Maritime security threats and challenges arising from offshore oil and gas exploration and production in the Arctic

This article discusses the security threats and challenges arising from offshore oil and gas exploration and production activities in the Arctic. It provides a brief overview of trends in offshore oil and gas activities in the region, key players, and security threats relating to the offshore petroleum industry. It focuses on three maritime security threats that are especially relevant to the Arctic: potential for significant environmental pollution; interference with offshore oil and gas infrastructure by environmental activists; and confrontations between Arctic coastal states arising from boundary disputes and ownership rights to offshore oil and gas resources.