Norwegian Oil Research Articles

Long-term Monitoring of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Mussels (Mytilus edulis) Following the Braer Oil Spill†

On January 5, 1993, 84700 t of Norwegian Gullfaks crude oil was released into the coastal region of south Shetland when the tanker MV Braer grounded at Garths Ness. A Fisheries Exclusion Zone was designated under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA), prohibiting the taking or harvesting of fish or shellfish within the Zone so as to prevent contaminated products reaching the marketplace. The criteria set for lifting of the Order were that the particular species must be free from any petrogenic taint and the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) must be within the range for reference samples. Between April 1993 and February 1995 the Order was progressively lifted for wild fish, salmon, crustacea, excluding Nephrops norvegicus (Norway lobster), and molluscs, with the exception of mussels. As part of the monitoring exercise, mussels from a reference site were transplanted in June 1995 to three sites within the Zone, where they were suspended in plastic mesh boxes from rafts to a depth of 5 m. Samples were collected at regular intervals over the following 12 months and the concentration and composition of PAHs were determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. The total measured PAH concentration at the control site increased from 13.7 to 66.1 ng g–1 wet mass of tissue between June 1995 and February 1996. This trend was reversed by July 1996 when the PAH concentration was 12.8 ng g–1. The mean across the year for the control site was 24.0 ng g–1 (SE = 8.9 ng g–1, n = 6). A similar seasonal trend in PAH concentration over the year was observed at all sites within the Zone, but the PAH concentration was consistently greater at these sites, reaching a maximum concentration of 316 ng g–1 in February 1996. Although no taint was detected in any of the mussels, these results meant that it was not possible to lift the Prohibition Order for mussels. Further monitoring at three sites outwith the Zone and three sites within the Zone is under way together with investigations into the specific source of the PAHs.

Norwegian oil trio puts multiphase meters through simultaneous tests

Norwegian oil trio puts multiphase meters through simultaneous tests

Coping with the International Shipping Crisis of the 1970s: A Study of Management Responses in Norwegian Oil Tanker Companies

Coping with the International Shipping Crisis of the 1970s: A Study of Management Responses in Norwegian Oil Tanker Companies

Penetration of Sulfate Reducers through a Porous North Sea Oil Reservoir

The presence of mesophilic benzoate-degrading sulfate-reducing bacteria in the water systems of three Norwegian oil platforms was investigated. Strain 4502 was isolated from the injection water system, and specific antibodies were produced against this isolate. It was present in the injection water system during a period of 3 years, but not in the in situ reservoir water. Later it was found in water samples collected from the oil field production system. This showed that strain 4502 had penetrated the reservoir together with the injection water and eventually reached the production well.

Corruption in the North Sea oil industry: Issues and assessments

The article explores the extent, the institutional mechanisms and economic consequences of economically motivated bribery in the Norwegian (and British) oil industry. It focuses on corruption directed against middle-level management in the oil companies. The empirical part of the study is partly based on public information collected from court cases, mainly from British courts; and partly based on systematic interviews of security experts in Norwegian and international oil companies, and British and Norwegian police.

95/06555 Life cycle data for Norwegian oil and gas

95/06555 Life cycle data for Norwegian oil and gas

95/04198 Life cycle data for Norwegian oil and gas

95/04198 Life cycle data for Norwegian oil and gas

Occupational exposure of deck crews to carcinogenic agents on crude oil tankers.

Occupational exposure to carcinogenic agents on the decks on six Norwegian crude oil tankers was examined in five harbors. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the need for improving the working environment on deck on these tankers. Technical arrangements and the work itself on the deck were observed during loading or unloading. Occupational monitoring was performed by active sampling of benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and some aldehydes. The crew answered a questionnaire concerning their work, use of protective equipment, and occurrence of acute symptoms. The levels of air-borne carcinogenic agents were low, probably due to closed loading systems on all tankers. However, the seamen reported discomfort during the work that may be related to other chemical agents in the cargo. The seamen were frequently painting with lead chromate paint without using personal protective equipment. This type of chemical exposure should be evaluated.

A preliminary investigation of franchised oil distribution in Norway

This study utilizes agency theory to investigate contractual decisions among Norwegian oil retailers. Scandinavian oil refiners coordinate retail operations through three contractual forms: corporately-owned and operated facilities, corporately owned/franchisee-operated outlets, and franchisee-owned and operated service stations. The authors outline distinguishing factors of these contracts and develop an agency-based model of contractual choice. Reports from 181 station managers indicate that retail ownership varies with population density, location, and revenues. Franchisor-managed outlets exhibit the highest revenues while franchisee-owned outlets are employed in areas with the lowest population density. Franchisor-operated outlets are more likely to be utilized near freeways than corporately-owned/franchisee-operated service stations. The authors discuss the implications of the findings for franchise management and research.

