On the measurements and analysis of ocean waves and currents on the Norwegian continental shelf

Environmental data, particularly wave and current data, are of vital importance in offshore engineering. The needs for such data are discussed with reference to the influence of various environmental parameters on the loads of offshore structures. Data collected until now from the Norwegian continental shelf are reviewed. Furthermore, a planned data collection program is presented and discussed with respect to experience with instrumentation techniques, data recovery, and representativity, as well as interpretation and analysis gained from the present activity in this field.