General news

• Announcement of awards in predefined areas (APA) 2024

  08/05/2024 The Ministry of Energy announced APA 2024 on 8 May 2024, encompassing the predefined areas with blocks in the Norwegian Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea.

• Eight companies have applied for CO2 storage acreage

  30/04/2024 The Norwegian Ministry of Energy has received applications from eight companies in connection with the announcement of two areas in the North Sea for potential storage of CO2 on the Norwegian shelf.

• 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.

• Norwegian Offshore Directorate publishes new deep sea data

  17/04/2024 In June 2022, the Norwegian Offshore Directorate published data collected up to 2022. The Directorate is now releasing deep sea data gathered from 2022 to 2024.

• The future in the Barents Sea is here now

  17/04/2024 The Johan Castberg ship will soon be heading north. With the ship in place, the plan is to have three producing fields in the Barents Sea by the end of the year.

• Entering into cooperation with Greenland and Denmark on seabed minerals

  15/04/2024 This cooperation involves an MoU – Memorandum of Understanding – with the aim of acquiring additional knowledge on seabed minerals.

• Seabed minerals – step by step

  26/03/2024 Seabed minerals represent a new and exciting opportunity for Norway, and a chance for us to be a pioneer nation – much like we have been within the oil and gas industry, both as regards stewardship of resources and development of technology.

• Sign up for Technology Day 2024

  22/03/2024 Now, a very exciting program with lectures from a variety of companies is ready for Technology Day on June 6th.

• The industry gives the Norwegian Offshore Directorate high marks

  22/03/2024 Nearly all petroleum industry executives believe that the Norwegian Offshore Directorate is achieving its objective to contribute to the greatest possible value for the broader society from the oil and gas industry.

• Extending deadline for award

  22/03/2024 The deadline for nominating candidates for the Improved Recovery Award is being extended to 15 April. The prestigious award will be given out during ONS in August.

• We need your input

  21/03/2024 Are you familiar with the printed version of our Map of the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS)? Do you have one yourself – maybe hanging on your wall? Is this something that's nice to have or a useful tool? We're conducting a mini-survey to map this specific issue.

• High price to pay for halting exploration for oil and gas

  11/03/2024 Stopping exploration activity on the Norwegian shelf will accelerate the scale-down of the oil and gas industry.

• Seabed minerals on the map

  07/03/2024 The Storting (Norwegian parliament) has given the go-ahead for opening parts of the Norwegian shelf for exploration and possible production of minerals.

• Announcement of acreage for CO2 storage on the Norwegian Continental Shelf

  06/03/2024 On 6 of March 2024, the Ministry of Energy announced two areas for CO2 storage pursuant to the CO2 Storage Regulations. This area comprises defined blocks in the North Sea.

• Green light for Eldfisk nord

  28/02/2024 The authorities have given ConocoPhillips consent to start up Eldfisk nord in the North Sea.

• Go-ahead for Hanz

  27/02/2024 The authorities have consented to start-up of production on the Hanz field in the North Sea.

• Who deserves the Improved Recovery Award?

  22/02/2024 For the twentieth time, companies are invited to nominate candidates for what will now be known as the Improved Recovery Award.

• The Resource Accounts for last year have now been published

  20/02/2024 The Resource Accounts for 2023 show an increase in the volume of reserves and contingent resources. The overall petroleum resources have been reduced somewhat.

• Change in the Guidelines for the Measurement Regulations

  19/02/2024 The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has published a new Appendix 4 to the Guidelines for the Measurement Regulations.

• The minerals we need

  26/01/2024 Change is often difficult. This will also be true for the transition from fossil energy systems to renewables.

• APA 2023: 24 companies offered ownership interests

  16/01/2024 On 16 January 2024, 24 companies were offered ownership interests in a total of 62 production licences on the Norwegian shelf in awards in pre-defined areas (APA) 2023. This is an increase compared with the three previous years.

• The Shelf in 2023: Robust activity and major investments

  11/01/2024 2023 was an active year on the Norwegian shelf. 92 fields were in operation at year-end, 27 projects were under development and many exploration wells were drilled.

• Parts of the Norwegian shelf can be opened for mineral activity

  09/01/2024 Today, the Storting (Norwegian parliament) endorsed the Government’s proposal to open parts of the Norwegian continental shelf for exploration for and production of seabed minerals.

• We have changed our name to the Norwegian Offshore Directorate

  02/01/2024 We have a new name! On 1 January 2024, we changed our name from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate to the Norwegian Offshore Directorate.

• The shelf in 2023 will be presented on 11 January

  18/12/2023 At 10:00 on 11 January 2024, you'll get the figures, trends and the story on our website.

• The gas bank in the Barents Sea

  08/12/2023 Analyses show that the Barents Sea contains significant resources, probably more gas than oil. What needs to be done if Norway is to supply Europe with the requested volumes of gas?

• Plenty of potential in tight reservoirs

  06/12/2023 There are vast proven gas resources on the Norwegian shelf which are currently without development plans. Much of this gas is located in tight reservoirs – which makes it difficult to produce.

• Valuable gas resources untouched

  05/12/2023 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has conducted a mapping of gas resources that, for various reasons, have yet to be developed. Several of these discoveries could be produced in a manner that is profitable from a socio-economic perspective.

• Name change for the NPD

  16/11/2023 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) is changing its name to the Norwegian Offshore Directorate as of 1 January 2024. The new name reflects the additional responsibilities assigned to the directorate in recent years.

• First offshore wind data sets available in Diskos

  13/11/2023 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has collected and prepared the first data sets for offshore wind on the Norwegian shelf.

• Adjustment of area fee rates

  07/11/2023 The area fee rates in Section 39 (1) of the Petroleum Regulations will be adjusted starting from 1 January 2024.

• Ready for Tommeliten A start-up

  05/10/2023 The authorities have granted consent for start-up of the Tommeliten A field in the North Sea.

• The NPD is releasing even more data to the public

  02/10/2023 Almost 6000 data sets from relinquished areas will now be available to the public. This is in addition to 30,000 data sets released in the past year.

• We have received two applications proposing acreage for CO2 storage

  29/09/2023 Four companies have submitted applications with proposed acreage for storing CO2 in the North Sea.

• Green light for Breidablikk

  28/09/2023 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has granted consent for start-up of the Breidablikk field in the North Sea. Production is expected to start in October.

• Help us improve our website

  28/09/2023 We want to continue evolving our website, npd.no, and would like your input on how we can improve. We would greatly appreciate if you could complete a brief user survey. It should only take about two minutes and it is anonymous.

• The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate and the Petroleum Safety Authority are changing their names

  22/09/2023 Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasises that both agencies are crucial in the effort to further evolve the Norwegian shelf, both within oil and gas as well as new industries.

• Postponed: Seminar on safe CO2 storage

  21/09/2023 The Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA), Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) and Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA) are postponing the planned seminar on safe CO2 storage due to ongoing work on updating the CO2 Storage Regulations.

• New edition of the continental shelf map

  12/09/2023 You can now download or order the new edition of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s shelf map.

• Harald Brekke to receive knighthood

  07/09/2023 Senior geologist Harald Brekke has been nominated as Knight 1st Class of the Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav.

• Coexistence – challenging, but possible

  30/08/2023 The general message at this year's NPD conference was that there is plenty of room to create values from multiple industries on the Norwegian shelf.

• APA 2023: Still significant interest for exploration in mature areas

  29/08/2023 The authorities have received applications from 25 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2023.

• Improved recovery from Statfjord Øst

  21/08/2023 The licensees in Statfjord Øst have received consent to use new facilities linked to the gas lift project on the field. Expected start-up will be soon.

• Three companies offered acreage for CO2 storage

  18/08/2023 Today, three companies have been offered exploration licences for CO2 storage in one area in the North Sea. The companies are Sval Energi AS, Storegga Noway and Neptune Energy Norway.

• Norwegian gas important for Europe’s energy security

  21/07/2023 Norway can continue to be a stabile supplier of oil and gas and contribute to Europe’s energy security for many years to come. But that means that we must continue to develop the Norwegian shelf.

• Continued high gas production and many new development projects

  30/06/2023 A high activity level contributes to strengthening Norway’s role as a safe and stable energy supplier to Europe.

• Safe CO2 storage on the NCS

  27/06/2023 How can we ensure that injection and storage of CO2 on the Norwegian shelf (NCS) can be accomplished in a way that is safe? And what roles do the Norwegian authorities play in this?

• Government gives green light for seabed mineral activity

  20/06/2023 The Government is proposing to open parts of the Norwegian continental shelf for commercial seabed mineral activity.

• New director of Technology, analysis and coexistence

  20/06/2023 Kjersti Dahle (51) has been appointed director of the main area Technology, analysis and coexistence (TAS).

• 30,000 data sets are now publicly accessible

  19/06/2023 This is the first time the NPD has made such large volumes of data available to the public all at once.

• Consultation regarding index adjustment of area fee rates

  13/06/2023 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate submits for consultation a proposal to amend Regulation 27 June 1997 no. 653 to the Petroleum Act (pf.) 39 first paragraph.

• New research article about the Barents Sea North

  12/06/2023 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has contributed a research article in the internationally recognised periodical Geological Society of London (GSL) Special Publication Memoir no 57.

• Valuable NPD data

  12/06/2023 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s data is expected to play a vital role when it comes to facilitating and contributing towards more rapid development of new industries on the shelf.

• Research article on natural oil and gas seeps on the Norwegian shelf

  07/06/2023 The scientific data being presented in a new research article documents one of the largest gas seepage areas in the Arctic Region.

• Questions about exploration? AI Neil at your service!

  26/05/2023 Do you want to learn more about exploration on the Norwegian shelf, but don’t know where to start? Chat with Neil, your geological assistant, to learn everything about relinquisment reports.

• NPD geologist re-elected to UN post

  22/05/2023 In late April, geologist Stig-Morten Knutsen was re-elected to the board of a UN expert group for resources (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe /Expert Group on Resource Management – UNECE/EGRM).

• Announcement of awards in predefined areas (APA) 2023

  10/05/2023 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced APA 2023 on 10.05.2023, encompassing the predefined areas with blocks in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea.

• Revised guidelines to the annual status reporting for fields in production

  28/04/2023 Revised guidelines to annual status report for fields in production, and template for tables has been published.

• Not enough exploration in the Barents Sea

  26/04/2023 On Wednesday, a sold-out crowd at the Barents Sea Conference in Hammerfest heard Director General Torgeir Stordal encourage more exploration.

• Proposing to study 20 areas for offshore wind

  25/04/2023 A broadly composed group in the Directorate has identified 20 areas on the Norwegian shelf that could be technically suitable for offshore wind, and where there are relatively few conflicts of interest.

• Pioneering digital effort for increased value creation

  25/04/2023 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has started building large-scale regional aquifer models that can be updated on an annual basis.

• Diskos 2.0 is up and running

  18/04/2023 The new version of Diskos, Diskos 2.0, went live yesterday, 17 April.

• Stordal to continue as Director General

  14/04/2023 Today, Torgeir Stordal was appointed as Director General of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) in the Council of State.

• Four companies offered acreage for CO2 storage

  31/03/2023 Today, four companies have been offered exploration licences for CO2 storage in two areas in the North Sea. The companies are Aker BP, OMV Norway, Wintershall Dea Norway og Stella Maris CCS.

• NPD Technology Day: Programme in place

  24/03/2023 Have you remembered to sign up for the NPD Technology Day in Stavanger on 7 June?

• New Diskos data type: multi-gigapixel palynology slides

  13/03/2023 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's digitalisation project Avatara-p has produced over thirty thousand digital palynological slides from 284 released wells. This expanding dataset of 57 terabytes is now available in Diskos.

• Five companies have applied for CO2 storage acreage

  06/03/2023 The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) has received applications from five companies in connection with the announcement of an area in the North Sea for potential storage of CO2 on the Norwegian shelf.

• Resource Accounts: Good reserve growth in 2022

  20/02/2023 The Resource Accounts for the Norwegian continental shelf in 2022 show good growth in reserves and good maturing of resources in fields and discoveries. Total resources have declined slightly.