Fugitive emissions from Norwegian oil and gas production

Fugitive hydrocarbon emissions from oil and gas production, always a safety concern, are currently a growing environmental and economic concern. Fugitive emissions from the offshore industry comprise mainly methane, which has an atmospheric warming contribution of approximately 14 times that of CO 2, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which have an atmospheric warming contribution of around twice that of CO 2. Current studies indicate that fugitive emissions are approximately equivalent to 0.02% of the total gas produced in 1992 on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. A positive downward trend in fugitive emissions from oil and gas production has been identified and attributed to advances in technology and changes in design and operating philosophy.

Chemical Use in North Sea Oil and Gas E&P

In May 1990, the Norwegian Oil Industry Assn., Oljeindustriens Landsforening (OLF), commissioned a survey of chemical use in E and P activities in the North Sea. Ten operating companies and six chemical suppliers provided data on the specific types and quantities of chemicals used in their operations and the properties of those chemicals. These companies operated or supplied chemicals in the Norwegian, British, and Netherlands sectors. Technical discussions on the reasons for using chemicals and their application also were held. The comprehensive results of this survey are available from OLF as a report, with all chemical data on disk. This paper summarizes the primary observations from the OLF report. The quantitative uses are compared with previous summaries of quantities of chemicals used. Probable discharge quantities and concentrations are discussed. Acute aquatic toxicity data submitted by participants are presented and practical aspects discussed.

Market structure and integration in the Norwegian oil industry

This study utilizes transaction cost economics to assess changes in the level of vertical integration in distribution channels. Utilizing time series data from the Norwegian oil industry, the authors find that small numbers bargaining and frequency are associated with higher levels of integration.

Multinational company strategy and host country policy

This paper outlines bilateral strategic position as a framework from which to assess MNC-host country relations. Strategic position is implicated as a determinant of host country policy and MNC strategy. A case description of the Norwegian oil industry is offered to illustrate the interaction of investment strategy and governmental policy.

Recent Modelling Approaches in Applied Energy Economics

ONE The European Gas Market.- 1 The Western European gas market: deregulation and supply competition.- 2 Residential energy demand - the evolution and future potential of natural gas in Western Europe.- 3 The European gas market as a bargaining game.- 4 Bargaining, vertical control, and (de)regulation in the European gas market.- 5 Environmental effects of a transition from oil and coal to natural gas in Europe.- TWO Management of National Petroleum Resources.- 6 Petroleum resources and the management of national wealth.- 7 Oil and gas revenues and the Norwegian economy in retrospect: alternative macroeconomic policies.- 8 The resource rent for Norwegian natural gas.- 9 Social discount rates for Norwegian oil projects under uncertainty.- 10 The choice between hydro and thermal power generation under uncertainty.- 11 The management of jointly produced exhaustible resources.- THREE The World Oil Market and Macroeconomic Performance.- 12 The options for independent oil-exporting countries in the 1990s.- 13 Business cycles and oil price fluctuations: some evidence for six OECD countries.

Scenario planning for Norwegian oil and gas: Stokke, P. R., Ralston, W. K., Boyce, T. A. and Wilson, I. H.Long Range Planning, 23 (2), 17–26 (April 1990)

Scenario planning for Norwegian oil and gas: Stokke, P. R., Ralston, W. K., Boyce, T. A. and Wilson, I. H.Long Range Planning, 23 (2), 17–26 (April 1990)

Scenario planning for Norwegian oil and gas

The authors describe a case study of scenario-based decision-making to develop a research and development strategy for oil and gas exploration and production. They develop decision-focused scenarios having established the ‘decision-focus’ and assessed the dynamics of the external environment. Having identified the strategy alternatives and interpreted the scenarios for R & D implications, a flexible strategy is developed and the process is reviewed.

