On 20 June 2025, amendments to the Working Environment Act were adopted, marking an important shift in the legal regulation of offshore renewable energy production. The changes will take effect on 1 January 2026 and mean that the Working Environment Act will also apply in the offshore wind industry and other offshore renewable sectors.
What does the legislative change involve?
The change concerns Section 1-3 of the Working Environment Act, which previously only covered petroleum activities. With the new wording, it is made clear that the Act also applies to:
- Activities related to renewable energy production, and
- Conversion and transmission of electrical energy offshore
In addition, the heading of Section 1-3 has been changed from “Petroleum activities offshore” to the more general “Activities offshore” – a linguistic and principled adjustment that clarifies that the Act’s scope extends beyond oil and gas.
The government has set a target of awarding areas for 30 GW of offshore wind by 2040. Work is also under way on new regulations on safety and working environment in the offshore wind sector, led by the Offshore Industry Authority (Havindustritilsynet). To provide a solid legal basis for these regulations, it was necessary to expand the scope of the Working Environment Act. This change gives employees in the offshore wind industry the same rights and protections that workers in the petroleum sector have had for years.
What does this mean for employers and businesses?
Businesses planning the development and operation of offshore renewable energy projects must now comply with the same working environment requirements that already apply to petroleum activities. In other words, there will be stricter demands for HSE (Health, Safety and Environment), employment law issues, and ensuring a proper working environment.
This also applies to projects outside the Norwegian continental shelf, provided there is an agreement with a foreign state or another basis in international law. The amendment therefore creates a more comprehensive and predictable regulatory framework for the entire Norwegian offshore sector—regardless of energy source.
Our recommendations – how employers should prepare
With these legislative changes taking effect as early as 1 January 2026, we recommend that all actors involved in offshore renewable energy production start preparing well in advance. The expansion of the Act’s scope means businesses must ensure their practices and documentation comply with the new requirements.
In particular, attention should be given to:
- Existing employment contracts and terms: A thorough review should be conducted to ensure employment conditions meet the requirements of the Working Environment Act – including job protection, working hours, and employment rights offshore.
- HSE procedures and internal control systems: Companies must adapt existing HSE procedures to the new requirements and prepare for the forthcoming regulations from the Offshore Industry Authority.
- Organization and compliance: Management and staff should be informed about the new requirements. Compliance with the law must be embedded at all levels, from governing documents to practical implementation offshore.
Please feel free to contact us for a non-binding conversation about your offshore projects.
