In autumn 2025, Equinor applied for an exemption from the regulations for night work and cabin sharing on Gina Krog for a period of up to 12 weeks. The application was based on the need to ensure the start-up of the Eirin field in 2025, with reference, in particular, to energy security and socio-economic consequences.
Following an overall assessment, Havtil found that the “special circumstances” condition in the Framework Regulations, section 70 concerning exemptions, was not met and rejected the application. Equinor appealed the decision to the Ministry of Energy.
Decision from the Ministry of Energy
In its processing of the appeal, the Ministry found, after a specific assessment, that the conditions for exemption were not met, and upheld Havtil’s decision.
In its grounds for the decision, the Ministry notes, among other things, that the clear starting point is that the regulations must be followed without extensive use of exemption decisions, and that projects must be managed in such a way that the provisions of the regulations are complied with. The authority to grant exemptions pursuant to the Framework Regulations, section 70, applies to “special circumstances” and refers to a safety valve that should only be used in exceptional cases.