§ Mr. Frank DoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what standards are set by his Department regarding the resistance of North sea oil and gas installations to impact by vessels; and what information he has on the standards set by the Norwegian petroleum directorate.
§ Mr. ParkinsonThe Department's current guidance on design and construction of offshore installation recommends that they be designed to withstand the impact of a ship of 2,500 tonnes displacement travelling at 0.5 metres per second, assuming that all of the kinetic energy is absorbed by the installation.
However, following a study by J. P. Kenny, consultant engineers, which was commissioned by my Department, a consultation document is to be issued shortly recommending an increase in the energy absorbtion value for offshore installations. J. P. Kenny's technical report was published on 10 January and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House. I will send a copy of the consultation document to the hon. Member once it is available.
I understand the requirements of the Norwegian petroleum directorate are not expressed in the same way as the United Kingdom requirement. However, I am advised that the values of kinetic energy required to be absorbed in Norway are, in effect, comparable with those to be recommended in our proposed new guidelines.