The Kårstø processing plant north of Stavanger.
(Photo: Øyvind Hagen)
On 15 January Stavanger district court passed a judgement in the case between the State, represented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, and Statoil ASA. The State was awarded a NOK 378 million post-tax judgment, plus a penalty interest from 24 January 2002. Under the settlement the amount is increased to NOK 500 million after tax, and the total pre-tax amount of interest is fixed at NOK 375 million, corresponding to NOK 270 million after tax. The interest represents an effective interest rate which is slightly lower than the penalty interest.
Under the settlement both parties waive their rights to appeal Stavanger district court's judgment. Any renewed processing of the case in the court of appeal would have involved the use of extensive personnel-related and financial resources for both parties, and an uncertain final result.
Statoil is pleased that this case has now been finally solved.