Completed Projects

Below is a sample of completed projects by members of the Bergen Risk Solutions staff:

'Security risk assessment – tanker operations, Bonny, Nigeria – June 2010'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a shipping company’s operations at the Bonny Terminal. Based on identification and analysis of previous attacks and the wider operational environment we provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Security risk assessment and vessel vulnerability analysis – Guinea Bissau – June 2010'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a seismic company’s operations off Guinea Bissau, West Africa. Based on identification and analysis of previous attacks and the wider operational environment we provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'‘Guns, Oil and Cake – Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea’ – May 2010'

Arild Nodland, our CEO, wrote this chapter for the US Naval War College/Newport Papers publication – Piracy & Maritime Crime. The book’s topic is international maritime piracy and it covers a wide range of issues, current as well as historical. We were invited to write the chapter on the current maritime security situation in Africa’s most significant petroleum region and put main emphasis on Nigeria, which, by far, has been worst affected by attacks on shipping and offshore installations. The book is a joint publication of the U.S. Naval War College and Australia’s Sea Power Centre.

'Security risk assessment and vessel vulnerability analysis – Nigeria – April 2010'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a shipping company’s operations off Nigeria. Based on identification and analysis of previous attacks and the wider operational environment we provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Security Risk Assessment - Guinea – February 2010'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a seismic company’s operations off Guinea in West Africa. Based on identification and analysis of previous attacks and the wider operational environment on and off shore we provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Vessel vulnerability assessment and ship hardening plan for a Gulf of Aden transit – February 2010'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a seismic vessel’s transit through the Gulf of Aden. We provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Security risk assessment for operations at the Okwori Terminal, Nigeria – January 2010'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a shipping company’s operations at the Okwori Terminal. Based on identification and analysis of previous attacks and the wider operational environment we provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Security risk assessment for operations in the Rio del Rey Basin, Cameroon – November 2009'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a subsea services company’s operations off Cameroon’s Bakassi Peninsula. We provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Information letter to crew and families – November 2009'

BRS provided information to the crew and their families on a vessel operating off Nigeria. The letter provided information on the operation and the security risks associated with it.

'Piracy countermeasure ship security audit for a Gulf of Aden transit – November 2009'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a seismic vessel’s transit through the Gulf of Aden. We provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management, and a full ship hardening plan.

'Security risk assessment for operations off Guinea Bissau and Liberia – November 2009'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a seismic vessel’s operations off Guinea Bissau and Liberia. We provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Security risk assessment and vessel vulnerability analysis for operations off Lagos and Western Delta – November 2009'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a seismic vessel’s operations off Lagos and Western Delta. We provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Security risk assessment for operations off Nigeria – August 2009 '

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with an oil company’s operations off Nigeria. Based on identification and analysis of previous attacks and the wider operational environment we provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Security risk assessment Niger Delta – August 2009'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with drilling operations in Rivers State for a Nigerian oil company . We provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Security risk assessment and vessel vulnerability analysis for operations off Eastern Niger Delta,– August 2009'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a seismic vessel’s operations, including crew changes, off Calabar River. We provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Security risk assessment and vessel vulnerability analysis for operations at the Zaphiro offshore complex in Equatorial Guinea – May 2009'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with a seismic vessel’s operations off Nigeria. We provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Security risk assessment and political risk analysis, Southern Iraq – March 2009'

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with land based operations at the al-Zubair field in Basra Governorate. We provided the client with security & mine maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management.

'Gulf of Aden Piracy. Background, Forecast, Practical Prevention Strategies – March 2009'

This report covers the situation in the piracy infested waters off Somalia. The waters off Somalia are the most dangerous in the world after Somali pirates seized over 40 vessels in 2008. The chaos offshore is intricately linked to the chaos and lawlessness onshore. To properly understand the Gulf of Aden it is important to understand the situation in the surrounding nations, most notably Somalia. The situation in the Gulf of Aden has three perspectives; that of the pirates, the international community and its presence in the Gulf, and the situation in Somalia. This report gives an excellent overview of all three perspectives. It includes maps which pinpoints attacks throughout 2008 and the first two months of 2009, a forecast regarding piracy, the situation on land and the international community’s involvement as well as practical prevention strategies for shipping companies travelling in the area.

‘Bonny River risk assessment - January 2009’

BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with operations on the Bonny River, Nigeria, and approaches, on behalf of a shipping company. Based on identification and analysis of previous attacks and the wider operational environment we provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management as well as vessels’ crews.

‘Oil Field Security Risk Assessment – December 2008’

On behalf of a multi-national survey firm BRS conducted a full and detailed assessment of the risks associated with operations relatively close to the Nigerian coastline. Based on identification and analysis of previous attacks and the wider operational environment we provided the client with detailed security maps and a full risk assessment to facilitate decision making for the company’s management as well as vessel’s crew. Our partner in Nigeria, Stellar Security, provided two Security Liaison Offers who joined the vessel for the duration of the survey contract.