• Extended lifetime for Mikkel

  14/02/2023 The authorities have granted Equinor consent for extended use of the subsea facility on the Mikkel field in the Norwegian Sea from July 2023 to October 2028.

• Inviting the industry to a new course

  08/02/2023 The Norwegian model is founded on interaction and teamwork between the authorities and the oil and gas industry.

• Seabed minerals: Substantial resources on the Norwegian shelf

  27/01/2023 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has prepared a resource assessment of the seabed minerals on the Norwegian shelf.

• Changes in the regulations

  13/01/2023 The Resource Management Regulations and Regulations relating to documentation in connection with storing CO2 on the shelf have been changed.

• Six companies have applied for CO2 storage acreage

  11/01/2023 The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) has received applications from six companies in connection with the announcement of an area in the North Sea for potential storage of CO2 on the Norwegian shelf.

• Announcement: Acreage for CO2 storage on the Norwegian Continental Shelf

  11/01/2023 On 11 of January 2023, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced an area for CO2 storage pursuant to the CO2 Storage Regulations.

• APA 2022: 25 companies offered ownership interests

  10/01/2023 On 10 January 2023, 25 companies were offered ownership interests in a total of 47 production licences on the Norwegian shelf in the awards in predefined areas (APA) 2022.

• Investments for the future on the Shelf

  09/01/2023 Only rarely have we seen so much oil and gas produced on the Norwegian shelf as was the case last year – and only rarely have we seen such significant investment decisions.

• Continuing the near subsurface mapping for offshore wind

  06/01/2023 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has awarded contracts to the companies Fugro and Enviros for mapping of the shallowest strata under the seabed.

• The Shelf 2022 will be presented 9 January

  19/12/2022 9 January at 10:00 you can see the story, the numbers and the trends on npd.no.

• Submitted eleven development plans

  16/12/2022 On Friday, Aker BP submitted plans for development and operation to the authorities worth close to 200 billion kroner.

• The opportunities are in the details

  09/12/2022 All fields on the Norwegian continental shelf have their unique characteristics.

• Welcome to IEA Technical Collaboration workshops

  10/11/2022 22. – 23. November: Research and experience on Enhanced Oil Recovery. 24. November: "Oil and gas in the context of energy security and transition".

• All status reports are now on the FactPages and the FactMaps

  04/11/2022 All available status reports (relinquishment reports) are now available on the FactPages.

• Announcement: Acreage for CO2 storage on the Norwegian Continental Shelf

  02/11/2022 On 2 November 2022, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced an area for CO2 storage pursuant to the CO2 Storage Regulations.

• Sharing data from older wells

  31/10/2022 Production and injection data from older wellbores is now available in Diskos.

• Impact assessment for mineral activity on the Norwegian continental shelf

  27/10/2022 The impact assessment in connection with the opening process for seabed mineral activities is now being put forward for consultation, with a deadline for responses of 27 January 2023.

• Evaluating new file format for seismic

  17/10/2022 In the near future, a number of companies on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, including oil companies, software suppliers and seismic companies, are going to be contacted by Troika International. 

• Updating Diskos

  12/10/2022 In January, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) will launch an updated version of the Diskos petroleum database.

• Awards: Two companies offered acreage to store CO2

  05/10/2022 Today, two companies have been offered exploration license for CO2 storage in an acreage in the Norwegian part of the North Sea.

• Seabed minerals: Sample analyses are now available

  30/09/2022 Analyses from the NPD’s data collection linked to sulphide deposits is now available.

• Consultation – proposed amendments

  20/09/2022 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) is presenting proposed amendments for a public hearing/consultation process.

• APA 2022: Still significant interest for exploration in mature areas

  13/09/2022 The authorities have received applications from 26 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2022.

• Elected to the International Seabed Authority

  06/09/2022 Senior geologist and former Director of Exploration in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD), Sissel Eriksen, has been elected as a member of the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC) for the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

• IOR award recognises systematic, long-term efforts

  30/08/2022 The licensees on the Statfjord field in the North Sea receives the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's award for improved recovery (the IOR award) for utilising a number of IOR measures that contribute to the world-class recovery rate.

• Class in session at ONS

  29/08/2022 In keeping with tradition from previous years, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate will be in place in Hall 8 during ONS 2022, which will get under way on 29 August. The theme for this year’s stand is ‘The NOR-way’ and the concept is built around a classroom.

• Mineral deposits proven along the Knipovich Ridge

  28/08/2022 An expedition under the direction of the German research centre Marum at the University of Bremen has proven an area of hydrothermal activity west of Spitsbergen, which is a prerequisite for the formation of so-called black smokers consisting of metal-rich sulphides.

• Laying the groundwork for offshore wind

  25/08/2022 Earlier this year, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate was tasked with conducting subsurface surveys in the areas of Sørlige Nordsjø II and Utsira Nord, which have been opened for applications for renewable energy production.

• Resource report 2022: Norway is a competitive and long-term supplier of oil and gas to Europe

  25/08/2022 Resource report 2022: Norway is a competitive and long-term supplier of oil and gas to Europe The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) today presents its Resource report 2022.

• The NPD releases geochemical data

  23/08/2022 Geochemical data from the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea are now available via the NPD’s Fact pages.

• NPD to present new resource report

  22/08/2022 On Thursday, 25 August, Kjersti Dahle Grov, acting Director of technology, Analysis and coexistence, will present the Resource Report 2022.

• Data from old wells is now available

  17/08/2022 Data from the analysis project that Earth Science Analytics AS carried out on assignment from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) in 2021 is now available for download.

• High level of activity on the Norwegian shelf in the first half of 2022

  20/07/2022 50 years after the Storting (parliament) decided to establish the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD), there is still plenty of activity on the Norwegian shelf.

• Temporary appointment - Director general

  04/07/2022 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has announced a temporary appointment, naming Torgeir Stordal (60) as Director general of the NPD from 30 June and until a new Director general of the NPD is hired.

• Preparing Nova for start-up

  30/06/2022 The authorities have granted consent to start production from the Nova field in the North Sea.

• Prestigious UN post for Harald Brekke

  23/06/2022 Senior geologist Harald Brekke has been elected to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).

• Ingrid Sølvberg resigns as Director General

  17/06/2022 Sølvberg has today, Friday 17 June, resigned from her position as Director General for the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.

• Is the glass half-empty or half-full?

  17/06/2022 There's no reason to sit back and rest on our laurels when an old field reaches tail production.

• Announcement of awards in predefined areas (APA) 2022

  14/06/2022 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced APA 2022 on 14 June 2022, encompassing the predefined areas with blocks in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea.

• The NPD celebrates its 50th anniversary today!

  14/06/2022 14 June 1972 – Parliament (the Storting) decided to establish the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) and Statoil (now Equinor).

• Building the future on the shoulders of history

  13/06/2022 14 June marks the 50th anniversary of the Storting's (parliament's) decision to establish the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) and Statoil. Director General Ingrid Sølvberg takes a walk down memory lane, observes the current unrest in the world of energy and fixes her eyes on the future.

• Extended lifetime

  10/06/2022 In February 2022, production came to a halt on the Veslefrikk field in the North Sea. More than 32 years had passed since the field came on stream. The story of the field's extended lifetime was hardly visible in the whirlwind of news during the winter.

• Shared experiences about technology

  09/06/2022 We recently organised Technology Day as part of our goal for the industry to develop and utilise new technology, work in close cooperation and share experiences. The seminar was popular, with relevant presentations and exciting discussions.

• Three companies have applied for a licence to store CO2

  08/06/2022 When the application deadline expired on 1 June, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) had received applications from three companies that are interested in awards of acreage suitable for future storage of CO2.

• Releasing seabed data

  07/06/2022 Last Thursday, the first data on seabed minerals on the Norwegian continental shelf were released to the public.

• Mapping offshore wind

  13/05/2022 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) has given the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) an assignment to conduct surveys in connection with awarding acreage for offshore wind.

• Guidelines for interpreted data

  25/04/2022 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has now prepared guidelines that clarify the term 'interpreted data'. The guidelines contain a definition of the term and describe what 'interpreted data' shall mean.

• Green light for Hod B

  20/04/2022 The authorities have granted Aker BP consent to start up the Hod B facility in the North Sea.

• Announcement: Acreage for CO2 storage on the Norwegian Continental Shelf

  11/04/2022 On 8 April 2022, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced an area for CO2 storage pursuant to the CO2 Storage Regulations. This area comprises defined blocks in the North Sea.

• Awards: Three companies offered acreage to store CO2

  08/04/2022 On 5 April 2022, three companies were offered exploration licences to store CO2 in two areas on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. One area in the North Sea and one in the Barents Sea were announced in September last year, and the authorities have assessed applications from five companies.

• Resource Accounts for 2021: Increase in proven resources and good growth in reserves

  22/02/2022 The Resource Accounts for the Norwegian continental shelf 2021 were presented today. The Accounts show that more oil and gas was proven than in the previous year, and that nearly two-thirds of these reserves were gas.

• We want to understand the data needs of the service industry

  16/02/2022 Do you work in the oil and gas service industry? Do you have ideas on how data from the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) can be used smarter – and how to increase coordination? Take part in a survey and give us your input.

• Video: Learn more about seabed minerals

  11/02/2022 Watch a video with the geologists Nils Rune Sandstå and Jan Stenløkk, and learn more about seabed minerals. You can either watch a short or a long version.

• The search is on for a new winner of the IOR award

  31/01/2022 "A major recognition and very motivating," was the immediate response of researcher Geir Evensen of the Norce research institute when asked how it felt to win the award for improved recovery (IOR) in 2020.

• More knowledge available: 200 status reports on Factpages

  26/01/2022 Over the past year, more than 200 status reports (relinquishment reports) have been made available on the Factpages.

• APA 2021: 28 companies offered ownership interests

  18/01/2022 18 January 2022, 28 companies have received offers of ownership interests in a total of 53 production licences on the Norwegian Shelf in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2021.

• Record-high revenues from the Norwegian shelf

  13/01/2022 The combination of high production of oil and gas from a total of 94 fields, significant demand and high commodity prices led to a historically high level on the State's export revenues from petroleum. Much of this is due to record-high gas prices.

• Follow the livestream of The Shelf 2021

  12/01/2022 Thursday, 13 January 2022 from 10:00 Director General Ingrid Sølvberg gives a summary of the Shelf in 2021.

• Smarter use of data can increase value creation

  21/12/2021 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has taken an initiative to discuss with the industry which steps can be taken to increase value creation through better use of data.

• Five companies want to store CO2

  16/12/2021 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has received applications from five companies in connection with the announcement of two areas associated with injection and storage of CO2 on the Norwegian continental shelf.

• Geobank will remain closed

  14/12/2021 Due to increasing infection levels, Geobank will close starting from 15 December. This will initially apply until the end of the year.

• NOK 160 million for new national petroleum centres

  13/12/2021 The Research Council of Norway has announced that two new national petroleum centres will receive state funding, following a decision in the Portfolio Board for Petroleum.

• The Shelf in 2021: Past, present and future on the Norwegian shelf

  02/12/2021 Each year in January, we host "The Shelf" event, which is a presentation of the previous year on the Norwegian shelf – and a bit about the years to come.

• IOR award 2022 – nominate your candidate

  01/12/2021 Now you can nominate candidates for the IOR award! The award was presented for the first time in 1998, and the next time we present the award will be at ONS 2022.

• New technology: Norwegian Petroleum Directorate stepping up efforts

  11/11/2021 Technology has been very important for developing the oil and gas industry in Norway.

• Sharing CCS knowledge in Glasgow

  03/11/2021 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's Eva Halland is giving two CCS presentations this week during CoP26, the UN climate conference in Glasgow.

• 25 years’ experience with safe and secure CO2storage

  05/10/2021 Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a hot topic. Director General Ingrid Sølvberg recently took part in a panel discussion at the EU-Norway Energy Conference to spread the word about safe and secure storage of CO2 on the Norwegian shelf.

• Continued significant interest in exploration in mature areas in APA 2021

  15/09/2021 The authorities have received applications from 31 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2021.

• Announcement: Award of area for storage of CO2 on the Norwegian continental shelf

  13/09/2021 On 10 September 2021, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced two areas for storage of CO₂.

