Annual oil spill response drills play a crucial role in our preparedness efforts. Members of NOFO’s specialist team actively participate in these drills, serving as advisory staff, spill site leaders, and team leaders. This engagement allows for the practice of routines, thereby enhancing competence in oil spill preparedness.
Coastal task force (IGK)
Vessels for NOFO’s coastal oil spill preparedness
NOFO enhances its coastal oil spill preparedness through agreements with shipowners in the coastal fishing fleet and service vessels.
In collaboration with approved companies such as Polarkonsult and Nordnorsk Skipskonsult, the vessels undergo modifications and conversions to comply with regulations governing the use of vessels in oil spill response operations.
Numerous crews have received oil spill response training in Nordkapp, Sandnessjøen, and Kristiansund as part of NOFO’s initiative to provide training and conduct vessel drills. This initiative has significantly increased the knowledge and expertise of the crews along the coastline in the collection and uptake of oil emulsion.
Emergency shoreline task force (IGSA)
IGSA is a specialized response team designed to address acute oil spills along the shoreline resulting from operations on the Norwegian continental shelf.
Comprising members recruited from Finnmark, IGSA was initially established as part of the preparedness framework for the Goliat field. However, its capabilities extend to potential mobilization for service in other coastal areas of Norway.
IGSA’s primary objective is to minimize the damage caused by potential oil approaching the coast. In emergency situations, the task force deploys high-speed boats and appropriate equipment for swift and effective oil collection along the shoreline.
Established in December 2011, the task force has been in operational preparedness service since late summer 2012. Its members undergo specialized training and actively participate in drills, integrated into NOFO’s permanent preparedness setup.
The “task force” concept was developed through collaboration between Eni Norge (now Vår Energi) and Equinor in partnership with NOFO.
Contact person:
Eivind Eriksen
eivind.eriksen@nofo.no
+47 902 52 061
NOFO's specialist team
The special team is NOFO’s task force with the expertise and capacity to take care of operational aspects of coastal and beach zone operations. The specialist team consists of around 60 people.
The goal is to be able to mobilize at least ten people in position anywhere along the Norwegian coast within 24 hours.
Organization
The special team is assigned a number of tasks in oil spill response operations in the coastal and beach zone, and will be a supplement to the Intermunicipal Committee against Acute Pollution (IUA). The team will be a partner, supporter, facilitator and start-up help for IUA, and act as advisors to NOFO’s operations management and IUA’s response, site and team management.
The specialist team could also be a national resource that can be called in to assist with public and municipal/inter-municipal actions in accordance with the duty to assist, ref. Pollution Control Act.
The participant undertakes to participate in the special team for up to ten days during any oil spill response operations in
Competence, training, practice
The specialist team shall have basic competence in:
- Management
- Operation
- Resources/logistics
- Oil spill response equipment
- Environment
- Connection
- HSE
- Instruction/training
Cooperation between NOFO Spesialteam and IUA
The Spesialteam is a separate unit, directly subordinate to NOFO Operations Management and will in principle be equal to IUA. In operation, the special team will act as advisors and provide resource assistance to the IUA. It can also be incorporated into the IUA under its management if it is appropriate and NOFO’s role and responsibilities are still maintained.
Unique local expertise
Under the coordination of NOFO and the operating companies on the Norwegian continental shelf, training sessions and drills involving local fishing vessels, as well as rescue vessels, have been conducted as part of the preparedness initiative.
This approach is driven by the distinctive expertise of local mariners and their profound knowledge of their immediate surroundings. Fishermen possess extensive insights into seabed conditions, sea currents, and how wind and weather influence local factors. Additionally, utilizing smaller vessels offers a distinct advantage in coastal operations by enabling closer access to the shore.