Using Experience To Build a Safer Platform

Summary This paper describes how Rogaland Research Inst. and Norsk Hydro A/S usedinjury records to identify hazards in the drilling module and to develop safetymeasures from the beginning of the design process. Database records, process. Database records, analyzed to identify injury concentrations within each modulesection, were used in a series of design review meetings to develop specificremedial measures. We also give examples of the hazards identified in the studyand recommendations made to combat them. "In 1986, the number of injuries suffered by offshore drilling personnelon personnel on Norwegian fixed platforms averaged 90 platforms averaged 90 per1,000 man-years. In per 1,000 man-years. In the same period, the average numberof injuries for all other activities on the same offshore platforms was 55 per1000 man-years." Introduction Drilling crews come in contact with a variety of hazards, including workingclose to heavy equipment in motion and being exposed to oil-based mud, chemicaldust, and poisonous and combustible gases. The pace poisonous and combustiblegases. The pace during much of the drilling operation is hectic, and the workinvolves a lot of heavy manual labor, with the attendant risk of straininjuries. The magnitude of the injury problem is illustrated by accidentstatistics. problem is illustrated by accident statistics. In 1986, the numberof injuries suffered by offshore drilling personnel on Norwegian fixedplatforms averaged 90 per 1,000 manyears. In the same period, the averagenumber of injuries for all other activities on the same offshore platforms was55 per 1,000 man-years. Since 1979, the overall trend has been toward a lower accident frequency. This decline is attributable in part to technical improvements and to greaterdrilling experience at all levels. The injury frequency in drilling from fixedplatforms has fallen from a 1979 level of 130 to 90 injuries per 1,000man-years. Because of this relatively high exposure to the risk of injury, focusing onthe danger early in the design process is important. In developing measures toimprove safety, the Norwegian oil industry now has a valuable tool at itsdisposal: information on all losttime accidents reported to the NorwegianRikstrygdeverket (RTV or Natl. Office of Social Security). This information hasbeen systematized into a database at Rogaland Research Inst. (RRI) for use inanalyzing injury patterns and identifying areas of high risk in the drillingindustry. RRI was engaged by Norsk Hydro A/S to analyze injury statistics fromdrilling operations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and to use this analysisto identify injury concentrations (black spots) on the drilling modules ofmodern production platforms. These results, together with specific informationon the development project concerned, form the basis for recommendations forimproving safety in the design of drilling systems on new fixedinstallations. This paper discusses the method used to arrive at these recommendations andgives examples of the results obtained. We hope that this discussionillustrates how such a design review procedure could be incorporated intofuture development projects to emphasize safety at an earlier stage thanusually is the case. Using Accident Statistics In the Design Process Fig. 1 shows the procedure for identifying injury concentrations fromreported data and developing a list of measures to combat hazards. RRI Data Base. The RTV accident report form contains detailed information onthe person injured, the rig or platform the person injured, the rig or platformthe accident occurred on, the operations being performed at the time of theaccident, the performed at the time of the accident, the injuries incurred, andcomments from the injured person's safety representative. In the RRI data base, this information is encoded in a manner to preserve as completely as possiblean account of the circumstances possible an account of the circumstancessurrounding the accident. A drilling expert transfers the RTV-form informationto the data base by using the classifications shown in Fig. 2. This method isimportant to allow unrecorded operational details to be deduced whereverpossible and to avoid mistakes resulting from a lack of familiarity with thespecial terminology associated with drilling. When the work discussed here began, the RRI data base contained almost 3,000injury reports covering 7 years (to the end of 1986; and taken from fixedplatforms and mobile drilling rigs. Data Base Used in This Study. In preparing a design review of the drillingmodule preparing a design review of the drilling module on a new productionplatform, we could use only those injuries in the data base that had occurredon installations with certain minimum points of similarity with the projectedplatform. To avoid restricting the amount platform. To avoid restricting theamount of acceptable data to the point where it would be difficult to drawvalid or worthwhile conclusions, however, a compromise was necessary. JPT P. 264

A Discursive Practices Approach to Collective Decision-Making

Using a discursive frame of meaning, Coleman's notions of the power and interests of actors in a collective decision-making process are reoriented to emphasize the power of competing understandings of a policy situation. The contribution of actors to the collective decision-making process has an impact through their association with various idea elements or discursive practices which comprise their cognitive maps. The performance of a computer simulation model of collective decision-making based on these assumptions is examined using cognitive maps and interview data collected from officials who participated in Norwegian oil policy decision-making. The simulation model produced a set of understandings that is more or less similar to the actual public debate on oil policy and a ranking of policy preferences that coincides with the actual decision to begin oil exploration in northern Norway.

BOOK REVIEWS

Book reviewed in this article:“The Middle East: Regional Geolosy and Petroleum Resources”: bv Z. R. Bqdoun.“Petroleum Geology of NW Europe”: (two vols.) edited by.l Brooks and K.W Glennie.“Geology of the Norwegian oil and gas fields”, edited by A.M. Spencer et al“Habitat of hydrocabons on the Norwegian continental shelf”: edited by A.M. Spencer et al.“ilpplied Remote Sensing”: by C.P Lo.“Geologic analysis of naturally fractured reservoirs”, by RA. Nelson.

Chemical dispersion of oil. Comparison of the effectiveness results obtained in laboratory and small-scale field tests

Field tests are of major importance for dispersant product evaluation in addition to laboratory effectiveness studies. To investigate the correlation between laboratory and large-scale field tests, two series of small-scale sea trials were initiated by the Norwegian Oil Pollution Control—Research and Development Program. The field tests comprised the application of seawater-diluted dispersants as well as neat application from a boat. A total of six dispersants were tested on four oil types. An attempt was made to correlate the field test results with three laboratory test methods. Results showed that there is poor correlation between effectiveness results obtained from three different laboratory test systems, and between results from field and laboratory tests. There was, however, a fairly good correlation between the mean results from the three laboratory tests and the field tests. Efforts should be made to improve the simulation offield conditions in laboratory procedures before it is possible to make a valid mathematical model which is able to predict dispersion effectiveness under given conditions. Furthermore, the methodology and reproducibility offield tests of dispersant effectiveness should be improved.