The North Sea and the Offshore Industry; historical perspectives

For thousands of years, the North Sea has been the crossroad of seafarers. Since fifty years a new activity takes place: the exploitation of natural resources (oil, gas and wind). Source of great wealth to some countries like Norway and creating energy-independency at some level. The rough conditions on the North Sea have caused a series of innovative techniques, constructions, and vessels to perform the job safely and at a reasonable price. But the Offshore industry is not without risks. Seen from the position of nature protectionists there is the tread of pollution and disturbing the marine wildlife. The speakers, experts in the field of the Offshore history, shed light on the many aspects of its intriguing past and present from the British, Danish and Dutch perspective.