The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced this year’s licensing round on the Norwegian continental shelf. In the new licensing round, the predefined area has been expanded by a total of 90 blocks; namely five in the North Sea, 37 in the Norwegian Sea and 48 in the Barents Sea.
Companies have until 12 noon on August 27, 2019, to apply for a license. The aim is to award new production licenses in the announced areas in the start of 2020.
The expansion of the APA-area is considered an important issue in order to ensure effective exploration of larger parts of the NCS, including the Barents Sea.
The expansion aims to provide the companies access to new opportunities that can enable value creation, employment and technology.
Commenting on the occasion, Minister Kjell-Børge Freiberg, stated that:
We are continuing our practice of offering regular concessions on the NCS to provide the industry access to new acreage. Awarding prospective acreage is a central element in the Government’s policy. I believe the oil companies are well motivated to continuing exploring the NCS
