The Barents 2020 initiative: a reliable framework for doing business in the Barents Sea

Det Norske Veritas (DNV) is to take the lead in efforts to harmonise health, safety and environment standards for industrial activities in the Barents Sea. This project, which was launched in Tromsø today, is the first major environmental project initiated under Barents 2020, the Norwegian Government’s strategy for increasing knowledge about the High North. 

“This project follows up on an important aspect of the High North strategy,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre. “The Russian and Norwegian authorities have different rules for the petroleum industry. The Government is pleased to support and facilitate industry efforts to take on the challenges involved and build up cross-border cooperation, as this is in line with the High North strategy.” Mr Støre added that the project is also a part of the implementation of the Integrated Management Plan for the Norwegian part of the Barents Sea. “This project will facilitate a more comfortable coexistence of fisheries, petroleum and transport activities in vulnerable marine areas,” said Mr Støre. 

“We share the Barents Sea, and it is therefore important that we uphold high health, safety and environment standards,” said Minister of Petroleum and Energy Odd-Roger Enoksen. “Cooperation in this area will be of mutual benefit in the further development of this area, with its vulnerable natural environment and cold climate.” 

The standards are intended to secure a level of safety at least equivalent to that in the North Sea, and will have to take into account the demanding conditions in the High North. The aim is to develop a set of health, safety and environment standards that apply to industrial activities on both sides of the Norwegian-Russian border, and that both Russian and Norwegian industry actors accept as relevant.

“Det Norske Veritas is an important cooperation partner, with a unique network and reputation in Russia. It is important that initiatives of this type are pushed forward by the industry actors themselves,” said Mr Støre. 

The project is to run over three years, and has a budget of NOK 27 million. The Norwegian authorities are financing the first two phases (amounting to approximately NOK 10 million). Industry actors will cover half the costs of the final phase.