Petroleum Contract Law
Petroleum contracts law includes all types of contracts which are entered into in connection with the petroleum business. The main emphasis is placed on construction and maintenance contracts with its various related contract forms. The contracts are often standard and even agreed standard contracts, which makes them suitable for research.
Photo: Knut Kaasen, NIFS
Presentation
The petroleum business requires comprehensive contracts in all its phases: Exploration, development, operation, oil and gas sales, transport and removal. These are often standardized and therefore well worked contracts which are well suited for studying advanced contractual techniques.
In capacities of i.a. arbitrators and advisors the researchers in the department have close contact with the petroleum industry’s different players. The department is therefore able to gain access to relevant material and is aware of topical issues which make the research relevant and current.
Projects
- Associate Professor Ivar Alvik is currently researching and writing an article on the allocation of functions and risk in offshore drilling contracts.
- Research assistant Monica Zak has delivered a masters thesis under the working title "Knock-for-knock-principle in petroleum contracts - legal effect under Norwegian, American and English law."
Study Programmes and Topics
- Elective course JUS5430 – Petroleum contracts (only in Norwegian)
- Elective course JUR1430 - Petroleum contracts BA (only in Norwegian)
- Further education at master level: North Sea Energy Law Programme
Financing
As a part of the Scandinavian Institute of Maritime Law we receive funds from the Nordic Council of Ministers. We also receive economic support from the Norwegian Oil Industry Association (OLF). In addition, we receive funds from the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy via the Research Council of Norway.
Cooperation
The researchers in petroleum contract law cooperate internationally through Academic Advisory Group (AAG). This is a coordinating body for leading research centers in the area of natural resources law. The researchers also cooperate with colleagues at universities and other research institutions in Denmark (Copenhagen), Netherlands (Groningen), Canada, USA, Australia, China and Nigeria. An example of publications rooted in this cooperation is the standard work Energy law in Europe: national, EU and international regulation / edited by Martha M. Roggenkamp ... [et al.]. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.
In addition, we arrange seminars at the Petroleum and Energy Law Club every semester.
Tools
• LovData
• Norsk Fabrikasjonskontrakt 2007 (NF 07) and related standards
• Norwegian Subsea Contract 2005 (NSC 05)
• Standard Contracts for the UK Offshore Oil & Gas Industry