Mining Ordinance for the area of coastal waters and the continental shelf (2018 update)

This ordinance applies to the exploration, extraction, and processing of oil and gas resources in the coastal waters and continental shelf of Germany and associated activities and facilities, including underground transit pipelines.

 

When selecting methods for exploration, extraction, and processing in offshore areas, the operator must ensure that adverse effects on the sea, seabed, animals, and plants are avoided or kept as low as possible. Employees and third parties are obligated to prevent pollution to the sea and seabed, or keep it as low as possible, and comply with state-of-the-art technology and updated rules. The operator must take preventative leak measures, including having suitable devices and measures to limit, combat, and remove leaked substances.

 

For the transport of crude oil, natural gas, and other substances, the operator may only use pipelines that withstand the expected mechanical, thermal, and chemical loads, are protected against external and internal corrosion as well as against electrostatic charges, are equipped with shut-off devices and non-return valves from end to end, are equipped with a leak monitoring system for liquids, and are equipped with devices that measure and display pipeline operating pressure.

 

The operator must immediately notify the competent authority in the event of serious accidents, serious dangers, or other accidents, including the release of large amounts of hazardous substances.

Want to know more about this policy ? Learn more (German)