Norway drills offshore platform seizure scenarios as energy infrastructure security takes centre stage

As Europe’s largest supplier of natural gas, Norway is stepping up efforts to protect its offshore energy infrastructure against an increasingly complex threat environment. Through the annual Exercise Gemini, Norwegian authorities recently tested their ability to respond to one of the most challenging scenarios imaginable: the hostile takeover of an offshore oil and gas platform.

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15 june 2026   |   11:29   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Forsvaret

The exercise reflects a broader shift in European security thinking, in which offshore energy assets are no longer viewed solely as industrial facilities, but as critical components of national resilience and continental energy security.

From energy producer to strategic backbone

Since the reduction of Russian gas supplies to Europe and the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022, Norway has emerged as the continent’s leading gas supplier.

The country’s extensive offshore network — comprising oil and gas platforms, subsea pipelines, processing facilities and export terminals — now represents infrastructure of strategic importance not only to Norway, but to Europe as a whole.

Any disruption to these assets could have significant economic, political and security implications across the region.

As a result, the protection of offshore installations has become a top priority for both Norwegian authorities and NATO allies.

Exercise Gemini tests maritime counterterrorism capabilities

During the latest edition of Exercise Gemini, Norwegian military and civilian agencies rehearsed procedures for regaining control of a hijacked offshore platform on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Under Norway’s legal framework, the police retain primary responsibility for managing such incidents. However, they can request military support when a situation exceeds civilian capabilities.

The exercise focused on strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies, special operations forces, naval units, air assets and intelligence services.

Its primary objective was to enhance Norway’s capacity to conduct maritime counterterrorism operations while ensuring rapid decision-making, seamless communication and effective command-and-control structures.

According to Norwegian authorities, the exercise also tested the ability to rapidly assemble a credible joint force capable of supporting the police commissioner responsible for offshore security.

Special operations forces at the core

A central role in the exercise was played by the Norwegian Special Operations Forces, which maintain dedicated capabilities for maritime counterterrorism missions.

Major General Joar Eidheim, commander of the Norwegian Special Operations Forces, emphasised that success in such operations depends heavily on coordination across multiple agencies and military branches.

- We have trained how to communicate between the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, the special operations forces and the police commissioner to ensure a shared understanding of the situation and provide detailed insight into operational plans, Eidheim said.

He also highlighted the importance of integrated planning involving the Royal Norwegian Navy, the Royal Norwegian Air Force and intelligence resources.

Significantly, Eidheim acknowledged that Norway had previously identified shortcomings in its maritime counterterrorism training regime.

- Work is now progressing well to restore the level of training required for these missions, he noted.

Lessons from hybrid threats

Exercise Gemini takes place against the backdrop of a deteriorating security environment in Northern Europe.

The Nord Stream sabotage served as a stark reminder that offshore infrastructure remains vulnerable to hybrid threats, including sabotage, cyberattacks, unmanned systems and covert operations conducted below the threshold of conventional warfare.

Across the North Sea and the Baltic region, governments and energy operators have increased investments in subsea surveillance technologies, maritime domain awareness capabilities and rapid-response mechanisms.

NATO has also expanded its focus on protecting critical underwater infrastructure, recognising that energy networks, telecommunications cables and offshore installations are increasingly attractive targets for hostile actors.

Implications for the Baltic Sea region

Norway’s approach offers important lessons for countries around the Baltic Sea, including Poland.

The rapid expansion of offshore wind farms, LNG import infrastructure, subsea pipelines and strategic energy corridors such as Baltic Pipe is transforming the Baltic into a critical energy hub.

Protecting these assets requires more than naval patrols or enhanced physical security measures. It demands close cooperation between governments, military forces, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services and private-sector operators.

The growing complexity of threats facing offshore infrastructure underscores the need for regular joint exercises, interoperable command structures and robust public-private partnerships.

As Europe continues to diversify its energy supplies and expand offshore energy production, safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure will remain one of the defining security challenges of the decade.

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