Announcement of awards in predefined areas (APA) 2020
6/19/2020 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
The deadline to apply for APA 2020 is Tuesday, 22 September 2020 at 12:00. Applicants are encouraged to submit in good time before the deadline.
Awards are expected during the first quarter of 2021.
Updated: 6/19/2020
Latest news
Appraisal well in the North Sea increases projection (16/1-EA-4 H)
9/25/2026
Aker BP and its partners Equinor and DNO have drilled an appraisal well on the "Verdandi" and "Lillefix" discoveries in the North Sea. This well increases the projected discovery size.
Production figures August 2026
9/22/2026
Preliminary production figures for August 2026 show an average daily production of 2 073 000 barrels of oil, NGL and condensate.
Aker BP has made a gas discovery in the North Sea (36/4-2 and 36/4-2 A)
9/16/2026
Preliminary calculations show that the size is between 0.15 and 2.4 million standard cubic metres of recoverable oil equivalent (Sm3 of o.e.), which corresponds to 1-15 million barrels.
Drilling permit for wellbore 25/9-5 S
9/15/2026
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Equinor Energy AS drilling permit for wellbore 25/9-5 S in production licence 1042.
Growing exploration interest
9/11/2026
The authorities have received applications from 21 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2025. The deadline for applications was 1 September.
New NCS map 2026
9/8/2026
You can now download or order a printed version of the Directorate's most recent map of the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).
New director at the Norwegian Offshore Directorate
9/7/2026
Siv Fagerland Christensen has taken up her position as Director of governance, finance and shared services.
Register for our seminar on sub-basalt exploration
8/31/2026
Welcome to a seminar on sub-basalt exploration on 15 October 2026 at our offices. The seminar speakers will represent operators, suppliers, academia and the authorities.
Okea receives award for improved recovery on its oil fields
8/25/2026
This year's winner of the Norwegian Offshore Directorate's “Improved Recovery Award” has worked systematically to revitalise the Draugen and Brage fields.