On 18 February, Equinor was informed by the Norwegian Coastal Administration about the discovery of oil lumps on Frøya. Analyses from SINTEF show that the oil lumps originate from an accidental discharge from the Njord A platform on 31 December 2024.
In early April 2025, oil lumps have been identified and collected in all prioritised areas.
The Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (NOFO) has led the work on behalf of Equinor and in collaboration with local resources, volunteers and intermunicipal committees for emergency pollution response (IUA).
All involved parties from the IUAs along the coast of Mid-Norway have been demobilized. Some remaining personnel will conduct second/third-time inspections in some prioritised areas, mainly in the Frøya - Sula – Mausen area.
There will still be oil spill preparedness in case the public or others report oil observations in these areas.
Informational material has been created advising the public on how to act if oil lumps are observed. In the future, Mausund Feltstasjon will be an important player in the collection of lumps from reported discoveries.
Inspections will continue throughout spring and summer
After Easter, Equinor will ensure that new inspection rounds are carried out in selected areas to check for any new oil lumps.
In Froan Natural Reserve - an archipelago in Frøya municipality - the activity was terminated earlier in March due to the nesting season. At that time, around 20 out of 30 areas (islets, islands) were checked out, the remaining areas will be inspected and any oil lumps collected from around 1 August.
We are working closely with the Norwegian Coastal Administration as the supervisory authority.
So far, oil lumps have only been observed onshore. During the inspection, no free-floating oil has been observed in the sea. The oil lumps form because the oil contains wax compounds that crystallize at low temperatures.
Still cooperating on environmental surveys
It is estimated that 25-30 percent of the 75 m3 of oil discharged have formed waxy oil lumps. Much of the oil has evaporated, and some has dissolved into the sea. It is estimated that approx. 20 m3 of oil from the spill has the potential to reach land.
As of 1 April, almost 6 m3 of oil lumps have been collected. The lumps consist of almost 90 percent oil.
Equinor continues to use Akvaplan NIVA and NINA specialists for environmental surveys and for monitoring wildlife and plant life in the exposed areas. Samples of both biota and sediment are taken and sent to Sintef for analysis.
As of now, no environmental damage, or harm to birds or marine mammals has been reported. This will also be followed up after the clean-up.
Equinor's investigation of the incident is underway with a focus on determining the causes, sequence of events and, not least, lessons learned from the incident.
Equinor investigates the incident
Equinor has initiated an investigation of the incident in the period 31 December to 18 February. The focus is on determining causes, sequences of events and, not least, lessons learned from this. The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) will also investigate the incident.
Equinor takes the incident very seriously and is working systematically to manage the situation and minimize the environmental impact of the accidental discharge.