New in APA 2026

Change in reporting of resource estimates

Previously, resource estimates were reported both in Application Data – Table 2: Resource overview (Table 2) and in Discovery and Prospect Data – Table 4 (prospect data form). 

For APA 2026, the following changes apply: 

• An overview of all resources included in the application shall still be reported in Table 2. 
• Resource estimates, probability of discovery, and cases (if relevant) shall this year be reported only in the prospect data form. 

A prospect data form shall be submitted for all prospects, discoveries, and leads. For leads, fewer fields are required to be completed. Further guidance is provided in the prospect data form. 

It is very important that the naming of prospects, discoveries, and leads is identical in Table 2, the prospect data form, and the associated shapefiles. 

DST Cost-Benefit Analysis – clarification 

In the application guidelines, Section 2.3 has now been clarified to state that the DST Cost-Benefit Analysis shall, as a minimum, be linked to the main prospect in the application. 

For more information, see page 15 in the Guide to Application. 

Fast-track development solutions 

It is important that the authorities are made aware of areas where fast-track development solutions may be relevant. Fast-track development solutions require discoveries/main prospects with sufficient maturity and well-understood geology.

In fast-track development scenarios, it is important to ensure sound resource management, and the authorities expect early dialogue in such cases.

The description of fast-track development processes is therefore more clearly elaborated in this year’s application guidelines: 

• In Section 2.4 Technological assumptions and development plan, such solutions shall be described if a fast-track development is envisaged. 
• In Section 3 Work programme, it shall be clearly stated how the applicant envisages the implementation of a fast-track development schedule.

For more information, see pages 15–16 in the Guide to Application.

CompanyInformation-form

Column K (Application delivered by) and Column L (Fee paid by) have been removed from Table 5 – Application List from Company.

This information is now obtained by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate from other supporting documentation.