• Solveig secures consent for start-up

  02/09/2021 The authorities have granted consent for start-up of the Solveig field in the North Sea. Operator Lundin plans to start up the field this autumn.

• What nature itself is doing at the ice edge

  23/08/2021 The ice edge has been frequently debated – both where and how the ice edge should be defined and what it should mean for further commercial activity in the Barents Sea. This text was written by geologists Rune Mattingsdal and Stig-Morten Knutsen in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate as an opinion piece in Teknisk Ukeblad (Norwegian engineering magazine).

• Yme starts up again

  11/08/2021 The authorities have granted Repsol consent for a new start-up of the Yme field in the North Sea. Yme will once again be producing oil, 20 years after the last time the field was on stream. Planned start-up will be in the second half of 2021.

• Green light for Duva

  28/07/2021 The authorities have granted consent for start-up of the Duva field in the North Sea, where the operator Neptune Energy estimates the reserves at about 11 million standard cubic metres of oil equivalent (71 million barrels of o.e.)

• High activity level on the Norwegian shelf

  21/07/2021 The activity level on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) has been high in the first six months of the year – despite the Covid situation. Eight discoveries have been made, production remains high, and many new development projects are on the drawing board.

• Geobank re-opening

  09/07/2021 Once again, the Geobank is available for viewing core samples and extracting samples for studies.

• New technology unlocks new insight from old wells

  02/07/2021 Exploring for oil and gas on the Norwegian shelf is still important – and old wells can help us discover more.

• Consent to start up Troll phase 3

  02/07/2021 Licensees in Troll Nord in the North Sea have secured consent to start up facilities and modifications associated with the Troll phase 3 project.

• Relinquishment reports submitted after 1 January 2021 are now available

  01/07/2021 An amendment to Section 85 of the Petroleum Regulations became effective from the new year. This amendment entails changes in the length of the confidentiality period for status reports (also called relinquishment reports).

• Available status reports

  01/07/2021 A new regulation for status reports came into force 1 January 2021, with new associated guidelines.

• Ole Einar Hass will be the new head of the Harstad office

  25/06/2021 Ole Einar Hass (age 48) has been hired as the head of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's office in Harstad, and will start this job on 1 October.

• 7 companies offered ownership interests

  23/06/2021 Seven companies have received offers of ownership interests in a total of four production licenses on the Norwegian Shelf in the 25th licensing round.

• Subsea technology: A modern industrial adventure

  21/06/2021 "The development of subsea technology in the 1980s marked the beginning of a modern Norwegian industrial adventure which shaped us as a petroleum nation."

• More well data becomes available

  11/06/2021 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate is releasing prognosis and result data from wildcat wells from the period between 1990 and 2000. Moving forward, such data will be regularly made available via the FactPages on npd.no.

• Exceptional Ekofisk

  09/06/2021 This is the 50th anniversary of the Ekofisk field starting up, making Norway an oil-producing nation. And what an adventure it's been.

• Announcement of awards in predefined areas (APA) 2021

  09/06/2021 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced APA 2021 on 9 June 2021, encompassing the predefined areas with blocks in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea.

• Authorities and research communities shared knowledge about seepage from the seabed

  11/05/2021 Causes, risks and effects linked to seepage from the seabed were among the topics discussed at a workshop including participants from the Petroleum Safety Authority, the Norwegian Environment Agency, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate and several professional and research communities.

• The petroleum industry represents jobs for the future

  07/05/2021 The low number of applicants for petroleum-oriented studies has attracted attention and sparked debate, says Director general Ingrid Sølvberg in a comment in the Norwegian newspaper Stavanger Aftenblad.

• Further emission cuts from the Troll field

  23/04/2021 Once Troll Vest in the North Sea is hooked up to receive electric power through cables from shore in 2026 (Troll B partial, Troll C complete), this will result in emission cuts of 466,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year, according to statements by operator Equinor in a new plan for development and operation (PDO), submitted Friday.

• Diskos contracts signed

  26/03/2021 The contracts for Diskos 2.0, entered into with Landmark and Kadme, have been signed and implementation is under way.

• Important UN post for NPD geologist Harald Brekke

  25/03/2021 Senior geologist in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, Harald Brekke, has been selected to chair the board of the Legal and Technical Commission under the International Seabed Authority, ISA.

• CO2 storage on Teams

  24/03/2021 We have extensive experience with carbon capture and storage (CCS). Since 2010, we have led a forum that addresses CO2 storage, headed by Eva Halland in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD).

• New guidelines for status reports

  15/03/2021 The new regulation relating to status reports entered into force on 1 January 2021, and the revised guidelines for the status reports are now ready.

• 25. licencing round on the Norwegian Continental shelf - here are the applicants

  25/02/2021 Seven companies have applied for production licenses in the 25th licensing round on the Norwegian shelf. The deadline for applications was 23 February.

• Norwegian Petroleum Directorate launches new system for reporting geophysical surveys

  18/02/2021 The new system will streamline reporting of geophysical surveys. It will also contribute to better coexistence with fishery interests, and greater efficiency for the governmental agencies involved in the process.

• Plenty of oil and gas left on the Norwegian shelf

  17/02/2021 In the updated Resource Accounts, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate projects that there are 8 billion standard cubic metres of oil equivalent (Sm3 o.e.) remaining resources on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).

• APA 2020: 30 companies offered ownership interests

  19/01/2021 30 companies have received offers of ownership interests in a total of 61 production licences on the Norwegian Shelf in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2020.

• The Shelf 2020 – high activity and significant investments

  14/01/2021 Activity on the Norwegian continental shelf last year remained at a high level, despite the ongoing pandemic. The year has been characterised by high production and significant investments in developments and projects on the fields.

• Changes to the Resource Management Regulations and new guide

  11/01/2021 Regulation No. 2004 of 13 December 2017 relating to resource management in the petroleum activities (the Resource Management Regulations) has been amended, effective from 1 January 2021: Amended Resource Management Regulations – 1 January 2021.

• Follow the summary of the Norwegian shelf in 2020 live

  07/01/2021 At 10.00-11.00 on Thursday, 14 January 2021, Director general Ingrid Sølvberg will present ‘The shelf in 2020’.

• The Shelf in 2020 – mark your calendar!

  21/12/2020 From 10.00-11.00 on Thursday, 14 January 2021, Director General Ingrid Sølvberg will present The Shelf in 2020.

• Go-ahead for Gjøa expansion

  18/12/2020 The authorities have granted consent for start-up of a subsea installation with two new wells on the Gjøa field in the North Sea.

• Award of Diskos 2.0 contracts

  16/12/2020 Landmark and Kadme are the proposed winners of the contracts for Diskos 2.0.

• Meet our ten new managers

  03/12/2020 Ten of the eleven level-two executives in the NPD’s new organization are now in place. Six new directors were hired earlier this year. This change in the management constellation has come about in connection with a new statute governing central government employees in Norway.

• FORCE celebrates 25 years

  26/11/2020 The FORCE cooperating forum is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Most companies in the oil and gas industry in Norway are members. As the regulatory authority, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate plays an active role as head of the Secretariate.

• Announcement of 25th licensing round

  19/11/2020 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced the 25th licensing round on 19th of November 2020, encompassing 136 blocks in the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea.

• Green light to start up the Snorre Expansion

  14/11/2020 The expansion of the Snorre field in the North Sea consists of six subsea templates, which will be tied into Snorre A. Now the authorities have given Equinor and its partners consent to start up.

• Resource report: Web version and background data ready

  11/11/2020 A new resource report for exploration was newly presented.

• Profitable exploration on the Norwegian shelf

  27/10/2020 Exploration activity on the Norwegian shelf is profitable in all areas and minor discoveries account for a significant share of value creation. There are still vast remaining resources in all areas. These are among the main conclusions in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's new resource report for exploration, which was presented on Tuesday, 27 October.

• Maturing a CO2 storage site in the North Sea Basin: a story about the Johansen Formation

  21/10/2020 This year a new milestone was reached for CO2 storage in the North Sea basin. The first exploration well was drilled in the exploitation license and a development plan was submitted to the authorities.

• Dvalin ready for start-up

  21/10/2020 The authorities have issued consent for start-up of the Dvalin field in the Norwegian Sea. Operator Wintershall Dea estimates that it can recover 18 billion standard cubic metres of gas from Dvalin.

• The NPD is presenting a new resource report for exploration

  20/10/2020 Follow the presentation of the report live on npd.no on Tuesday, 27 October, at 10:00.

• The national budget – consistent good project implementation

  16/10/2020 Most projects are delivered within budget according to the NPD report “Project implementation on the Norwegian shelf”, presented earlier this year.

• Guidelines for production permit applications now updated

  13/10/2020 The revised guidelines for production permit applications are now ready for use. The update is part of the effort to simplify and streamline processes in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD).

• Productive mineral expedition

  09/10/2020 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has conducted another search for seabed minerals – this time facilitated by the use of new technology, new in this context, that is.

• Important measurements that form the basis for enormous sums to the public purse

  05/10/2020 One of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s tasks is to supervise the measurement (or metering) of oil and gas produced from the Norwegian shelf. The assets we are talking about here are the Norwegian State’s ownership interests on the shelf (SDFI), the oil companies’ revenues and the CO2 tax.

• NPD to hire ten managers

  02/10/2020 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) is continuing its work to phase out the rotation scheme for managers. Ten managers will be hired in connection with this transition. They will report to the new executive management team, which was recruited before summer this year.

• Ærfugl Phase 1 ready for production

  02/10/2020 Development of the Ærfugl gas and condensate field in the Norwegian Sea is planned in two phases. The authorities have given start-up consent to the operator Aker BP to start production from Phase 1.

• Start-up consent for Tor II

  30/09/2020 The licensees in the Tor Unit in the southern North Sea have secured consent to start up the Tor II facilities.

• Received PDO for Breidablikk

  28/09/2020 The authorities have received a plan for development and operation (PDO) for the Breidablikk oil field in the North Sea. Equinor and its partners are planning start-up in 2024.

• Continued significant interest in exploration in mature areas in APA 2020

  25/09/2020 The authorities have received applications from 33 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2020. The deadline for applications was 22 September.

• Consultation – proposed amendment of the Resource Management Regulations

  16/09/2020 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) is hereby submitting proposed amendments to the Regulations relating to resource management in the petroleum activities (the Resource Management Regulations) with comments for a public hearing.

• Revised guidelines for production permit applications

  14/09/2020 Revised guidelines for production permit applications will be published in early October.

• Documents for the annual status report for fields in production are ready

  02/09/2020 The updated guideline for the Annual status report for fields in production (ASR) and an attachment in excel format are now available.

• Researcher Geir Evensen wins the award for improved oil recovery

  01/09/2020 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) is presentings its 16th award for improved oil recovery. This time the IOR award goes to researcher Geir Evensen at the research institute NORCE.

• Soon we announce the winner of the IOR award 2020

  25/08/2020 Who will win the award for improved oil recovery 2020? Tuesday 1 September at 12:20 pm Director general Ingrid Sølvberg will present the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s IOR award.

• Interim report – activity rising again in the petroleum industry following turbulence in the first months of the year

  17/07/2020 In the first half of 2020, activity on the Norwegian shelf has been characterised by the corona situation with restrictions on activity, a drop in demand and a declining oil price.

• Three finalists for IOR award 2020

  10/07/2020 Three finalists have been nominated for the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s IOR award for 2020. The finalists are the licensees on the Grane field in the North Sea, researcher Geir Evensen and oil company Lundin.

• Geir Evensen

  10/07/2020 For many years, Geir Evensen has delivered invaluable efforts in the development of ensemble-based modelling methods. These methods have contributed to enormous value creation on the Norwegian Shelf.

• Lundin

  10/07/2020 Oil and gas company Lundin Energy Norway has distinguished itself through standardised use of formation and long-term testing of reservoirs before making important decisions regarding developing discoveries.

• Licensees on the Grane field

  10/07/2020 Since its start-up in 2003, the Grane field in the central part of the North Sea has been among the fields on the Norwegian Shelf that have produced the most.

