This is the highest penalty in Norway's history. Equinor is in big trouble
The case concerns years of maintenance failures and illegal emissions of oil and gas. The total amount of the fine and confiscation is NOK 720 million. The company announces it will take the case to court.
The confiscation is the highest in Norway's history.
Fot. Øyvind Hagen, materiały prasowe Equinor
The Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) has imposed a fine of NOK 220 million and confiscation of NOK 500 million on Equinor Refining Norway AS.
The sanctions relate to extensive and long-term environmental pollution at the Mongstad refinery. Proceedings in this case have been ongoing since 2021. They concern violations of the Norwegian Environmental Protection Act.
The sanctions relate to extensive and long-term environmental pollution at the Mongstad refinery. Proceedings in this case have been ongoing since 2021. They concern violations of the Norwegian Environmental Protection Act.
Illegal emissions and danger to employees
According to Økokrim, the company failed for decades to fulfill its duty to properly maintain installations. Officials indicate that this led to a series of illegal emissions and leaks of gases and oil.
The most serious incident involved the release of about 40 tons of gas, including highly concentrated hydrogen sulfide. The emission posed a threat to the lives of plant workers. According to investigators, the lack of casualties was a matter of chance.
The most serious incident involved the release of about 40 tons of gas, including highly concentrated hydrogen sulfide. The emission posed a threat to the lives of plant workers. According to investigators, the lack of casualties was a matter of chance.
The final decision is to be made in court.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard/Stocksnapper
One of the highest penalties in history
Økokrim emphasizes that the severity of the penalty reflects the seriousness of the violations. The amount of confiscation is the highest ever imposed in Norway. The fine itself is the second highest ever imposed on a Norwegian company.
Authorities note that the case concerns systemic failures in installation maintenance. These form the basis for the company's criminal liability.
Authorities note that the case concerns systemic failures in installation maintenance. These form the basis for the company's criminal liability.
The company's position and next steps
Equinor Refining Norway AS disagrees with Økokrim's decision. The company states that it detected the irregularities itself and reported them to the relevant authorities. Internal audits were conducted and corrective actions were implemented.
The company's management denies that there were years of neglect or cost-cutting at the expense of safety. The company announces it will present its position in court.
The company's management denies that there were years of neglect or cost-cutting at the expense of safety. The company announces it will present its position in court.
How do you rate this article?