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

Latest news

Drilling permit for the wells 34/6-8 S and 34/6-8 A

11/03/2025 The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Equinor Energy AS drilling permit for the wells 34/6-8 S and 34/6-8 A in production licence 554, cf. Section 13 of the Resource Management Regulations.

Announcement of acreage for CO2 storage on the Norwegian Continental Shelf

05/03/2025 On 5th of March 2025, the Ministry of Energy announced one area for CO2 storage pursuant to the CO2 Storage Regulations. This area comprises defined blocks in the North Sea.

Gas/condensate discovery in the Norwegian Sea (6406/6-7 S)

05/03/2025 Equinor and its partners have proven gas/condensate in the “Mistral Sør” prospect.

Dry well in the North Sea (7/1-4 S)

04/03/2025 Vår Energi and its partners have drilled a dry well on the “Kokopelli” prospect, south of the Sleipner area.

Oil discovery in the Barents Sea (7122/8-3 S)

27/02/2025 Vår Energi has discovered oil in the “Zagato” prospect, directly north of the Goliat field.

Improved NCS map

21/02/2025 The Norwegian Offshore Directorate’s FactMaps have been upgraded, making it easier to use the service.

Dry well in the Norwegian Sea (6306/6-3 S)

21/02/2025 Aker BP ASA and its partners have drilled a dry well in the “Bounty Updip” prospect in the Norwegian Sea.

Minor increase in oil and gas resources on the NCS

20/02/2025 Total petroleum resources on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) saw a minor increase last year, according to last year’s "inventory" – the Resource Accounts for 2024.

Production figures January 2025

20/02/2025 Preliminary production figures for January 2025 show an average daily production of 1 990 000 barrels of oil, NGL and condensate.

Drilling permit for wellbore 7220/7-CD-1 H

10/02/2025 The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Equinor Energy AS drilling permit for wellbore 7220/7-CD-1 H in production licence 532, cf. Section 13 of the Resource Management Regulations.