• Streamlined template for Annual status report for fields in production

  02/07/2020 The template for the annual status report (ASR) for fields in production from 2019 to 2020 has been simplified. Starting from 2020, ASR for fields in production must be submitted to the NPD by 15 October.

• 25th licensing round – announcement on public consultation

  01/07/2020 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy proposes announcing nine area in the 25th licensing round. The proposal was submitted for public consultation on 24 June 2020.

• Almost half of Norwegian petroleum production will soon be run on power from shore

  26/06/2020 The companies are considering multiple electrification projects that could reduce emissions considerably.

• This is the NPD’s new senior management team

  25/06/2020 The six directors who will make up the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s senior management team along with Director General Ingrid Sølvberg have now been employed.

• Planning redevelopment of the Hod field

  24/06/2020 On behalf of the licensees, operator Aker BP has submitted a Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for a redevelopment of the Hod field in the Valhall area in the North Sea.

• The North Sea: New times, new methods and new opportunities

  23/06/2020 More than 50 years have passed since the first commercial discovery of oil was made in the North Sea. The gigantic Johan Sverdrup field – which started production in 2019 – will produce for the next 50 years according to plan.

• Announcement of awards in predefined areas (APA) 2020

  19/06/2020 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced APA 2020 on 19 June 2020, encompassing the predefined areas with blocks in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea

• Can machine learning help highlight missed pay?

  03/06/2020 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has since 2018 contributed to a machine learning project with the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) in the UK.

• New podcast: Critical resources in times of crisis

  29/05/2020 Norwegian podcast translated into written English. In this podcast, we will be speaking with Kalmar Ildstad, director of development and operations in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate about critical resources in times of crisis. What is the actual status on the Norwegian shelf?

• Minerals from the deep

  28/05/2020 We have been where no one has gone before. 3000 metres below sea level, on a subsea ridge, where warm, enriched water from the depths of the earth seeps out.

• Historic: Northern Lights has submitted a plan for development and operation (PDO) for the first CO2 storage project on the Norwegian shelf

  15/05/2020 The Northern Lights Alliance, with operator Equinor and partners Shell and Total, has submitted a plan for an important part of the Norwegian full-scale project for transport and storage of CO2 on the shelf.

• Podcast with the Director General

  08/05/2020 Norwegian podcast translated into written English.

• Cutting oil production

  30/04/2020 The Norwegian authorities’ decision to cut oil production starting in June is being made in an effort to contribute toward more rapid stabilisation of the oil market than the market mechanism alone could ensure.

• More than 6.5 kilometres of high-quality geology published on FactPages

  24/04/2020 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has recently published high resolution core images of 94 so-called shallow wellbores in the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea.

• Green light for Ærfugl well

  22/04/2020 Operator Aker BP is starting production from the second development stage (phase two) on the Ærfugl field in the Norwegian Sea. This will take place from the existing subsea template on the nearby Skarv field.

• New issue - Norwegian Continental Shelf

  22/04/2020 The new issue of the Norwegian Continental Shelf magazine is now available in a digital version with plenty of interesting reading. The articles in the magazine were written before the corona crisis.

• Ten more years for Troll B

  20/04/2020 The authorities have granted consent to operator Equinor and the other licensees for a 10-year lifetime extension for the Troll B facility in the North Sea.

• NPD uses video to share oil and climate info with lower secondary school in Oslo

  17/04/2020 It all started with a phone call to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) from Hedda Greni, a teacher at Skullerud lower secondary school in Oslo. And ended up with a geologist and a chartered engineer from the NPD taking part in a two-period-long video conference to talk to the students in classes 9a and 9b about oil and the climate.

• Reduced exploration activity; production is maintained for now

  08/04/2020 Exploration activity on the shelf has been reduced, and production will be maintained for the time being, in spite of the corona outbreak and the decline in oil price. At the same time, the companies have announced and initiated several measures that could have long-term consequences for production and overall resource extraction.

• Norwegian Petroleum Directorate handles day-to-day business from home offices

  16/03/2020 Employees at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate currently handle day-to-day business from home offices. This does not impact the daily operation of the Directorate. All types of applications will be processed as usual.

• Improved execution of development projects

  13/03/2020 A review of 66 projects on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) in 2007-18 reveals that most have kept their cost within the estimates given in their plan for development and operation (PDO).

• Restrictions on visits in connection with spread of coronavirus

  11/03/2020 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has introduced restrictions with regard to presence in the Directorate’s offices for persons who have been in areas with prolonged spread of coronavirus.

• Cook and Johansen Formations are good candidates for CO2 storage – 31/5-7

  05/03/2020 Equinor Energy AS, operator of exploitation licence 001, is in the process of concluding the drilling of wildcat well 31/5-7.

• Awards in APA 2019

  03/03/2020 On 14 February 2020, the King-in-Council awarded ownership interests in the APA 2019 licencing round (Awards in Predefined Areas).

• Green light for Skogul

  24/02/2020 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted consent for start-up of the Skogul field in the North Sea.

• The resource accounts for 2019 are now available

  20/02/2020 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's estimate of total proven and unproven petroleum resources on the Norwegian continental shelf is about 15.7 billion standard cubic metres of oil equivalents.

• Most of the amount swindled from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate is back where it belongs

  11/02/2020 In November of last year, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) was the target of a payment fraud amounting to 17.6 million kroner. Most of these funds, around NOK 17 million, have now been returned to the Directorate.

• Who deserves improved recovery award 2020?

  03/02/2020 Every other year we present the IOR award at ONS. Do you know of anyone who deserves the award? Nominate your candidate for the IOR award 2020 by 1 March 2020.

• Developments on the shelf – what have we learned?

  31/01/2020 To what extent are development projects on the Norwegian shelf affected by delays and cost overruns? The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has examined the development from 2007 to 2018 and will present its findings on 7 February.

• Dialogue is the key to good coexistence on the sea

  17/01/2020 Cooperation is a key word for good coexistence between industries at sea. The value of dialogue and good communication between the industries was the topic when the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate recently hosted the very first joint regulatory authority meeting for the seismic industry.

• APA 2019: Licence shares offered to 28 companies

  14/01/2020 28 companies have been offered ownership interests in a total of 69 production licences on the Norwegian Shelf in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2019.

• Basis for increased gas transport from the Barents Sea South

  13/01/2020 Today, Gassco presented a new report regarding the transport of gas from the southern Barents Sea. The report shows that it could be socio-economically profitable to increase the transport capacity for gas, thereby further increasing value creation in the Barents Sea.

• The Shelf in 2019 – a good year overall

  09/01/2020 Activity on the shelf was high last year. There are considerable resources in fields and discoveries, and more yet to be discovered in all sea areas. A record number of fields are producing.

• The Shelf 2019: A summary

  03/01/2020 Thursday, 9 January Ingrid Sølvberg, our new director general, summarized the past year on the Norwegian shelf. She also presented investment and production forecasts for the next five years.

• Increasing recovery from the Balder field

  20/12/2019 On Tuesday 17 December, Vår Energi submitted an amended Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for the Balder field and the associated Ringhorne deposit in the North Sea. The development will contribute to increase recovery from Balder.

• The Shelf 2019 is approaching – registration is open

  13/12/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate publishes The Shelf in January of every year. The publication is a summary of the past year; results from exploration and production, as well as investment and production forecasts for the next five years.

• Hoping for a dry well near Troll

  28/11/2019 For the first time, an exploration well is being drilled where the objective is not to find oil or gas.

• More technology to create value

  31/10/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate wants to contribute to the industry developing and using even more technology to create value on the Norwegian shelf. A task force has presented nine proposed measures to achieve this.

• Reminder: Register for popular course

  29/10/2019 We would like to remind you of "Course for the industry" (Kurs for næringen) which will be held on 14 November in our offices in Stavanger.

• Busy Norwegian Sea

  18/10/2019 A lot is going on in the Norwegian Sea! In this sea area, which is twice the size of the North Sea, there are 19 fields in production, numerous discoveries are being developed and around 350 exploration wells have been drilled over the past 40 years.

• Ingrid Sølvberg to become new director general

  14/10/2019 Ingrid Sølvberg will take over the post of director general of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, following Bente Nyland.

• Together for 50 years on the Norwegian shelf

  14/10/2019 50 years have passed since the first commercial discovery of oil on the Norwegian shelf. To mark the occasion, the cooperating forum Force is arranging a two-day seminar which will focus on telling the story and highlighting the lessons we have learned that can be passed on to younger generations.

• Suggest candidate for improved recovery award

  07/10/2019 Who's the best at improved recovery? Suggest who you think should win the IOR award 2020. The deadline is 1 March 2020.

• Oil production has started

  05/10/2019 Nine years after the field was proven, production commenced on Saturday from the North Sea giant, Johan Sverdrup. 24/7, for the next 40 years, oil from this field will secure substantial revenues for Norway.

• Go-ahead for new facility on Valhall

  02/10/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted consent to start up the Valhall West Flank facility in the North Sea. Start-up will take place this autumn.

• Continued high activity on the Norwegian shelf

  27/09/2019 Even after more than 50 years, the Norwegian shelf still holds vast opportunities.

• Reminder: Presentation of the new resource report

  25/09/2019 Have you already registered? Or do you plan to follow online? On Friday 27 September at 10 am we will present the new resource report on fields and discoveries.

• Registration open for popular course

  13/09/2019 You can now register for “Course for the industry" (Kurs for næringen) which will be held on 14 November in our offices in Stavanger. The registration deadline is 8 November.

• Tordis and Vigdis facilities to remain in production

  12/09/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted Equinor consent to use the facilities on the Tordis and Vigdis fields beyond the approved lifetime.

• Presentation of the new resource report

  12/09/2019 On Friday, 27 September, director of development and operations Ingrid Sølvberg will present the new resource report on fields and discoveries.

• Successful exploration for seabed minerals

  09/09/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has just completed a successful data acquisition expedition on the Mohns Ridge in the north-western Norwegian Sea, using the Seabed Constructor vessel.

• The Guidelines to the annual status report for fields in production have been updated

  06/09/2019 The Guidelines to the annual status report (ASR) have been updated, to ASR2019. The Guidelines are unchanged from last year’s Guidelines (ASR2018), with the exception of Chapter 3.2, “Reserves and resources – status”.

• Continued significant interest in exploration in mature areas in APA 2019

  04/09/2019 The authorities have received applications from 33 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2019.

• Green light for giant field

  02/09/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted its consent for start-up of the Johan Sverdrup field in the North Sea. The field is expected to produce oil for the next 40 years.

• New search for minerals

  16/08/2019 For the next month, colleague Jan Stenløkk will trade his office in Stavanger for the vessel "M/V Seabed Constructor" in the Norwegian Sea.

• Start-up consent for the Utgard field

  14/08/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted its consent to start-up of the Utgard field in the North Sea.

• High activity in the first six months

  13/07/2019 Production on the Norwegian shelf is holding steady at a high level. Many projects are in the development or planning phases.

• Search for new Director General

  02/07/2019 After twelve years as Director General, Bente Nyland will complete her term at the end of 2019. The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has started a search for her successor.

• Plans to re-develop Tor

  01/07/2019 On behalf of the licensees, operator Conoco Phillips has submitted a Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for a re-development of the Tor field in the Greater Ekofisk area in the North Sea.

• Learn more about resource management, save the date now

  18/06/2019 This autumn, for the fourth straight year, we will be holding a course on our roles and tasks, and what this entails for your working day in the oil and gas industry.

• Analysis reveals extensive seabed minerals

  07/06/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s chemical analyses of sulphides and manganese crusts from the Norwegian shelf reveal that the sulphides contain a high content of copper, zinc and cobalt.

• Announcement of awards in predefined areas (APA) 2019

  29/05/2019 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced APA 2019 on 29 May 2019, encompassing the predefined areas with blocks in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea.

• Ready for start-up on Trestakk

  13/05/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted consent for start-up of the Trestakk field in the Norwegian Sea. Operator Equinor plans start-up during second quarter of 2019.

• The future is in the north

  08/05/2019 Our estimates indicate that more than half of the oil and gas that has not yet been discovered is located in the Barents Sea. The rest is distributed between the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea. The opportunities are greatest in the Barents Sea, where vast areas have not yet been explored.

