Public consultation on proposed amendments from Norwegian Maritime Authority

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (Sjøfartsdirektoratet) has opened a public consultation on proposed amendments to the regulations governing Norwegian- flagged Mobile Offshore Units. The proposal introduces one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks to date for the safe installation and operation of large lithium-ion battery systems on offshore drilling rigs and other mobile offshore installations.

At the heart of the proposal is a new section dedicated to battery systems and electrochemical capacitor systems with a capacity of 20 kWh or more per battery room. The proposed rules cover every aspect of battery safety, including battery room construction, ventilation, gas detection, fire protection, explosion prevention, CCTV monitoring, emergency procedures, and integration with classification society requirements. Existing battery installations would generally not be affected until the battery system is replaced at the end of its service life.

The consultation package consists of two documents. The first is a Consultation Letter, which explains the background, objectives, and technical reasoning behind the proposed changes. The second is the Draft Amendment Regulation, containing the legal text that would amend the existing regulations if adopted. Together, they provide both the rationale for the new requirements and the detailed regulatory language proposed by the Norwegian Maritime Authority.

The NMA is particularly seeking feedback from industry on the practicality and implementation of several proposed requirements, including the fire protection strategy for battery rooms. Stakeholders such as offshore operators, battery manufacturers, system integrators, shipyards, classification societies, equipment suppliers, and other interested parties are encouraged to review the proposals and submit their comments.

The consultation period is open until 10 September 2026. Comments should be submitted to post@sdir.no, and questions regarding the consultation can be directed to Senior Adviser Nina Hanssen Åse at nha@sdir.no. The consultation documents are also available on the Norwegian Maritime Authority’s website.

If adopted, these amendments are expected to establish a new benchmark for battery safety on offshore installations and may influence future battery regulations for offshore assets well beyond Norway.