‘Oslo Maritime Security Seminar - October 2008’

CEO Arild Nodland spoke at the Oslo Maritime Security Seminar 2008: “Nigeria and the Delta: No Improvement in sight?” Hosts:  Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) and Norwegian Shipowners’ Mutual War Risks Insurance Association

‘Crew Change Risk Assessment – October 2008’

A global seismic company hired us to do a full tactical risk assessment of their crew change prior to sending their survey vessel to Nigeria. In addition to delivering detailed maps and analysis, we travelled to Lagos and Port Harcourt with them to identify hot-spots, choke points and, more importantly, solutions. BRS drew up a risk management matrix in which we identified risks and solutions to different scenarios. The crew change took place without incident.

‘The International Workshop on Violent Conflict in the Niger Delta – August, 2008’

We were invited to take part in this workshop where we not only were given a chance to present our briefing “Niger Delta Security and the Petroleum Industry” – but also to liaise with some of Nigeria’s leading academics, activists and labour organisations to enrich our own understanding of the mechanics of the current predicament in Africa’s petroleum heartland. The workshop was organised by The Nordic Africa Institute and International Peace Research Institute, Oslo.

‘Egypt Risk Assessment’

In August 2008 we were engaged by a seismic company that wished to identify potential security pitfalls in conjunction with their marine operations close to the Gaza strip, and also crew transfers in and out of Egypt. By utilising our own competencies and that of our associates in Cairo, Gaza and Israel we were able to respond on short notice and deliver our findings within the client’s given one week timeframe.

‘Kenya/Somalia Maritime Risk Study’

In February 2008 we were approached by a global seismic data provider who wanted assistance in identifying and analysing risks associated with operations offshore Kenya, including right up the maritime border with Somalia. Somalia is a challenging maritime security environment and Kenya, including the port of Mombasa, had been affected by riots following disputed elections in December 2007. We mobilised a team of experts who completed the job in three days, delivering a thorough and richly illustrated risk briefing based on open sources as well as interviews with government officials of several countries, United Nations security officers and maritime security experts in Kenya. The briefing enabled our client to proceed with qualified decision making.

‘Nigeria Travel Advisory’

We were approached by a client who needed concrete and specific guidelines for how to operate in Lagos and Port Harcourt. He required clear, coherent and actionable guidelines for how company staff were to organise their travel to, and within, the country. We were able to comply within a matter of days and provided the client with a clear and practical advisory, including a brief and relevant threat assessment. The Travel Advisory is used as standard company procedure for all travel to Nigeria.  

‘Niger Delta Maritime Security’

was the first of our Maritime Security Reviews. The report examines the fundamental causes of insecurity in Nigeria with special focus on security of maritime operations. The report also explores the Niger Delta insurgency and the role and capabilities of the Nigerian Navy in countering the insurgents. This report will give you indispensable insight into the core issues in the struggle in the Niger Delta and surrounding waters.
Read it here

‘Security in the Niger Delta – Background, Incidents, Forecast’

An in-depth analysis of the security situation in the Niger Delta, and how it got to be so messy. This report examines the political, social, financial, religious and environmental perspectives on the situation, as well as exploring different actors in the delta, the significance of oil, corruption as well as tactics and strategies of armed groups. This report is invaluable for both professionals operating in the area as well as anyone interested in the situation in the Niger Delta.
Read it here

‘Norwegian Foreign Direct Investment. Country Risks and Mitigation Strategies’

An overview of potential pitfalls in overseas market activities and outsourcing. It contains three case studies in which Norwegian companies have encountered challenges arising from political and security risks. This report is primarily of academic nature, but will provide a highly useful read for anyone involved in emerging market activity.
Read it here

‘Iraq – Business Opportunities & Business Risk’

This briefing identifies opportunities and threats associated with investments in Iraq. It examines investments from a security risk perspective and elaborates on types of political and security challenges investors will face in Iraq. It also explores risk mitigation strategies to support client decision making.
Read it here 

‘Afghanistan - Election Observation Threat Assessment’

Analysis of the security situation in Afghanistan and how it affects the European Union’s election observation mission. The paper was prepared in order to provide the EU and their election observers with a thorough understanding of the risks entailed in working in one of the most challenging countries in the world.
Read it here

‘Iraq - Election Support - Final Report on Security and Logistics’

Wishing to take on a supporting role in the post-Saddam presidential elections – this report outlines security and logistical challenges facing the client prior to their involvement in Iraq. The report has a “hands on” approach, presenting threats and mitigating factors in a very concrete and actionable manner. 
Read it here

‘Afghanistan - Voter Registration Project – United Nations Operations Support Plan’

This is the operations support plan for the first democratic elections in Afghanistan. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), our employer, had previously never done ventures of this kind, but was afterwards chosen as the chief international partner in several other elections in post-conflict nations, such as Iraq, Liberia and Haiti. The elections involved 35 provincial electoral offices, 140.000 polling staff, 5.000 long-term electoral staff, 48.000 police officers, 2.300 vehicles, 85 horses, 532 donkeys, 4 camels. And 130 million USD.
Read it here     
View the project presentation here