• Hourly rate for supervision increased

  25/04/2019 Pursuant to a decision from the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, the rate for regulatory supervision of resource management has increased from NOK 850 to NOK 1 150 from and including 1 September 2018.

• Continental shelf’s extent outside Bouvet Island clarified

  12/04/2019 Bouvet Island is a Norwegian island situated in the southernmost part of the Atlantic Ocean.

• New report on petroleum activity in the High North

  02/04/2019 Today the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate will present the report Petroleum Activity in the High North. The report places the petroleum activity in the High North into a historical, international and technological framework.

• Development plan for Solveig submitted

  27/03/2019 The authorities have received the Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for the Solveig oil discovery in the North Sea.

• Oda field starts production

  19/03/2019 The Oda field started to produce oil and gas on 16 March. The field, which is located 13 kilometres east of Ula in the North Sea, is operated by Spirit Energy.

• Diskos Vendor Conference

  14/03/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate and the Diskos Management wants to invite potential Diskos vendors to a “Diskos Vendor Conference” Thursday 21st of March 2019.

• Gullfaks C can be used until 2036

  14/03/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate gives the go ahead for using the C platform on the Gullfaks field in the North Sea until 30 June 2036. This corresponds to the entire period of the production licence.

• Welcome to our new website!

  14/03/2019 We have upgraded our website. The content is largely the same as before, but we have made an effort to improve, streamline and update to give you a better user experience.

• Submitted development plan for Duva

  21/02/2019 On Thursday, the licensees, led by operator Neptune Energy, submitted the Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for the Duva field in the North Sea.

• Extended lifetime for Norne FPSO

  04/02/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has granted consent for continuation of production on Norne FPSO with associated facilities for the Norne, Urd and Skuld fields in the Norwegian Sea.

• Åsgard A will produce longer

  28/01/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has approved operator Equinor’s application for extended technical lifetime for the Åsgard A facility in the Norwegian Sea until 2027. That means production twelve years longer than the original plan.

• Would you like to continue receiving news from us?

  17/01/2019 We are now obtaining consent from you who wish to receive our newsletter. Because of this, you need to subscribe to our newsletter again if you wish to continue receiving it.

• New plan will increase recovery from Gullfaks

  15/01/2019 A new, amended Plan for development and operation (PDO) describes the next phase in production from limestone rocks over the Gullfaks field in the North Sea. The increased reserves are estimated at 2.8 million standard cubic metres (nearly 18 million bbls) of oil equivalents.

• Record licence awards in APA 2018

  15/01/2019 Today, 15 January, 33 companies have been offered ownership interests in a total of 83 production licences on the Norwegian Shelf in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2018. This is the largest number ever awarded in one licensing round.

• Award of exploitation permit for CO2 storage

  15/01/2019 The authorities have granted Equinor a permit to exploit an area for CO2 storage on the Norwegian Shelf.

• New edition of Norwegian Continental Shelf

  14/01/2019 In an interview, Kristin Færøvik, chair of the board in the industry organisation Norwegian Oil and gas, emphasises the importance of the authorities ensuring that we also have stable framework conditions on the Norwegian Shelf in the future. And she urges companies to continue to explore for oil and gas.

• The Shelf in 2018

  10/01/2019 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s forecasts show that, after a minor decline in 2019, oil and gas production will increase from 2020 and up to 2023. Overall production will then approach the record year of 2004.

• Ready for Oda start-up

  07/01/2019 The authorities have approved the application for start-up of the Oda field in the North Sea. Operator Spirit Energy expects start-up in February/March.  

• Presentation of the shelf in 2018

  17/12/2018 On 10 January, Director General Bente Nyland will present the results of exploration and production in 2018, as well as investment and production forecasts for the next five years.

• Area fee rates to be adjusted

  13/12/2018 The area fee rates in Section 39 (1) of the Petroleum Regulations will be adjusted effective 1 January 2019.

• From Core Store to Geobank

  06/12/2018 «Geobank» is the new name of our core viewing room, which contains much more than just rock samples. The name provides a better description of all the types of geological data we have available.

• Welcome to NPD's Exploration Technology Seminar

  22/11/2018 The NPD invites to an Exploration Technology Seminar on December 5, 10-12 am. The seminar will take place in the Valhall auditorium at the NPD and lunch will be served after the seminar.

• Extended life for Snorre

  10/10/2018 Equinor has received consent to continue use of the Snorre A and Snorre B facilities through 2040.

• New deep sea mineral deposits

  11/09/2018 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate just concluded a successful three-week data acquisition expedition on the Mohn’s ridge in the western part of the Norwegian Sea.

• Northern Lights applies for permission to inject and store CO2 on the Norwegian Shelf

  10/09/2018 On Friday, Equinor along with its partners Shell and Total, submitted an application for an exploitation permit for a subsea reservoir for injection and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2).

• 38 companies have applied for acreage in APA 2018

  07/09/2018 The authorities have received applications from 38 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2018. The application deadline expired on 4 September.

• Fast IOR project on Visund

  05/09/2018 Operator Equinor has started production on Visund Nord in the North Sea. The project was completed in 21 months.

• Updated guidelines for 2018 annual status report for producing fields

  03/09/2018 The guidelines for the 2018 annual status report (ASR) have now been updated. Some adjustments have been made from the 2017 reporting.

• Start-up of Aasta Hansteen

  31/08/2018 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted consent for start-up of the Aasta Hansteen facility in the Norwegian Sea. Operator Equinor plans to start production during the course of autumn 2018.

• Doubled reserves – won IOR prize

  28/08/2018 The licensees for the Alvheim field in the North Sea have been awarded the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s improved oil recovery (IOR) prize because of their willingness to accept risk.

• ONS Distinguished Service Award to Bente Nyland

  27/08/2018 Director General Bente Nyland has received the ONS Distinguished Service Award 2018 for her significant efforts to develop the Norwegian oil and gas industry.

• Go-ahead for Oseberg H

  24/08/2018 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted consent for the Oseberg H facility to start production in September.

• IOR seminar at ONS

  17/08/2018 The NPD’s IOR prize is awarded at ONS. The prize, which is awarded every other year at ONS, goes to production licences, companies, projects or individuals who are expected to create added value on the Norwegian Continental Shelf through innovative work linked to improved recovery of oil and gas.  

• Norwegian Petroleum Directorate maps deep sea mineral deposits

  09/08/2018 After the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy assumed administrative responsibility for mineral deposits on the continental shelf, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has been assigned the task of mapping potential deposits.

• New issue of the magazine

  18/07/2018 Installation of the Aasta Hansteen facility opens a new province and a new chapter for gas deliveries from Norway. And global use of gas increases from where it is today.

• 20 development projects

  16/07/2018

• Many developments and high exploration activity

  16/07/2018 An impressive 20 development projects are currently under way on the Norwegian Shelf, and 13 exploration wells in the first half of 2018 have yielded 6 discoveries. Production has been somewhat lower in the first six months of the year as compared with the same period last year.

• Developing Troll phase three

  03/07/2018 Operator Equinor and partners have submitted their Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for the third development stage of the Troll field in the North Sea.

• Still plenty of discoveries to be made on the Norwegian shelf

  21/06/2018 Today, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) will be publishing the 2018 Resource Report for Exploration.

• 12 Production Licences Offered to 11 Companies in the 24th Licensing Round

  18/06/2018 Today, 18 June, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy offers 12 new production licences to 11 companies in the 24th licensing round.

• Ready for more water injection

  14/06/2018 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has consented to the start on the Conoco Phillips-operated installation Ekofisk 2/4 VC in the North Sea.

• Three IOR prize finalists

  04/06/2018 The jury has arrived at three finalists for this years IOR prize. The winner will be announced at the ONS oil conference and exhibition in Stavanger 28 August.  

• Welcome to the presentation

  31/05/2018 The report presents an updated estimate for undiscovered resources on the Norwegian shelf and an analysis of the profitability of exploration, among other things.

• Extended lifetime for Oseberg Øst

  25/05/2018 Equinor has been granted consent for continued use of the Oseberg Øst facility until 31 March 2031.

• Submitted development plan for Nova

  16/05/2018 On Wednesday, the licensees, led by operator Wintershall, submitted a plan for development and operation (PDO) for the Nova oil field (previously “Skarfjell”) in the North Sea. Development costs are estimated at NOK 9.9 billion.

• Course for the industry – what does NPD do?

  11/04/2018 This spring, the NPD will organise a one-day course for the oil companies on the NPD`s responsibilities and roles. The course will be held in norwegian on 12 of June.

• Changes in the PDO/PIO guidelines

  05/04/2018 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has changed the guidelines for preparing plans for development and operation of petroleum deposits (PDOs) and plans for installation and operation of facilities for transport and for exploitation of petroleum (PIOs).

• 75 new production licences in APA 2017

  16/01/2018 Today, 16 January, 34 companies will be offered a total of 75 new production licences on the Norwegian continental shelf.

• Who deserves the IOR prize?

  16/01/2018 Do you know of anyone who deserves the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's prize for improved recovery – the IOR prize for 2018?

• 1. Increasing oil and gas production for the next five‐year period

  11/01/2018 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s production forecast up to 2022 shows an increase from 2020, when Johan Sverdrup has come on stream. Total production of oil and gas in 2022 is estimated to be close to the record‐breaking year 2004. Gas will then account for about one‐half of the production.

• 2. Investment and cost forecasts

  11/01/2018 The petroleum industry has made a considerable effort to reduce its cost level, which has resulted in substantial savings. The cost level for field developments has declined and there has also been a substantial reduction in both operating and exploration costs.

• 3. Development and operations

  11/01/2018

• 4. Exploration

  11/01/2018

• The Shelf 2017

  11/01/2018 Never before has so much gas been sold from the Norwegian shelf as was the case in 2017. Oil production was down slightly; nevertheless, overall production rose for the fourth straight year.

• Press conference – The shelf in 2017

  09/01/2018 On 11 January, Director General Bente Nyland will present exploration and production results for 2017, as well as investment and production forecasts for the next five years.

• Successful seismic acquisition on Gardarbank High

  09/01/2018 During the autumn of 2017, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has acquired about 4,500 kilometres of 2D seismic on the Gardarbank High, east/northeast of Bjørnøya and south of Hopen.

• Comprehensive Snorre plan submitted

  21/12/2017 On Thursday, the authorities received an amended Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for the Snorre expansion project.

• Submitted new plan for Yme development

  19/12/2017 On Tuesday, operator Repsol submitted a new Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for the Yme field in the North Sea. More eight billion kroner will be invested in the development. The planned start-up is 2020.

• Development plan submitted for Fenja

  19/12/2017 On Tuesday, the licensees, led by operator VNG, submitted a Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for Fenja in the Norwegian Sea. Investments are expected to total approx. NOK 10 billion.

• Submitted three development plans

  15/12/2017 Today, Aker BP submitted Plans for Development and Operation (PDOs) for three projects. The total investments will amount to approximately NOK 15.5 billion.

• Solid applicants want to explore in the 24th round

  05/12/2017 Eleven companies have applied for production licenses in the 24th licensing round on the Norwegian shelf. The deadline for applications was 30 November.

• A milestone for the Barents Sea

  05/12/2017 The licensees in the Johan Castberg discovery in the Barents Sea submitted a Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) to the authorities today.

• Previous award winners

  30/11/2017

• Ready for start-up of the Maria field

  16/11/2017 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted consent for start-up of production from the Maria field in the Norwegian Sea.

• New standards for transport and storage of CO2

  01/11/2017 Two international standards for storage and transport of carbon dioxide (CO2) will be launched today. The standards were developed by experts from 16 countries.

• New edition of the continental shelf map

  12/10/2017 You can now download or order the new edition of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s shelf map.

• Course for the industry

  04/10/2017 This autumn, the NPD will organise a one-day course for the oil companies on the NPD’s responsibilities and roles. The course will be held in Norwegian on 14 November and in English on 15 November.

• Contributing to report on safety in the petroleum activities

  29/09/2017 Today, a multipartite work group is submitting its report on safety in the petroleum industry to Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Anniken Hauglie. The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) is one of the contributors.

