Interest in exploration on the Norwegian continental shelf remains high

tfo2024-kunna — Kunna, in the far south of Salten, is a modern shallow marine depositional environment, where the beach to the north (left) is far more affected by waves and wind than the one to the south (right). (Photo: Fridtjof Riis, The Norwegian Offshore Directorate)

06/09/2024 The authorities have received applications from 21 companies in the Awards in predefined areas (APA) 2024. The deadline for applications was 3 September.

“It’s gratifying to see the continued significant interest in exploring new acreage in mature areas on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS), even in light of the many awards in recent APA rounds,” says Kalmar Ildstad, Director licence management in the Norwegian Offshore Directorate.

We note that most of the companies that are active on the NCS have submitted applications in this year’s APA round, and the applications confirm considerable interest in exploration near existing fields and infrastructure.

The Norwegian Offshore Directorate is now working to evaluate the applications, with emphasis on geological comprehension and plans for exploration of the areas. When production licences are awarded, emphasis is also placed on the companies’ technical expertise and experience, as well as financial strength.

The authorities aim to award new production licences in the announced areas in early 2025. Read the Ministry of Energy's press release

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