The recent conference organized by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) highlighted the significance of fostering a harmonious coexistence between various energy industries on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). This coexistence is considered feasible and valuable for both oil and gas and renewables in Norwegian waters, despite the challenges involved.

Norway initiated the NPD conferences last year, with plans to hold them biennially. The focus of this year's conference was coexistence, and participants from the industry, public administration, and academia deliberated on whether the industries on the Norwegian Continental Shelf were thriving side by side or encountering chaos and conflict.

Torgeir Stordal, Director General of NPD, acknowledged the long-standing tradition of coexistence among industries on the shelf, highlighting the deliberate regulation by Norwegian public administration to facilitate their concurrent operation.

Frode Alfheim, President of the Industri Energi union, stressed the importance of tripartite cooperation involving industry, employee organizations, and public administration.

Monica Bjørkmann, Chair of Offshore Norge and Vice President of Subsea 7 in Norway, emphasized the need to work on both renewables and oil and gas simultaneously, a sentiment supported by industry members.

Karl Johnny Hersvik, CEO of Aker BP, expressed optimism about the future and the industry's ability to navigate the transition to renewables, citing substantial investments and an abundance of acreage.

Aker BP recently celebrated the commencement of the fabrication phase for two oil and gas projects in the North Sea, highlighting its commitment to the sector.

Torger Rød, COO of Vår Energi, echoed the importance of collaboration in the coexistence environment on the NCS, emphasizing the need for solutions and partnerships among various stakeholders, including competitors, fishermen, and the military.