DNV GL said it has completed a workscope with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), under funding provided by the EU, to develop guidance for the Greek offshore safety competent authority, Hellenic Ηydrocarbons Resources Management (HHRM), under Greek law 4409/2016 which enacts EU directive (2013/30/EE) on offshore safety.
The offshore major hazards guidance was presented to several international and domestic companies and the ministry of environment and energy in Athens, on March 1, 2018.
HHRM, as the competent authority, is responsible for the regulation of offshore hydrocarbon operations with regards to major hazards and is responsible for developing the relevant legislative framework for Greece.
Ben Oudman, Regional Manager for DNV GL, Continental Europe, Eurasia, Middle East, India and Africa says “DNV GL’s experience in working in many different oil and gas provinces has allowed us to develop best-practice guidance that meets the requirements of the Law and, while it has been created to suit the specific Greek requirements, it will be familiar to international oil and gas companies. I am sure that this will be a positive step in Greece to maintain a good record in major hazard management offshore.”
The scope of work undertaken by DNV GL included studies and analysis of equivalent laws and guidance within Europe and determining what was the best fit for Greece before the guidance itself was developed. The work was carried out by DNV GL’s regulatory team in the UK.
Ana Berengual-Anter, Senior Banker at EBRD, based in London, says “We are very pleased with the work done by DNV GL, which shows its breadth of knowledge and experience. Development of this guidance allows existing and new entrants to the Greek oil and gas industry offshore to be certain of a robust and well-formed regulatory regime.”
Dr John Morgan, Senior Principal Consultant, DNV GL, outlined the significance of the outcomes of the collaboration with HHRM: “Τhe policy, procedures and guidelines published on 1st March 2018 with regard to Law 4409/2016 ensure that Greece has a world-class regulatory framework that promotes safety for the offshore oil and gas industry and confidence for its investors.”