U.K., Norway, Oppose Harmonised EU Offshore Safety Legislation

British Energy Minister Charles Hendry is backing Norway's Ola Borten Moe in his fight against harmonised EU offshore safety legislation

Norway’s oil industry has objected to the EU initiative. They believe that the EU has very little expertise in offshore operations, and there may be negative consequences if it tries to regulate safety on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, reports Aenergy.

A united UK oil industry shares the Norwegians’ criticism of the proposed regulations, believing they are a threat to offshore safety.

“I have been in contact with the Norwegian Oil and Energy Minister Ola Borten Moe about this matter and we share a common line. Norway and the UK can confirm that we have the most robust safety regime in the world. This dynamic work must in no way be undermined or put at risk,” Charles Hendry, Conservative Minister of State, Department for Energy and Climate Change, tells Aftenbladet.