A total of 26 directorates and research institutions have contributed to this work.
Faglig forum’s reports show that the risk posed by oil activity is no higher in Nordland VI and VII than on the rest of the shelf, where we currently carry out safe operations. The report also documents that there is no basis for the assertion that an oil spill could do irreparable damage to the fishery resources in the area.

It is possible to carry out safe operations in Lofoten and Vesterålen, just like we do on the rest of the Norwegian shelf. The entire industry must learn from the accident in the Gulf of Mexico, but it is too early to say for sure what actually caused it. In the debate here at home, we are more concerned with illustrating the solutions the industry can contribute in the areas off Nordland VI and VII, to reduce the risk as much as possible.

What we know about the conditions in Norway, and which has recently been documented over the course of four years as part of the work on the management plan, is that the risk of a spill in Nordland VI and VII is no greater than on the rest of the shelf.

What is unique about Nordland VI and VII is their proximity to land. The narrow shelf means that petroleum activities will take place closer to land than has been the case in the North Sea over the last 40 years.

We already have oil fields that are close to land, such as Troll, Gjøa and, now, Goliat. Proximity to land can result in increased risk of oil on land because of the shorter response time in the event of a spill. But this does not necessarily mean that there is a greater likelihood of oil reaching land.

Extensive simulations and studies have taken place over the course of four years, as part of Faglig Forum’s reports. Simulations have been run at six points in the area, with simulation of many different spills ranging from small to gigantic.

We see that an oil spill will drift northwards along with the ocean currents, where it will break up. The oil will not necessarily drift in towards land. The decisive factors are where the spill occurs in relation to where the ocean currents will take it, during what season the spill occurs as regards weather conditions and consequences for birds and beach zones, and, not least, the use of technology.

Technology requirements and regulations stipulated by the authorities will be crucial factors in further reducing the risk. This is precisely why we need to study technology requirements and limitations that ensure good exploitation of our oil and gas resources and thus substantial revenues for Norway, as well as create substantial ripple effects in the region without coming in conflict with fisheries and tourism, both important industries for Lofoten and Vesterålen. In other words, we need the Storting (Norwegian Parliament) to initiate an impact assessment.