The Norwegian oil and gas industry is an important sector of Norway. To promote knowledge, expertise and competitiveness, the industry introduced the NORSOK Standards in 1994. NORSOK stands for "Norsk Sokkels Konkurranseposisjon", which means "Norwegian shelf's competitive position" in English.

In 1994, additional rules and regulations were needed in the field of safety in order to promote competitiveness. That is why the industry has launched the NORSOK Standards. The standards are now used worldwide, replacing oil company specifications and are also used as references in authorities' regulations.

The standards in the oil and gas industry

The NORSOK Standards are not the only standards in the oil and gas industry. In addition to the NORSOK Standards, ISO, IMO, FTP code and SOLAS 74 standards are also used. These standards form the basis for architecture and safety in the industry.

The standards provide in detail the requirements that, among other things, safe installations and buildings must comply to guarantee safety.

Categories of the NORSOK Standards

The NORSOK Standards are divided into different 29 categories for on and offshore operations. There are categories for geotechnology, marine operation, lifting equipment, underwater operation, pipelines and more. A total of 79 NORSOK Standards are currently in use.

International use

The NORSOK standards are Norwegian standards, but also used worldwide. Together with the ISO, IMO, FTP code and SOLAS 74 standards to ensure safety in the oil and gas industry.

Learn more about the NORSOK standards for fire and blast protective products in our eBook: