Invitation to nominate blocks for mineral activities on the seabed
29/04/2024
In a letter of 29 April, the Norwegian Offshore Directorate invited players to nominate blocks in connection with the first licensing round for mineral activities on the seabed.
The players' nominations represent an effort to acquire knowledge, which will be included in the basis for considering which areas will be announced.
"This marks the starting point for something that could become a new industry on the Norwegian shelf. We're looking forward to seeing the input from the players," says Director general Torgeir Stordal.
The Ministry of Energy's proposed announcement will be submitted for public consultation. An announcement regarding the first licensing round is expected after the summer of 2024.
A general reasoning and information about the nominated blocks must be provided using a template in the guidelines.
27/03/2025
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Equinor Energy AS drilling permit for wellbore 25/11-30 S in production licence 169, cf. Section 13 of the Resource Management Regulations.
18/03/2025
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Harbour Energy Norge AS drilling permit for wellbore 9/6-1 in production licence EXL006, cf. Section 13 of the Resource Management Regulations.
17/03/2025
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Aker BP ASA drilling permit for wellbore 6405/7-4 in production licence 1005, cf. Section 13 of the Resource Management Regulations.
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.
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.