A new performance standard for critical offshore operations will help North Sea oil and gas drilling operators comply with new environmental requirements. Under rules set by the North-East Atlantic regulator, OSPAR, the range of the UK Offshore Chemical Notification scheme is being extended from 1st January 2009 to include all greases used to lubricate jack-up open gearing – that raise and lower the platforms from and into the sea. The consequence for North Sea oil and gas drilling operators is that the environmental impact of all greases used will have to be established prior to use. Lubricants containing hazardous components may be excluded from use and many components used in existing greases will attract attention from the authorities.