizes: 2 Barrel (400L), 7 Barrel (1100L), and 12 Barrel (1900L). As the size increases, the quantities of sorbent boom, pads, protective equipment, and disposal bags increase accordingly; the 7 and 12 Barrel kits also include a watertight container.
What’s included in the kit?
The kit includes oil-only boom, oil-only pads, oil-only pillows, a Tyvek suit, oil-resistant gloves, safety goggles, boots, a shovel, and disposal bags. The 2 Barrel kit also includes a 20-gallon overpack, while the 7 and 12 Barrel kits include a 100x150x100cm container.
Is there an extra requirement for vessels calling at US ports?
Yes. For vessels calling at US ports, our SOPEP Kits are manufactured to comply with OPA 90 regulations and 33 CFR Part 155, allowing them to pass US Coast Guard inspections without issue.
How much oil can the sorbent material absorb?
The sorbent boom and sorbent pad are made from 100% polypropylene and can absorb 10-12 times their own weight in oil.
How does the sorbent boom (sausage) connect?
Sorbent booms are manufactured in 3-meter sections and can be linked together to the required length using the carabiners and rings on each section.
What are the container’s features?
The container measures 100x150x100cm, has a hinged, watertight lid, and is made from polyester that resists sunlight and seawater exposure.
Are the sorbent materials single-use?
The material can be used until it’s saturated with oil. In an emergency, it can be wrung out and reused if needed; ultimately, it is 100% disposable.