By
Rebecca Gibson |
DNV GL has developed an interactive Arctic Risk Map to highlight the areas of risks associated with offshore and maritime activities in the Arctic.
Designed to provide stakeholders with a comprehensive tool for decision-making and transparent communications, the Arctic Risk Map presents multiple dimensions, such as the seasonal distribution of ice, metocean (physical environment) conditions, sea-ice concentrations, biological assets, shipping traffic and oil and gas resources. It also includes a safety and operability index, showing the variation in different factors that impact the risk level depending on the season and their location in the Arctic.
“The Arctic is not a monolithic area and the risk picture varies accordingly,” said Børre Paaske, project manager of Oil & Gas, DNV GL. “Stakeholders therefore need a sound decision basis for understanding the risks associated with Arctic development and transportation. The DNV GL Arctic Risk Map can help facilitate transparent discussions to address the many dilemmas related to activity in the region.”
In addition, a location- and season-specific index has been developed to identify the environmental vulnerability of marine resources in the event of an oil spill. According to DNV GL’s analysis, the Arctic environment is characterised by seasonal variations in vulnerability, which increases in the summer months along with the level of industrial activity. However, some regions are particularly vulnerable in winter when they are used by marine life, making the consequences of an accident more severe in some areas than others.
DNV GL’s map provides stakeholders with a useful tool to identify regions that require extensive consideration when imposing mitigation measures throughout the year. The map can also provide input to decisions-makers about restricting certain types of activities in specific areas at different times of the year.
“The risk level in the Arctic must be equivalent to – or better than – the best performance in the industry today,” said Elisabeth Tørstad, CEO of Oil & Gas, DNV GL. “The Arctic’s varied and complex conditions require the industry to take a step-wise approach in which learning and technology are developed progressively regarding the more challenging Arctic areas. As an independent body, DNV GL takes an active role in ensuring that any increase in industrial activity has a strong focus on safeguarding life, property and the environment.”