Aker BP shares ocean data to boost transparency and innovation

Background

Aker BP is one of Europe’s largest independent oil and gas companies, operating across the Norwegian continental shelf. Recognizing the critical role of data in advancing both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship, Aker BP has taken a pioneering step by openly sharing time series data on ocean and weather conditions through HUB Ocean’s Ocean Data Platform (ODP). This move is part of a broader ambition to set a new standard for transparency and innovation in the offshore energy sector, and to inspire others to follow suit.

Use Case Overview– Aker BP and HUB Ocean as partners

Norwegian regulations require oil and gas operators to share environmental and operational data with national repositories. However, Aker BP’s commitment goes far beyond compliance. By making historical and real-time metocean data from all offshore assets available on the ODP, Aker BP is not only fulfilling regulatory requirements but also demonstrating industry leadership in voluntary data sharing. This partnership with HUB Ocean is designed to catalyze broader industry participation, foster collaboration, and accelerate the digital transformation of ocean data management

Types of Data Shared

Aker BP’s contribution includes a comprehensive range of metocean datasets, such as:

• Wave heights

• Currents

• Wind speeds

• Temperatures

These datasets, spanning from 2021 to the present, are vital for offshore operations, environmental monitoring, and climate research. The data is made available in formats that adhere to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable), ensuring maximum utility for scientific, industrial, and regulatory users.

How the data is made publicly available

All shared data is accessible through HUB Ocean’s Ocean Data Platform, a cloud-based geospatial platform that enables users to analyze, visualize, and combine datasets from multiple sources. The ODP provides open APIs and scientific workspaces, making it easy for marine scientists, engineers, and industry stakeholders to explore and leverage this data for their various use cases. 

Value and Impact Creation

Aker BP’s initiative is already earning recognition from stakeholders, partners, and NGOs, enhancing its reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking industry leader. By sharing high-quality metocean data, Aker BP is helping to close a major gap in private sector contributions to global ocean knowledge. This data not only supports better decision-making for ocean health and sustainable resource use but also fuels innovation in climate resilience, maritime operations, and marine biodiversity research.

The real value, as emphasized by HUB Ocean CEO Kimberly Mathisen, lies in combining datasets to reveal the bigger picture:

“This aligns with our vision for a more transparent, data-driven future,” says Aker BP CEO Karl Johnny Hersvik. “We hope others in the energy sector will follow.”

A recent HUB Ocean report, Tides of Transparency, found that only 3% of the largest biodiversity repositories contain private sector contributions, highlighting the urgent need for greater industry participation in data sharing. Aker BP’s contribution is helping to close this gap and set a new benchmark for the sector.