An Overview of the Italian and Croatian Legal Frameworks Regulating Offshore Platforms in the Oil and Gas Sector in the Adriatic Sea

The aim of the paper is to provide a legal analysis of the current legal discipline with regard the field of offshore platforms active in the oil and gas sector in Italian and Croatian Law, with some references to the International and EU frameworks as well. The offshore exploration and exploitation activities in the Adriatic Sea have commenced in the second part of 20th century, with active drilling sites on the Italian side of Adriatic (oil and gas) being operational since the 1960’s, and on the Croatian side (gas, joint ventures between Croatian and Italian companies), since 1990’s. The Authors intend to focus on the general legal framework with regard the hydrocarbons’ (petroleum) exploration and exploitation in both jurisdictions, examine the typical (standard) contract forms (i.e., production sharing agreements) utilized in offshore ventures, and collate the relevant provisions with regard the offshore platforms’ decommissioning. A special attention is paid to the safety and security issues, especially with regard the protection of marine environment, having in mind the geographical limitations of the Adriatic Sea and its sensitive and vulnerable marine eco-system. Finally, particular emphasis is placed on the study of statutory norms and contractual clauses with regard the liability and (role of) insurance with respect to, inter alia, decommissioning.