Tag: Norway

Based on IMO's strict sulphur regulations, the shipping industry is looking for ways to take its shipping in a greener and more sustainable path by innovating in the technological fields. As IMO has demanded, the shipping industry's sulphur emissions should not exceed the 0.50% m/m of sulphur, by 2020 unless the ships are equipped with scrubbers or get along with other options available. 

The Norwegian Maritime Authority issued five fines for breaching sulphur regulations during 2018 in comparison with two in 2017. Except the five violation fines, NMA sent three additional notices for breach sulphur regulations, which are being processed for the time being. 

Germany's gas imports decreased by 9% in November 2018 in comparison to the same month in 2017, according to Reuters. Yet, imports during the first 11 months, from January to November, experienced an increase of 9% than the same period , a year earlier.

Since 2011, overall emissions have been reduced by 37%, while emissions adjusted for reduced activity have been reduced by 26%. Now Equinor aspires to reduce its emissions in the NCS supply chain from 26% to 50% by 2030, based on 2011 level.

Four major oil and gas firms have proven gas and condensate in the Norwegian Sea Ragnfrid North (6406/2-9 S) exploration well. Norwegian oil major Equinor and compatriot Petoro, US-based giant ExxonMobil and French Total, estimate recoverable resources at 6-25 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Norway granted 83 blocks to explore for petroleum resources in the Norwegian continental shelf. The number of the blocks offered is a record, something that indicates a rising interest from oil companies in Norway’s oil sector. Equinor received the majority, with 13, while Aker BP and Lunding received 11 and 9 operatorships respectively.

'Tavaha' is a nordic expression for taking care of the ocean, and is also the title of a new, short documentary on plastic pollution, highlighting the can-do attitude of European activists working with marine environments. The film seeks to provide us with insight and inspiration regarding the oceanic conservation around Europe.

On January 15, Norway's Supreme Court began hearings on whether European vessels can fish for snow crab off Arctic islands, north of Norway without getting permission from Oslo. The hearings will result into who has the right for oil explorations in the region, according to Reuters. Into question is whether the snow crab is a sedentary species that is living on the seabed or a fish stock that wanders.

The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway and the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority have audited Maersk Drilling's routines for handling notifications of censurable conditions (whistleblowing) at work. The audit detected one non-conformity regarding deficient employee participation in the preparation of the routine. 

Norwegian ferry company Norled announced it has won a contract for the development, construction and operation of the world's first hydrogen-electric ferry, where at least 50% of the energy requirement is covered by hydrogen. Today, there are no comparable hydrogen powered vessels in operation.