• Launching standards for CO2 capture and storage (CCS)

  28/09/2017 New international standards for storage (CCS) and transport of carbon dioxide (CO2) will be presented at a seminar at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) in Stavanger on 1 November.

• Seismic data storage

  27/09/2017 One central element in exploration is the ability to successfully manage and provide access to high quality seismic data.

• SMIL

  15/09/2017 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has launched a new and extended version of the SMIL portal.

• Opening of the southeastern Barents Sea is based on correct figures

  13/09/2017 There has been significant attention devoted to the underlying figures for opening the southeastern Barents Sea for petroleum activities.

• Updated guidelines for annual status reports for producing fields

  07/09/2017 The Guidelines for Annual Status Reports (ASRs) have now been updated. While significant changes were made in the autumn of 2016, only minor adjustments have been made for 2017.

• New exploration director

  01/09/2017 Torgeir Stordal has been hired as the exploration director in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate. He will start today, 1 September.

• 2017 Resource report

  25/08/2017 The significant remaining resources in discoveries and fields make it possible to create values for the Norwegian society for many decades to come, according to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s new report.

• Byrding on stream

  28/07/2017 The Statoil-operated Byrding field, situated to the north of the Troll field in the North Sea, started production on 15 July.

• Summary – first six months of 2017

  13/07/2017 The activity level on the Norwegian shelf is high. During the first six months of the year, six discoveries were made, six development plans have been approved and three new fields have started producing.

• Revised PDO and PIO Guidelines

  03/07/2017 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs have revised the guidelines for preparation of plans for development and operation of petroleum deposits (PDOs) and plans for installation and operation of facilities for transport and utilisation of petroleum (PIOs).

• Gina Krog on stream

  03/07/2017 The Statoil-operated field Gina Krog in the North Sea started producing 30 June.

• NCS No. 1-2017

  28/06/2017 Just over two years have passed since work began on the Johan Sverdrup field. Constructing the platforms for the largest Norwegian offshore development in many years has come halfway.

• Revised guideline

  26/06/2017 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has prepared a revised guideline for Section 30a of the Petroleum Regulations relating to commencement and continuation.

• 24th licensing round

  23/06/2017 Today, 21 June 2017, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) announced the 24th licensing round. In this round, 102 blocks/parts of blocks will be announced, divided among 9 in the Norwegian Sea and 93 in the Barents Sea.

• The Barents Sea north report is now available

  06/06/2017 The report, which contains the new resource estimates for the eastern parts of the Barents Sea north, is now available online and in hard copy.

• Start-up of Gina Krog

  24/05/2017 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted consent for start-up of production from the Gina Krog field in the North Sea.

• Taking more initiative

  19/05/2017 To ensure sufficient capacity to be an even better champion for developing new fields and improving recovery from producing fields, the NPD has awarded framework agreements to eleven supplier firms representing various technology areas.

• Ministry of Petroleum and Energy responsible for mineral deposits on the shelf

  12/05/2017 From 1 April, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy took over management responsibility for exploration and recovery of mineral deposits on the continental shelf.

• APA 2017 - announcement

  02/05/2017 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has 2 May 2017 announced the APA 2017, comprising predefined areas with blocks in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea.

• Doubling the resource estimate for the Barents Sea

  25/04/2017 According to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s new calculations, the undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Barents Sea are twice as large as previously assumed.

• Expecting exploration record in the Barents Sea

  25/04/2017 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate is expecting a new record in the number of exploration wells in the Barents Sea this year.

• International data forum meeting at the NPD

  18/04/2017 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate is hosting an international conference on storage and use of petroleum data from 6 to 8 June. There is still time to register for those who are interested.

• 6000 wells on the Norwegian shelf

  04/04/2017 Well number 6000 was registered as completed in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's Fact Pages in late March. This was production well 31/2-Y-21 AY2H on the Troll field in the North Sea.

• Start-up of the Flyndre field

  31/03/2017 The Maersk-operated Flyndre field in the North Sea started production on 26 March.

• Good feedback from users

  31/03/2017 A user survey taken by public and private players in the petroleum sector shows that the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NDP) enjoys a high level of trust and exercises its role with confidence.

• Increasing reserves on Goliat

  30/03/2017 Two wells will be drilled from Goliat in the Barents Sea in order to start production from the Snadd formation. This will increase oil reserves on Goliat by 1.2 million standard cubic metres (7.5 million barrels).

• Received two development plans

  27/03/2017 The licensees for the Njord field and the nearby Bauge discovery in the Norwegian Sea submitted two PDOs (Plans for development and operation) to the authorities today.

• Extending lifetime on Sigyn

  23/03/2017 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted consent for continued use of the subsea facilities on the Sigyn field in the North Sea from the end of 2017 until the end of 2022.

• Increased gas production from Ormen Lange

  10/02/2017 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has granted consent for start-up of the expansion of the gas plant at Nyhamna in Møre og Romsdal County.

• 4 Field developments

  12/01/2017

• 3 Exploration

  12/01/2017

• 2 Petroleum production

  12/01/2017 Oil production increased for the third consecutive year, and the start-up of Goliat means that the Barents Sea is contributing to oil production for the first time. Gas sales from the Norwegian shelf maintain the same record-high level as in 2015. Production is expected to remain at a relatively stable level over the next few years.

• 1 Investment and cost forecasts

  12/01/2017 The petroleum industry’s effort to reduce costs, along with falling supplier prices, have resulted in a considerably lower cost level. This is reflected both in lower investments in new projects, reduced costs for new production wells on fields in operation, as well as reduced operating and exploration costs.

• The Shelf in 2016

  12/01/2017 Oil and gas production on the Norwegian shelf is high. The adjustment process has been extensive, but the cost reductions implemented by the industry will lay the foundation for profitable activity for many years to come.

• Press conference – The shelf in 2016

  12/01/2017

• NCS No. 2-2016

  19/12/2016 Expanding oil activities in the far north mean that Svalbard is playing an increasingly important role in understanding the regional geology.

• The NPD teaches the industry - about the NPD

  15/12/2016 Around 150 employees from the petroleum industry participated at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s (NPD’s) first course on the NPD on Tuesday, 13 December.

• Processing development plan for the Oda discovery

  30/11/2016 The operator Centrica submitted the Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) of the Oda discovery in the North Sea to the authorities today.

• Teaching the industry about NPD roles and responsibilities

  17/11/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate is organising courses for oil company staff who want to learn more about the authorities’ roles and responsibilities in the petroleum industry.

• NPD to conduct user survey

  16/11/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) wants to know what important players in our society think about the work we do, and therefore conducts a user survey every three years.

• Submitted PDO for Trestakk discovery

  01/11/2016 The licensees in the Trestakk discovery in the Norwegian Sea submitted a Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) to the authorities today. Expected investments are NOK 5.5 billion.

• Russia and Norway to exchange seismic data from the Barents Sea

  26/10/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) and Russian petroleum authorities (Federal Subsoil Resources Management Agency, Rosnedra) have entered into an agreement to exchange seismic data from the areas around the demarcation line in the Barents Sea.

• Green light for Ivar Aasen start-up

  24/10/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has granted consent for production start-up on the Ivar Aasen field in the North Sea. The operator AkerBP has scheduled start-up for December.

• What you need to know about the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD)

  10/10/2016 The NPD is inviting oil companies to a course. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 13 December.

• Received Dvalin development plan

  04/10/2016 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) and the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) have received the plan for development and operation (PDO) for the Dvalin discovery in production licence 435 in the Norwegian Sea.

• Five billion barrels of oil and gas from the Statfjord field

  03/10/2016 Production from the field, which was discovered in 1974, started in 1979. The original plan was to shut down the field in the late 1990s. Now, the plan is to produce at least until the mid-2020s.

• Still significant interest in exploration in mature areas – APA 2016

  21/09/2016 When the application deadline for awards in pre-defined areas (APA) 2016 expired on 6 September, the authorities had received applications from 33 companies.

• Nomination of blocks for the 24th licensing round

  20/09/2016 In press releases dated 29 August 2016 and 8 September 2016, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy invited oil companies to nominate blocks for the 24th licensing round.

• New edition of the continental shelf map

  01/09/2016 You can now download or order the new edition of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s shelf map.

• Best stand at ONS 2016

  01/09/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s (NPD’s) and Ministry of Petroleum and Energy’s (MPE’s) stand was voted best stand over 50 square metres at ONS 2016.

• New guidelines for Annual Status Report for fields in production

  31/08/2016 The form for Annual Status Report for fields in production has been changed from autumn 2016.

• IOR prize awarded to Åsgard licensees

  30/08/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has awarded its improved oil recovery (IOR) prize for 2016 to the licensees of the Åsgard field in the Norwegian Sea for their subsea wet gas compressor.

• Development costs cut by nearly half

  29/08/2016 The price tag for developing a field on the Norwegian shelf has declined by an average of more than 40 per cent since the autumn of 2014, according to the NPD's analysis of eight planned developments that are approaching start-up.

• New guidelines for shredding

  26/08/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate frequently receives inquiries from companies regarding how and to what scope data should be shredded or destroyed. The NPD has prepared guidelines that can help clarify the proper procedure in these cases.

• Consent for lifetime extension - Gullfaks B

  25/08/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has given the go-ahead for using the B platform on the Gullfaks field in the North Sea until 1 January 2036, which corresponds to the length of the production licence.

• An update of the NPD’s resource classification system

  24/08/2016 The NPD’s Resource Classification System from 2001 has been updated. The new system has only minor changes compared to the previous one as all “boxes” are the same.

• Looking for framework agreements on technology

  23/08/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has announced a tender competition to supplement its technological expertise and capacity, with the intention of becoming even more of a driving force in the development of discoveries and improved recovery measures from producing fields.

• Consent to remove the Yme facility

  23/08/2016 The NPD has granted its consent for the licensees in production licences PL 316 and PL 316B to remove the production facility on Yme. The field is operated by Repsol.

• The NPD at ONS

  22/08/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) will be present at the oil and gas exhibition ONS in Stavanger from 29 August to 1 September.

• Development plan for the Byrding discovery

  19/08/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has received a Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for the Byrding discovery in the North Sea. The discovery was previously known as “Astero”.

• Processing the development plan for the Utgard discovery

  11/08/2016 On 9 August, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) received the Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for the Utgard discovery in the North Sea.

• Applicant seminar for DEMO 2000

  08/08/2016 The DEMO 2000 technology programme has announced funding of NOK 125 million for development of new technology for use on the Norwegian shelf, with an application deadline on 12 October 2016.

• ROV expedition in deep water in the Norwegian Sea

  14/07/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has carried out 4 successful ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) dives and has acquired depth data (bathymetry) near the Vøring Spur in the western Norwegian Sea.

• NPD to sell 3D seismic data

  12/07/2016 The 3D seismic data covers Block 31/5 (as well as a small part of Block 31/4).

• Consent for start-up of subsea facility on the Balder field

  11/07/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has granted ExxonMobil, operator and sole licensee in production licence 001, consent to start-up a subsea facility for production well 25/11-E-29 AH on the Balder field.

• Consent for extended lifetime for the Tambar facility

  08/07/2016 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate is giving the green light to use the facility on the Tambar field in the North Sea until 1 January 2022. This coincides with the expiry of production licence 065.

• APA 2016 - announcement

  17/03/2016 The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has 17th March 2016 announced the APA 2016, comprising the predefined areas with blocks in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea.

• Who deserves the IOR prize?

  01/02/2016 Do you know someone who deserves the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s prize for improved oil recovery – the 2016 IOR prize?

• Offers for ownership interests in APA 2015

  19/01/2016 Today, 19 January, offers will be sent to 36 companies for 56 new production licences on the Norwegian continental shelf.

• Investment and cost forecasts

  14/01/2016 From a historically high activity level in 2013 and 2014, the falling oil price has caused substantial challenges for the petroleum industry, and projects on operating fields and new developments are being postponed.

• Exploration

  14/01/2016 Exploration activity on the Norwegian shelf remains at a high level, though it declined somewhat at the end of the year. Seventeen discoveries were made, 11 in the North Sea and six in the Norwegian Sea. The discoveries are all minor and close to other fields.

