The Norwegian Offshore Directorate

Photo of a riser – a pipe that transports oil, gas, water, or other fluids between the seabed and a surface installation. — Some of the wells that made a difference

All exploration wells are important and special, say the geologists. But some are more important and special than others. Click here and read more.

Exploration pays off. The picture shows Johan Sverdrup. The field was discovered in 2010, began producing in 2019 and accounts for approximately one third of Norwegian oil production. (Photo: Jonny Engelsvoll/Equinor)

One krone invested in exploration generates a return of four kroner

7/7/2026 Exploration on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) is highly profitable. Over the past 25 years, capital invested in exploration has generated a fourfold return.

Subsurface clarity

7/2/2026 Everything was simpler before. The geologists observed a “bump”(dome) below the seabed, the rig took up position and drilled in the middle. Today, everything is more akin to computer games.

Petroleum

Appraisal

Wildcat

CCS

Appraisal

Wildcat

Active exploration wellbores

FactPages

FactMaps

Exploration drilling

Exploration drilling

Geophysical surveys

Geophysical surveys

Carbon storage

Seabed minerals

Seabed minerals

Data and analysis

Data and analysis

Drilling permits

Drilling permit for wellbore 35/6-7 S

7/13/2026 The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Vår Energi ASA drilling permit for wellbore 35/6-7 S in production licence 929.

Drilling permit for wellbore 25/8-24 S

7/13/2026 The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Vår Energi ASA drilling permit for wellbore 25/8-24 S in production licence 1203.

Drilling permit for wellbore 36/7-6 S

7/9/2026 The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Energi ASA drilling permit for wellbore 36/7-6 S in production licence 636.

Oil production 2026

Liquid production 2026

Gas production 2026

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