Towards an Efficient Oil Spill Management System in Qatar’s Oil and Gas Sector: Strengthening Liability and Compensation Requirements

Qatar is a dominant producer in the global oil and gas industry. Qatar is also considered a significant exporter of oil, gas, liquid fuels, and petroleum products. However, there is a risk of oil spills in the oil and gas sector, which if not well managed may result in adverse social, environmental, and economic impacts. Fortunately for Qatar, there have not been significant oil spill incidents in the country. On the other hand, there have been significant incidents in neighboring countries which studies reveal were not properly dealt with in terms of international law standards and best industry practice on oil spill response and management. Thus, bearing in mind that oil spills are dangerous to the environment and the restitution of the affected areas is difficult, are Qatar's laws comprehensive enough to anticipate, prevent and respond to such incidents? Is the current legal framework in Qatar good and effective enough to ensure adequate oil spill response and management if and when such spill incidents occur?This LL.M. Thesis aims to examine the current legal framework adopted in Qatar for oil spill liability and compensation. It explores the meaning, nature and scope of good and effective oil spill detection and management systems; practical gaps in its effective implementation in Qatar; and the extent to which the legal framework can address those gaps in order for Qatar to be ready to deal with and prevent future problems in the oil and gas sector. Addressing the elements of a good and effective detection and management system will strengthen the laws regarding liability and compensation. Finally, this LL.M. Thesis aims to suggest and recommend the best methods to improve the current framework in Qatar.