The NewsRoom
Release: #4053
Date: December 10, 2009

MMS Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority

WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today the Minerals Management Service (MMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA).  The MOU facilitates the exchange of technical and programmatic information related to offshore oil, gas, and mineral resources.

This MOU allows the MMS and the PSA to continue more than 15 years of cooperation and sharing of best management practices critical to maintaining safe and environmentally sound operations on offshore oil and gas facilities.  The MOU continues this partnership for another five years. MMS Director Liz Birnbaum and PSA Director General Magne Ognedal signed the MOU during a ceremony in Herndon, Virginia.

“We look forward to continuing the strong relationship that MMS has with our partners in Norway,” said MMS Director Liz Birnbaum.  “I’m confident that the information exchange will benefit both countries as we each share our valuable experiences and continue developing resources in a safe and responsible manner.” 

The objectives of this agreement are for the MMS and Norway to continue sharing scientific and technical information, and information on emergency preparedness.  The MMS and the PSA will remain in regular contact and promote cooperative activities related to the principles and methods of ensuring safe operations in the exploration and development of offshore minerals resources.

“Our relations with the MMS over these many years have been very useful to us,” said Director General Magne Ognedal.  “I’m pleased that our collaboration will continue.”

Norway has 40 years of offshore oil and gas operations experience and is the world’s largest offshore oil producer, the fifth largest oil exporter, and the second largest natural gas producer.  The petroleum industry represents 26% of Norway’s Gross National Product and employs 130,000 people.  

This agreement will adhere to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the United States and Norway.
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News Media Contact:

MMSPublicAffairs@mms.gov 

MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for America
U.S. Department of the Interior

Last Updated: 09/17/2010, 05:10 PM Central Time