Minerals Report - International Seabed Authority

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4. Data Management
All data relating to geological, geophysical and reservoir
characteristics, which have been obtained by national and international oil
companies, must be regarded as a valuable asset for the nation in that area.
This recognition is one of the key elements in the data management strategy
on the NCS. High exploration efficiency and at the same time securing the
long term national interest is the main objective of this strategy. Available
information of high quality is a prerequisite for good decisions and an
important element for increased efficiency in exploration, development and
operations. Another important element is the idea that a complete and
accurate data set is very important both for the industry, NPD, the public and
other authorities involved for making right decisions and reducing costs. An
element in the licensing strategy is that data by themselves are not a
competitive element but how the data are used to document the applicants
understanding of the regional geology in their application for new production
licenses introduce the competitive element. Secrecy related to data gives poor
co-operation between companies and authorities, forces companies to acquire
their own data and increase costs and gives an incentive to hide negative
information. Openness will create trust and co-operation, give a
comprehensive evaluation of all data, promote participation and provide for
cost efficient exploration.
The data requirements are detailed in the regulations and their
guidelines. They cover cultural data, physical data, prognosis and plans,
reported events, permits and agreements, statistics and different reports
related to the activity. There are also guidelines related to data quality, media
readability, format, archival efficiency, electronic reporting, administrative
information and so on.
The NPD is entitled to all information the oil companies have
regarding their activity in Norway. The Petroleum Act allows the NPD to
formulate detailed routines for reporting, including physical form, medium
and structure. The NPD also holds a seat on all licence committees as an
observer. The NPD gives permission for drilling, to perform seismic surveys
INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY 796