Oil fence turns 50

10 June 2022

Norwegian oil spill fence turns 50 years. The Museum of the Norwegian Costal Administration marks this with sailing along the Norwegian coast this summer. On 21 June the boat Gamle Oksøy visits Sortland.

In 1969, large quantities of oil were found under the seabed off the Norwegian coast. With this, a state oil spill preparedness was also needed.

In 2022, it is 50 years since the modern oil protection in Norway saw the light of day.

The humble beginnings

In 1972, The Main Oil Spill Service opened in Horten. This is regarded as the start of oil spill preparedness in Norway. Development of the North Sea oil industry meant that the authorities had to invest more in emergency preparedness against oil spills.

At that time, the oil spill protection equipment consisted of 350 meters of drains, some pumping equipment, a tractor, some cars, a caravan and a small wading boat – and nine people worked at the Main Station.

Celebrated with sailing

On 8 June, the 50th anniversary celebrations started with a voyage that will run along the entire Norwegian coast. Through June, the boat Gamle Oksøy will stop in Horten, Langesund, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Bergen, Ålesund, Sandnessjøen, Sortland and Tromsø, before the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s own OV Bøkfjord takes over to Honningsvåg, where the voyage ends.

Sortland:

• When? June 21, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Where? Havnegata

Visit the The Museum of the Norwegian Costal Administration website for updates on the voyage.

Happy celabration of Norwegian oil fence turns 50!