NOFO will contribute actively to technology and methods being developed that have the potential to become commercially available sets of equipment and systems able to operate in all relevant situations.
Once the equipment has been tested and trialled, and thus had its mode of operation and robustness quality assured, an offshore “practical exam” is required, using the equipment in a relevant situation involving oil on the sea. Every June, NOFO organises the “Oil on Water” (OPV) drill in the Frigg field in the North Sea. This allows NOFO/the NCA to test out systems and equipment in approximately realistic conditions involving oil on the sea. A successful outcome in one of these drills is internationally recognised as a stamp of quality.
NOFO is always on the outlook for good ideas that can take technology and methods within oil spill response further, and invites people to give a short presentation to its panel of experts. NOFO is staffed with a view to operational activities and thus has limited resources to assist in active development work.
Examples of how NOFO works with technological developments:
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Drones
Safer and more cost-effective oil spill prevention with drones
Drones can spot oil spills, detect toxic gases and monitor the coast more cost effectively and in many cases more safely than both planes and helicopters.
Drone technology is developing fast, and in recent years NOFO and its partners have notched up several successful tests using drones in preparedness drills. Among other things, NOFO has contributed to the development of a fixed-wing drone that has been used on multiple occasions in NOFO’s drills.
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Maritime Broadband
A WORLD FIRST: MARITIME BROADBAND
Maritime Broadband Radio (MBR) enables better and more secure exchange of information, which in turn can help to limit damage in the event of accidents and spills.
To date, 12 area vessels in NOFO’s resource pool have been fitted with the MBR technology.
Frode Engen is responsible for Technological Developments and Research & Development (R&D).