• Field developments

  14/01/2016 In 2015, four new fields started production on the Norwegian continental shelf, all in the North Sea. The authorities approved four Plans for Development and Operation (PDOs), compared to just one in 2014.

• The Shelf in 2015

  14/01/2016 Low oil prices have given rise to considerable challenges for the petroleum industry. Significant remaining resources, combined with cost reductions and improved efficiency, can ensure continued high activity and future profitability.

• Petroleum production

  14/01/2016 Oil production increased for the second consecutive year, and a new record was set for gas sales. Production is expected to remain at a stable level over the next few years.

• Field developments

  15/01/2015 In 2014, the authorities received one Plan for Development and Operation (PDO), for a minor gas discovery near the Statoil-operated Gullfaks Rimfaksdalen in the North Sea. The 34/10-53 S discovery will be developed with a seabed template tied in to Gullfaks A.

• Exploration

  15/01/2015 Exploration activity is still high on the Norwegian shelf. Last year, 56 exploration wells were spudded and 59 were terminated. This amounts to three fewer spudded exploration wells than in 2013, but is the third highest total ever. Of these, 41 were wildcat wells and 15 were appraisal wells.

• Petroleum production

  15/01/2015 216.7 million saleable standard cubic metres of oil equivalents (Sm³ o.e.) were produced in 2014. This is 47.4 million Sm³ o.e. less than in the record-setting year 2004, and 1.4 per cent more than in 2013. This minor increase was slightly larger than expected in the forecasts made for 2014. Oil production increased from 2013, after a steady decline since 2001.

• Investment and cost forecasts

  15/01/2015 The high cost level in the petroleum industry has gradually become a major challenge. The decline in oil and gas prices in recent months has further emphasised the sector’s profitability challenges.

• The shelf in 2014

  15/01/2015 In the opinion of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, high costs and weaker oil prices could drive necessary readjustments that will strengthen the petroleum industry over the long-term.

• Martin Landrø receives the IOR award in 2014

  26/08/2014 Martin Landrø has been given the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s (NPD’s) IOR award for his work on developing 4D seismic for mapping, production management and monitoring of reservoirs.

• Investment and cost forecasts

  15/01/2014 The high activity level in the petroleum sector is expected to continue, but without further growth. Robust activity in the next few years is mainly due to significant exploration activity and development of several discoveries – of which Johan Sverdrup and Johan Castberg are the largest – as well as a number of major and minor projects planned on fields in operation.

• Field developments

  15/01/2014 Four plans for development and operation (PDOs) have been approved in 2013: three in the North Sea and one in the Norwegian Sea.

• Petroleum production

  15/01/2014 A total of 213.7 million saleable standard cubic metres of oil equivalents (Sm³ o.e.) was produced in 2013. This is 49.8 million Sm³ o.e. less than in the record year 2004, and 4.9 per cent less than in 2012. The decline was as expected after the record high gas sales level in 2012. Oil production continued to decline.

• Exploration

  15/01/2014 The level of activity on the Norwegian Shelf was high in 2013, and 20 new discoveries were made, seven more than in 2012. Seven of the discoveries were made in the North Sea, eight in the Norwegian Sea and five in the Barents Sea.

• The shelf in 2013 - Press release

  15/01/2014 A record number of fields are in operation on the Norwegian shelf. Discoveries in 2013 offset roughly half of what was produced in the same year.

• Investments and costs

  11/01/2013    

• Undiscovered resources

  11/01/2013 The undiscovered oil and gas resources on the Norwegian shelf are greater than previously assumed. This is a positive development for the future of the oil and gas activity on the NCS.

• Field developments

  11/01/2013 A considerable number of plans for development and operation (PDOs) have been submitted in 2012: six in the North Sea and two in the Norwegian Sea. Of these, the authorities approved four in the North Sea and two in the Norwegian Sea before the end of the year.

• Petroleum production

  11/01/2013 A total of 224 million saleable standard cubic metres of oil equivalents (Sm³ o.e.) was produced in 2012. This is 39.5 million Sm³ o.e. less than in the record year 2004, but two per cent more than in 2011. The increase can be attributed to record-breaking gas production. Oil production continued to decline.

• Exploration

  11/01/2013 Thirteen new discoveries were made on the Norwegian shelf in 2012; nine fewer than in 2011. Five of the discoveries were made in the North Sea, five in the Norwegian Sea and three in the Barents Sea.

• The Shelf in 2012 – press releases

  11/01/2013 Norwegian gas achieved record sales in 2012, while oil production declined more than expected. However, new profitable discoveries and a record number of developments in recent years form a basis for long-term value creation.

• IOR prize 2012

  28/08/2012 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s prize for improved recovery for 2012 is awarded to the subsurface environment on the Oseberg field.

• Exploration activity

  16/01/2012 During the course of 2011, 22 new discoveries were made on the Norwegian continental shelf, six more than in 2010. 16 of the discoveries were made in the North Sea, three in the Norwegian Sea and three in the Barents Sea.

• Cost development

  16/01/2012 The Norwegian petroleum activities are experiencing a period of strong growth in activities and high investment levels. This is positive; however, such a development also poses challenges as regards capacity and the companies’ ability to implement planned projects.

• Planned field developments

  16/01/2012 The oil companies have reported that they are planning to submit between 15 and 20 PDOs (plans for development and operation) over the next two years. All developments will take place in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea.

• Petroleum production

  16/01/2012 In total, 218.7 million saleable standard cubic metres of oil equivalents (Sm³ o.e.) were produced in 2011. This is 44.8 million Sm³ o.e. less than in the record year 2004, and down five per cent from 2010.

• Seismic data aquisition

  16/01/2012 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) acquired 11 500 kilometres of two-dimensional (2D) seismic in the new Norwegian waters in the southeastern Barents Sea in the summer of 2011. In addition, 3061 kilometres of 2D-seismic were acquired around Jan Mayen and 230 kilometres on the Mørerand High in the Norwegian Sea.

• The shelf in 2011 - press releases

  16/01/2012 The oil industry continued to contribute significantly to Norway’s good economy in 2011. Last year’s investment and activity level was high, and it will remain at a high level in the next five years.

• Researchers honoured with IOR prize

  08/06/2011 Professor Tor Austad of the University of Stavanger and the Corec research centre have been honoured with the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's IOR prize for their work on recovering more oil from chalk reservoirs.

• Tor Austad and Corec share the NPD’s 2010 IOR prize

  07/06/2011 Professor Tor Austad (University of Stavanger) and the Corec research centre at IRIS have been awarded the NPD’s 2010 IOR prize. Austad and Corec have been honoured for the very important research that has been carried out to improve oil recovery from chalk fields.

• Corec, International centre for improved oil recovery

  07/06/2011 The centre is a collaborative project between the University of Stavanger (UiS), the IRIS research foundation, and ConocoPhillips as the operator of Ekofisk, Eldfisk and Tor (production licence 018).

• Tor Austad

  07/06/2011 Professor Tor Austad has worked with chemical processes for EOR (enhanced oil recovery) since the first national programme for improved oil recovery, the NPD administered SPOR, started in 1985.

• Monitors movements in the earth’s crust

  22/02/2011 A new seismometer has received prominent placement in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s new building.

• Triassic ichthyosaurus on Svalbard

  22/02/2011 During geological field work for the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate in the summer of 2007, geologists found a well-preserved skeleton of a small ichthyosaurus on a plateau near Muenfjellet, on the western coast of Edgeøya in Svalbard. Even though remnants of ichthyosaurs are not uncommon on Svalbard, it is very rare for the head to be preserved – which was the case with this discovery.

• Updated seahorse

  22/02/2011 The NPD (Norwegian Petroleum Directorate) is proud of its logo, a seahorse under a royal crown. The NPD’s board decided on a logo on 6 August 1975, which was then approved by the Ministry of Industry on 27 November 1975.

• Geological time - a colourful story

  22/02/2011    

• NPD in a new building

  22/02/2011 Today, 22 February, Stavanger mayor Leif Johan Sevland opened the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s new building in Stavanger. When he congratulated the NPD on the new building, he emphasised how important it is that the NPD and its employees have suitable working conditions, so they can do the best job possible job as resource managers on the Norwegian shelf.

• The shelf 2010 – Petroleum production

  13/01/2011 In total, 229.5 million saleable standard cubic metres of oil equivalents (Sm³ o.e.) were produced in 2010. This is 34.6 million Sm³ o.e. less than in the record year 2004, and a decline of four per cent from 2009.

• The shelf 2010 – Undiscovered resources

  13/01/2011 The volume of estimated, undiscovered resources on the Norwegian continental shelf has been reduced from 3.3 to 2.6 billion standard cubic metres of oil equivalents (Sm3 o.e.). The largest reduction can be explained by discoveries totalling 400 million Sm3 o.e. since 2006. In addition, estimates have been written down following disappointing exploration results in several important play models, and following new surveys off Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja.

• The shelf in 2010 – Exploration activities

  13/01/2011 Sixteen new discoveries were made on the Norwegian continental shelf in 2010, 12 fewer than in 2009. A total of 41 exploration wells were completed during the course of the year.

• The shelf 2010 – Developments

  13/01/2011 During 2010, the authorities approved plans for development and operation (PDOs) for three fields in the North Sea and one in the Norwegian Sea. Many new production platforms are planned, and the activity level in the North Sea will be high.

• The shelf in 2010 – Investments

  13/01/2011 The petroleum sector experienced a temporary decrease in investments in 2010. It is expected that investments in 2011 will be slightly over the peak year 2009 – approx. NOK 150 billion.

• The shelf in 2010 – Press releases

  13/01/2011 The activity level on the Norwegian shelf is high, with investments expected to rise in the next few years. In spite of this, we see that more than 50 per cent of the oil remains in the fields. This is a source of concern for the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD), which is now calling for tougher measures from the companies to secure these assets.

• Award presented for seabed technology

  02/06/2010 Today, 2 June, FMC Technologies received the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s 2009 IOR award for outstanding technology development of seabed production systems.

• The shelf in 2009 - Environment

  15/01/2010 To a large degree, emissions and discharges from petroleum activities are a result of the production. Increased emissions and discharges result from longer distances to the market and extended lifetime for the fields.

• The shelf in 2009 - Development

  15/01/2010 In 2009, the authorities approved the plans for the development and operation (PDO) of the Goliat oil field in the Barents Sea and the Oselvar oil and gas field in the North Sea. In 2010, as many as seven new development plans may be submitted for approval.

• The shelf in 2009 - Investments

  15/01/2010 In a year where the financial crisis resulted substantial reductions in incoming orders in several industries, the investments in the petroleum sector remained at a historically high level. In that regard, the petroleum sector was an important buffer for the Norwegian economy in a troubled year for the international economy.

• The shelf in 2009 – The resource accounts

  15/01/2010 There are no significant changes in the total estimate for the petroleum resources on the Norwegian shelf as of 31 December 2009. The estimate is 13 billion standard cubic metres of oil equivalents (Sm3 o.e.) The accounts show an increase in gross oil reserves of 64 million Sm3.

• The shelf in 2009 - Petroleum production

  15/01/2010 In total, 238.6 million saleable standard cubic metres of oil equivalents (Sm³ o.e.) were produced in 2009. This is 24.6 million Sm³ o.e. less than in the record year 2004. The figure represents a one per cent decline from 2008, but exceeds the production forecast for 2009.

• The shelf in 2009 - Exploration

  15/01/2010 Exploration in 2009 – Record activity level

• The shelf in 2009 - Press releases

  15/01/2010 Oil production continues to fall. Making a determined effort to recover the oil resources from the large fields has become an urgent matter. If the licensees do not make the necessary decisions, profitable resources could be lost.

• The shelf in 2009

  11/01/2010 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate hereby invites you to a press conference about the shelf in 2009 on Friday, 15 January at 0930 hours.

• Faulty geology scuppers pioneering project

  17/11/2009 Stratigraphic studies by the NPD in the wake of an oil leak on Tordis in 2008 have shown that the Utsira formation is not present where an injection well was drilled for this North Sea field.

• The shelf in 2008 - Petroleum production

  09/01/2009 A total of 242.2 million marketable standard cubic metres of oil equivalents (Sm³ o.e.) were produced in 2008. This is 21.8 million Sm³ o.e. less than in the record year 2004 and a small increase from 2007.

