NGI has helped to lay the foundation for the Norwegian offshore industry since the beginning. NGI has always been keen to stay ahead of developments, and the Institute is an internationally sought center for its consultancy with assignments for a wide customer range around the world.

NGI offers a diverse range of services for the offshore industry, and nearly half of the turnover is related to oil and gas market. The main customers are the big oil companies and their subcontractors that need extensive expertise in offshore site investigations and foundation, petroleum geomechanics and underwater technology, among other things. NGI's services in the oil and gas offshore is linked to the exploration, development, operation, recovery and reduction (decommissioning) of offshore fields. 

NGI is especially known for his work related to new methods for the study of seabed sediments in oil fields and their behavior under wave (cyclic) loads. In recent years, we have been widely recognized internationally in connection with the EM (electromagnetic) and shear wave technology for the exploration for hydrocarbons. NGI participate actively in the efforts to develop new and important future technologies, namely those that will help us reduce global climate problems.

NGI has led several international research programs for the oil industry and collaborates with research institutions worldwide.