The deadline of an international tender launched by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the recruitment of a specialized consultant to offer EDEY, the Greek Hydrocarbon Management Company, guidance in the implementation of offshore safety regulations, a task the hydrocarbon company has taken on, expired just days ago.

EDEY assumed the responsibility of monitoring and implementing offshore safety regulations in 2016 following a Greek energy ministry proposal.

In other parts of Europe, legal obligations for the safety of offshore regulations vary and are covered by either independent agencies or ministries. For example, in Cyprus the task has been assumed by the country’s labor ministry while in the UK and Norway, an independent authority has been charged with the task.

EDEY sought support from the EBRD for the task. The EBRD is offering financial support, assessment of current conditions, and is also staging the international tender, seeking an international expert who will audit Greece’s exisiting offshore facilities and offer training to personnel.

The EBRD expects to reach a decision on the international tender’s preferred bidder in about two weeks.