• The shelf in 2008

  08/01/2009 Press release 1/2009

• The shelf in 2008 - Seismic acquisition in Nordland VII and Troms II

  08/01/2009 In 2008, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) acquired approximately 12 000 kilometres of 2D seismic data and 700 square kilometres of 3D seismic data in the Nordland VII and Troms II areas. The acquisition of seismic data started in the summer of 2007 and will be concluded in the summer of 2009. This activity is carried out on assignment from the Norwegian Government.

• The shelf in 2008 - Environment

  08/01/2009 Emissions and discharges from the petroleum activities largely follow production volumes. Increased emissions and discharges occur as a consequence of longer distances to the market, tail production and extended field lifetime.

• The shelf in 2008 - Coexistence

  08/01/2009 During the last couple of years we have seen a growing level of conflict between seismic acquisition activities and the fishery industry. This is largely due to an increase in seismic data acquisition as a consequence of a generally higher level of petroleum activity.

• The shelf in 2008 - New players

  08/01/2009 Eight new companies were pre-qualified as licensees or operators on the Norwegian shelf in 2008. An additional 15 companies are currently being evaluated.

• The shelf in 2008 - Developments

  08/01/2009 During 2008, the authorities approved plans for development and operation (PDOs) for Yttergryta and Morvin in the Norwegian Sea. In 2009, as many as ten new development plans may be submitted to the authorities for approval.

• The shelf in 2008 - Investments

  08/01/2009 The high price of oil in 2008 led to a considerable increase in both activity and cost levels on the Norwegian shelf. Investments, including investments in exploration activities, showed a continued growth in relation to previous years. The NPD’s preliminary estimate is in excess of 130 bill. NOK.

• The shelf in 2008 - exploration activity

  08/01/2009 56 exploration wells were spudded on the Norwegian continental shelf in 2008. This is a record high, and an increase of 24 exploration wells compared with 2007. 25 new discoveries were made in 2008. Of the 56 exploration wells, 42 were wildcat wells and 14 were appraisal wells. 49 exploration wells were completed.

• The shelf in 2008 - Resource accounts

  08/01/2009 There is no significant change in the in the overall estimate for petroleum resources on the Norwegian shelf as of 31 December 2008. The estimate is 13 billion standard cubic metres of oil equivalents (Sm³ o.e.).

• The Shelf in 2007

  14/01/2008 Press release 5/2008: Gas production has increased in 2007.  As expected, oil production is somewhat lower than in the previous year.  32 exploration wells were spudded in 2007, up from 26 in 2006. Twelve new discoveries were made, most of which appear to be fairly small.  The shelf is characterized by vigorous activity and continued growth in total investment costs. The Shelf in 2007 contains facts from the past year as well as forecasts for the upcoming five-year period.

• The shelf in 2007 – Environment

  14/01/2008 Emissions and discharges from the petroleum activities largely follow production volumes. Increased emissions and discharges occur as a consequence of longer distances to the market, tail production and extended field lifetime.

• The shelf in 2007 – Seismic

  14/01/2008 In 2007, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate collected 2617 kilometres of seismic data in the Nordland VII and Troms II areas. Data acquisition will continue in the summer of 2008.

• The shelf in 2007 - The resource accounts (preliminary figures as of 31 December 2007)

  14/01/2008 There is no significant change in the overall estimate for petroleum resources on the Norwegian shelf as of 31 December 2007. The estimate is 13 billion Sm3 o.e. The accounts show relatively good growth from exploration activity and an increase in gross reserves.

• The shelf in 2007 - Exploration

  14/01/2008 32 exploration wells were spudded in 2007, of which 20 were wildcat wells and 12 were appraisal wells. 33 exploration wells have been completed. In 2006 the NPD expected around 30 exploration wells to be spudded. The NPD believes that the high exploration activity will continue in 2008.

• The shelf in 2007 - New players

  14/01/2008 A total of 13 new companies were pre-qualified as licensees or operators on the Norwegian shelf in 2007.  14 companies are currently being considered.

• The shelf in 2007 - Developments

  14/01/2008 During the course of 2007, 8 plans for development and operation (PDO) were approved for 9 new deposits.  Around 10 PDOs are expected to be submitted to the authorities in 2008.

• The shelf in 2007 – Investments

  14/01/2008 The activity level on the Norwegian shelf is high.  Higher oil prices have led to significant increases in both activity and cost levels.  Continued growth in total investment costs is expected.

• The shelf in 2007 - Petroleum production

  14/01/2008 A total of 237.8 million standard cubic metres (Sm³) marketable oil equivalents (o.e.) were produced in 2007.  This is 26.2 million Sm³ o.e. less than in the record year 2004.

• The NPD's IOR prize 2006 goes to Baker Hughes and Halliburton

  23/01/2007 This year, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate is acknowledging the commitment made by the Norwegian supplier industry towards increased value creation on the Norwegian shelf, not least in research and development.  The IOR prize 2006 is awarded to both Baker Hughes and Halliburton for progressive development and application of advanced drilling and well solutions.

• The Shelf in 2006 - Continued commitment to integrated operations/e-operations

  05/01/2007 The petroleum industry is well underway in the implementation of integrated operations.  The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate will continue its commitment to the e-driftforum (Integrated Operations Forum) and be a driving force in those areas where there the activity is insufficient.

• The Shelf in 2006 - New boundaries for the Norwegian shelf

  05/01/2007 The UN to establish new outer boundaries for the Norwegian continental shelf in 2007.

• The Shelf in 2006 - Data acquisition in Nordland VII and Troms II

  05/01/2007 In 2007, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate will spend NOK 70 million on acquring data in the waters off Lofoten and in the Barents Sea.

• The shelf in 2006 - Resource accounts (preliminary figures as of 31 December 2006)

  05/01/2007 There has been no significant change in the overall estimate of petroleum resources on the Norwegian continental shelf as of 31 December 2006.  The estimate is 13 GSm3 o.e. The accounts show a limited addition of new resources from exploration and zero growth as regards gross reserves; in fact, there has been a small downward adjustment of gross oil reserves (-16 Msm3).  On the more positive side, a number of projects have matured, and new projects have been initiated on fields.

• The Shelf in 2006 - Exploration activity

  05/01/2007 26 exploration wells were spudded in 2006, of which 17 were wildcat wells and nine were appraisal wells.  23 exploration wells have been completed.  The number of exploration wells doubled as compared with 2005; however, fewer wells were drilled than planned, largely as a result of the drilling rig shortage.

• The shelf in 2006 - New players

  05/01/2007 A total of 16 new companies were pre-qualified as licensees or operators on the Norwegian shelf in 2006.  Another ten companies were being evaluated at year-end.

• The shelf in 2006 - Petroleum production

  05/01/2007 A total of 248 million Sm³ marketable oil equivalents (o.e.) were produced in 2006. This is 16 million Sm³ o.e. less than in the record year 2004.  One new field, Ringhorne Øst, commenced production during the year.  An additional six new fields are expected to start producing in 2007; Alvheim, Blane, Enoch, Ormen Lange, Snøhvit and Vilje.

• The shelf in 2006 - Activity level

  05/01/2007 We are currently experiencing a period of vigorous activity on the Norwegian shelf.  Higher oil prices have brought significant increases in both activity level and costs.  Investment trend prognoses up to 2011 indicate that activity will remain high.  A number of modification and improved recovery projects on producing fields (Ekofisk, Eldfisk, Snorre, Troll oil and Valhall), together with new developments (35/9-1 Gjøa and 6507/5-1 Skarv), contribute to the vigorous activity.

• The shelf in 2006

  05/01/2007 Press release 1/2007: Gas production on the Norwegian shelf in 2006 reached record levels, while oil production was lower than expected.  26 exploration wells were spudded in 2006, which is twice as many as in the previous year.  However, only four discoveries were made.  The shelf is otherwise characterized by a shortage of rigs and increasing prices.  The shelf in 2006 contains facts from the year that has passed, as well as the outlook for the next five-year period.

• The Shelf in 2005 - Integrated Operations

  02/05/2006 Integrated Operations, or eOperations, means implementing new forms of operation.  These new forms are based on ICT solutions including use of (near) real-time data to integrate work processes between disciplines, offshore, land and different organizations.  The purpose of this is to achieve faster, better decisions.

• The Shelf in 2005 - External environment

  12/01/2006 During 2005 the NPD contributed to a series of different projects concerning external environment.

• The Shelf in 2005 - Resource accounts (preliminary figures as of 31 December 2005)

  12/01/2006 There has been no significant change in the total estimate of petroleum resources on the Norwegian continental shelf as of 31 December 2005.  However, there has been a substantial maturing of the resources on the shelf.

• The Shelf in 2005 - Exploration activities

  12/01/2006 Twelve exploration wells were spudded in 2005, of which nine are wildcat wells and three are appraisal wells.  Six new discoveries were made, three in the North Sea and three in the Norwegian Sea.

• The Shelf in 2005 - Award of area

  12/01/2006 During 2005, the companies on the Norwegian shelf were offered 45 new production licences.  These were awards in predefined areas (APA).  Also, in the autumn of 2005 the application deadline for production licences offered in the 19th licensing round expired.

• The Shelf in 2005 - New players

  12/01/2006 A total of nine new companies were pre-qualified during 2005 as licensees or operators on the Norwegian shelf.  At year-end, another ten companies were under consideration.

• The Shelf in 2005 - Activity level

  12/01/2006 Investments made in 2005 are estimated at nearly NOK 83 billion (2005), excluding exploration costs.  This is NOK 16 billion more than the previous year. As regards 2006, investments excluding exploration costs are estimated at NOK 81 million.  In addition, we estimate that NOK 12 billion will be spent in connection with exploration.

• The Shelf in 2005 - Petroleum production

  12/01/2006 A total of 257 million marketable Sm3 oil equivalents were produced in i 2005.  This is 6 million Sm3 o.e. less than the record year, 2004.

• The Shelf in 2005

  12/01/2006 Press release no. 2/2006:  2005 brought another record production of gas from the Norwegian continental shelf. Oil production was lower than expected. The exploration results were good in spite of few exploration wells, yielding discoveries in new areas as well as discoveries with new plays in mature areas. The Shelf in 2005 contains facts from the year that has passed and prospects for the coming five-year period.

• The shelf in 2004 - External environment

  14/01/2005 During 2004 the NPD contributed to a series of different projects concerning external environment.

• The shelf in 2004 - Stable resources

  14/01/2005 There is no change in the overall estimate of petroleum resources on the Norwegian continental shelf as of 31 December 2004 compared to last year’s account. However, there has been a considerable maturing of the offshore resources.

• The shelf in 2004 - Activity level

  14/01/2005 There is a high activity level on the Norwegian continental shelf. This level is mainly associated with investements in major field developments such as Ormen Lange and Snøhvit. Contributing to the level of activity are also invesments in improved recovery projects, plans for development and operations and a number of small discoveries.

• The shelf in 2004 - Petroleum production

  14/01/2005 Production of marketable petroleum reached a new peak in 2004, with a total of 263 million marketable Sm3 oil equivalents being produced. This is 1 million Sm3 o.e. more than the record year 2003.

• The shelf in 2004

  14/01/2005 Press release 1/2005 - Petroleum production from the Norwegian continental shelf reached an all time high in 2004. The activity level is also high, with a number of new projects and field developments under way.

• The shelf in 2004 - Seven new companies

  22/12/2004 The companies Wintershall, Noble Energy and Centrica are the latest of a total of seven new players pre-qualified by the authorities in 2004 as licensees or operators on the Norwegian shelf.

• IOR award 2003: the NPD's award for improved oil recovery goes to Valhall

  13/01/2004 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's IOR award for 2003 goes to Valhall Unit and the operating company BP for their "Life of Field Seismic" project on the Valhall field.

• Constantly more acreage available on the Norwegian shelf

  30/01/2003 No sooner was the announcement of the 18th licensing round completed before the authorities announced new acreage in connection with awards in predefined areas (TFO 2004). In connection with TFO 2004 the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) will present the oil companies with a gift package containing specially organized information on the areas in the announcement.