The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced this year’s licensing round in mature areas on the Norwegian continental shelf, namely the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2018.
Awarding acreage in mature areas in annual APA-rounds is part of the Norwegian Government’s attempt to a stable and long-term petroleum policy, Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Mr. Terje Søviknes said.
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In the APA 2018, the predefined area has been expanded by a total of 103 blocks – 47 blocks in the Norwegian Sea and 56 blocks in the Barents Sea. The expansion mainly includes blocks in the western part of the Norwegian Sea, and areas east of the current APA area in the Barents Sea.
Access to exploration acreage is vital in order to make new petroleum discoveries. New discoveries on the Norwegian continental shelf aims to safeguard employment and Government revenues. An important policy of the Government’s policy is to enable oil companies in a safe and effective exploration in Norway, Minister Terje Søviknes added.
The application deadline for companies is 12.00 on September 4th, 2018. The aim is to award new production licenses in the announced areas by the beginning of 2019.
The invitation to apply for petroleum production licenses, an updated map of the announced blocks, health, safety and environment (HSE), environmental and fisheries requirements and further information are available on the website of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.
