WASHINGTON – In a significant step forward for America’s global energy leadership, the Arctic Offshore Regulators Forum (AORF), a critical international alliance dedicated to enhancing offshore petroleum safety in the Arctic region, celebrated its 10th anniversary at a two-day event held on June 24 and 25, 2025. Following the meeting, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) officially assumed chairmanship of the Forum for the next two years.
Established in 2015, AORF comprises technical and operational offshore petroleum safety regulators from Arctic states, including Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and the United States. Over the past decade, the Forum has become instrumental in fostering international collaboration, sharing regulatory best practices, and strengthening safety measures critical to the responsible development of Arctic resources.
The recent anniversary meeting highlighted significant accomplishments, including strengthened regulatory coordination, enhanced emergency response protocols, and the sharing of cutting-edge technology solutions tailored for Arctic conditions.
“The Arctic Offshore Regulators Forum exemplifies the importance of international cooperation to advance safety and environmental stewardship,” said BSEE Principal Deputy Director Kenneth Stevens. “BSEE’s leadership in this forum over the next two years will not only help unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential but will also strengthen critical relationships with our Arctic partners, enhancing our collective ability to ensure safe, responsible offshore operations.”
The two-day meeting provided an opportunity to review Arctic pipeline standards and technologies, as well as discuss well control containment and challenges. Additional topics included offshore environmental protection, safety and resource recovery through regulatory oversight and enforcement, as well as a roundtable discussion with industry facilitated by the American Petroleum Institute (API) on international standards development for offshore oil and gas operations in cold climates.
Key objectives of the AORF under BSEE's leadership will align with the Administration’s vision to unleash Alaska’s extraordinary potential and establish American leadership and Energy Dominance globally. In doing so, BSEE will continue to collaborate with its Arctic partners to enhance regulatory transparency, promote innovative safety measures, and expand collaboration into new areas such as cybersecurity and seabed mineral exploration in offshore operations.
For more information on AORF activities and BSEE’s ongoing leadership role, visit www.bsee.gov.
Contact: BSEEPublicAffairs@bsee.gov