As Sweden's coast guard reports the fourth leak on Nord Stream 2 pipelines, Norwegian oil rig operator Equinor is informing police for the third time this month due to drone activity on at least 3 of its drilling rigs, Norwegian online magazine Aldri Mer reported.

Who is behind it and with what goal?

Several drones in security zones : Several drones or other flying objects have recently been spotted in security zones on various oil platforms. Therefore, the Norwegian oil production regulator, Petroleumstilsynet (PTIL), issued an official warning about these flying objects on Wednesday (September 28, 2022). According to a statement (observations of unidentified drones/aircraft off the coast), the police confirm the sightings and are now investigating the violations. However, nothing is said about how exactly the case will be pursued.

What is a security zone?

A security zone is a geographically defined area with prohibitions or restrictions on the presence, passage or operation of unauthorized vessels, including aircraft.

There are safety zones of 500 meters above, around and in the water for the drilling rigs on the Norwegian continental shelf. Anyone who stays here without authorization is committing a crime; Only flights or vehicles with special permission are allowed to go near the oil rigs.

Report is not the first

The Norwegian oil platform operator Equinor had already spotted some drones in mid-September and passed this activity on to the police, who now want to investigate the incidents. Flights of unknown objects were also observed later. This includes the Johan Sverdrup, Gullfaks C and Snorre A oil fields, as Heise reports online.

No incidents yet – flights still classified as dangerous

Apparently no serious incidents have occurred yet. Nevertheless, people in Norway are taking the situation very seriously and want to strengthen the protection of the oil and gas infrastructure as much as possible after the Nord Stream leaks: “Although there is no specific threat, we are now paying particular attention to security ,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Wednesday in Oslo. “In Norway, we are aware of our special responsibility as Europe’s largest gas supplier.” Companies and authorities work closely together to strengthen security.

Drones in the security zone pose a major risk

Drones in the safety zone in front of the oil rigs pose a great risk to helicopters flying there, with which they could potentially collide. In the worst case, an explosion could also occur if a drone touches or collides with the drilling rig itself. 

According to “Der Standard”, it has not yet been possible to confirm whether the incidents are related to the alleged attacks and the apparent investigation by an unknown party.

Speculation about motives: sabotage considered

Not least due to some incidents surrounding the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, Norwegian media are already speculating about the motives for the drone flights. The suspicions include possible espionage activities as well as acts of sabotage. The flight operations may have served to collect information.

Norwegian military expert Lars Peder Haga counters this with the statement that such reconnaissance flights in daylight near the oil rigs tend to indicate amateurs: “Of course there is also the possibility that someone is collecting information and looking for details on the platforms, but it seems “To be amateurish, to do this in daylight at the height in question, where you are almost certain to be seen (…)”.

According to the Standard, the head of government also made a statement in a press conference, fueling speculation: “The evidence that this was a deliberate act is increasing and we are in a very serious situation. It is crucial that Europe and NATO stand together now.”

Is Russia behind it?

Although it is not clear at this point who is responsible for the drone flights, according to Aldri Mer, it is feared that it is Russia that is behind the activity. “The fear is that the mapping activities in which the drones appear to be involved could be aimed at preparing for military action in the North Sea.”

Gas leak expert: Russia probably responsible – These are the possible reasons

Sources:

Aldri Mer
Petroleumstilsynet
Heise online
The standard
military expert Lars Peder Haga

Also read: UFO on US agency logo causes a stir

Author: Nick L.


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