Equinor to launch emergency preparedness system in Southwestern Barents Sea

Equinor, in collaboration with Vår Energi, will establish a new, extensive emergency preparedness system for the southwestern Barents Sea, enhancing safety and response capabilities in this challenging maritime region. Set to become operational on January 1, 2025, this area-wide system will strengthen existing emergency response measures by integrating new resources and expertise.

Grete B. Haaland, Equinor’s Senior Vice President for Exploration & Production North, highlighted the significance of the new system, stating, “Safety is our number one priority, we must have a good emergency preparedness system in place wherever we operate. Together with the other operators, the authorities, and the supply industry, we have developed preparedness for the fields in the North Sea and in the Norwegian Sea. With Johan Castberg coming on stream towards the end of the year and increased activity in the north, we are now establishing an area-wide emergency preparedness system in the Barents Sea.”

The new system, initiated by the Barents Sea Operation Cooperation (BASOP), will feature several key components. It includes an “all weather search and rescue” (AWSAR) helicopter of the type S-92, which will be stationed at Hammerfest Airport. Additionally, three emergency response and rescue vessels will be equipped with oil spill response capabilities. One vessel will be dedicated to Goliat, another to Johan Castberg, and a third will serve as a flexible, joint resource.

A new emergency response and rescue vessel with inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) capabilities will also be constructed to improve safety, response times, and inspections. The system will feature continuous ocean and ice monitoring and will be managed from Equinor’s operations centre in Bergen, which will include physical infrastructure, digital systems, and round-the-clock staffing. Enhanced coordination and collaboration among the companies involved will further bolster the effectiveness of the emergency response system.

The system aims to address the unique challenges of the Barents Sea, characterized by long distances, harsh weather conditions, and significant natural resources. It will facilitate shared resources and collaboration among operators, with the possibility for other companies to join in the future.

“This will help improve safety and strengthen emergency preparedness for the fisheries and other sea users in this area. We will, among other things, build a new emergency response and rescue vessel (ERRV) that will make a difference,” Haaland added.

The area-wide emergency preparedness system will also include a Search and Rescue (SAR) service, crucial for managing hazards and accidents under the Petroleum Act. Equinor will continue to leverage additional oil spill preparedness resources available through the Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (NOFO) along the Norwegian coast.

In 2023, Equinor’s SAR service conducted approximately 400 missions, including 40 for the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC). The new system will add to Equinor’s existing fleet of seven emergency response and rescue vessels, further enhancing their ability to respond effectively to emergencies in the Barents Sea.

Equinor’s initiative marks a significant advancement in maritime safety and emergency preparedness for the Barents Sea, expected to greatly enhance emergency management capabilities in this remote and challenging environment.