The Minerals Management Service (MMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) today. The non-binding MOU is a cooperative agreement to exchange resource management information to address issues of mutual interest related to offshore oil, gas, and mineral resources.
MMS Acting Director Walter Cruickshank and NPD Director General Bente Nyland signed the MOU.
'We are happy to enter this agreement with our Norwegian counterparts,' said MMS Acting Director Walter Cruickshank. 'I am confident this information exchange will enhance our efforts to develop the Outer Continental Shelf resources in a safe and responsible manner, as well as strengthen our and Norway’s practices and procedures.'
'I am very pleased that we have entered into a formal agreement. During the years, the NPD and MMS have had a very fruitful cooperation,' said NPD Director Bente Nyland. 'Now, I am eager to continue the good work. I think it will be beneficial to both parties as we both have a substantial offshore petroleum industry. We have an even better platform for exchanging views and learning from one another.'
The objectives of the agreement are to establish and build relationships; promote cooperative resource management activities in exploration and production; promote the sharing of scientific and technical information, exploration and production strategies, and technical solutions; and conduct cooperative research studies.
The agreement will adhere to applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the United States and Norway.
This new MOU will complement the existing MOU between MMS and Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority, helping both countries to improve all aspects of our oil and gas programs.
Contact:
Frank Quimby (202) 208-6416
Nicholas Pardi (202) 208-7746