Norway’s Pelagisk Forening has urged oil companies and authorities to remove all pipelines and cables from the seabed when offshore fields are decommissioned in the North Sea. The industry body argues that leaving infrastructure behind could create long-term problems for fisheries.
The comments were submitted in two consultation responses dated 12 May 2026. One concerns the planned shutdown of the Eldfisk 2/7B and Embla 2/7D installations operated by ConocoPhillips. The other relates to the removal of the Balder FPU operated by Vår Energi.
Fisheries Group Rejects Leaving Pipelines on Seabed
Pelagisk Forening said all pipelines and cables on the seabed should be completely removed. The organisation warned that fishing patterns and gear are changing. It argued that offshore areas reopened to fisheries must be free of infrastructure and debris.
The group described it as “incredible” that leaving equipment on the seabed remains an option in 2026 after petroleum activities end.
Concerns Over Limited Fisheries Data
Pelagisk Forening also criticised the environmental assessments for relying on too few fishing seasons in their analyses of fisheries activity.
In the Eldfisk and Embla case, the organisation said only two fishing years, 2020 and 2022, had been used. In the Balder consultation, it said the assessment was based on only one fishing year, 2022.
The association called for fisheries data covering the past 10 years to be included in future impact studies.
Offshore Installations Face Closure
According to the consultation documents, the Eldfisk 2/7B and Embla 2/7D facilities, along with related pipelines and cables, are expected to become redundant within a few years after production ends. Balder FPU is expected to cease operations after March 2030.