Norway

The cost cuts made during the downturn and the recent increase in oil prices have led to some global offshore projects becoming economically viable. Norway is leading the comeback.

Norwegian suppliers Framo, Maritime Partner, Norbit Aptomar, and NorLense have come together to create the Oil Spill Recovery Vessel Group to offer a complete oil-spill-response solution.

The petroleum industry is becoming increasingly dependent on digital systems, and companies have ambitious plans for increased use of digital technology—along the entire value chain. A new report shows how digitalization affects health, safety, and the environment.

A reservoir-conditions coreflood study was undertaken to assist with design of drilling and completion fluids for a Norwegian field. Multiple fluids were tested, and the lowest permeability alterations did not correlate with the lowest drilling-fluid-filtrate-loss volumes.

Aqualis Offshore and Aker BP have signed a 5-year frame agreement. Aker was awarded 23 new production licenses by the Norway Ministry of Petroleum and Energy on 16 January.

At the State Council on 17 January, Ola Elvestuen was appointed as minister of climate and environment. Elvestuen is a member of parliament and represents Oslo. He was first elected to parliament in 2013 and has been deputy leader of the Liberal Party since 2008.

The Norwegian model for managing safety in the petroleum sector may seem complicated. The Petroleum Safety Authority has produced an educational guide to the safety regime.

Optimism is slowly returning to the Norwegian E&P sector and an upcoming seminar will address the most vital issues facing the industry.

Broad agreement on safety and working environment conditions in Norway’s oil industry, and on the measures required in the future, is revealed in a report drawn up by representatives of the employers, unions and government.

The classification society's first offshore drone survey was conducted on a semisubmersible used to support Statoil's drilling operations in the North Sea.