The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has published a definition of the term ‘interpreted data’ that does not include processed geophysical data and will shorten the confidentiality obligation for much of the data acquired in the region.
The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has published a definition of the term ‘interpreted data’ that does not include processed geophysical data and will shorten the confidentiality obligation for much of the data acquired in the region.
‘Interpreted data shall mean products that are the result of a discretionary professional assessment, and which are of sufficient quality to form a basis for decisions in the production licence. Processed geophysical data, measured well data or depictions thereof are not considered to be interpreted data,’ said Arne Jacobsen, the NPD’s assistant director for technology, analysis and coexistence.
‘Establishing a precise definition helps to ensure that data can be reported in an efficient and correct manner, and not least that more data can be available earlier,’ Jacobsen added.
As regards interpreted data, the confidentiality obligation lasts 20 years, while for non-interpreted data, the obligation lasts for 2, 5 or 10 years, depending on certain conditions, counting from when the data became available to the data owner.
The new definition will have an impact on guidelines for reporting well data (Blue Book) and reporting geophysical data (Yellow Book) and will apply for data already submitted. The NPD has initiated a process to review previously reported data.
As a result of the clarification around 30 data types subject to mandatory reporting from the Blue Book will be reclassified from interpreted to non-interpreted data.
The NPD has also submitted a recommendation to Norway’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy for a shortened confidentiality obligation for interpreted data.
