APA 2022: Still significant interest for exploration in mature areas

9/13/2022 The authorities have received applications from 26 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2022.

Most of the companies that are active on the Norwegian shelf have submitted applications in this year's APA. The application deadline was 12 September.

"It's gratifying to note the continuing significant interest in investigating new exploration acreage, given the many awards made in the most recent APA processes," says Kalmar Ildstad, Director licence management in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.

The NPD is now commencing the work of evaluating the applications, with focus on geological understanding and plans for exploring the areas.

Offers announced early in 2023

When production licences are awarded, emphasis is also placed on the companies' technical expertise and experience, as well as their financial strength.

The authorities plan to announce which companies will be offered shares in APA 2022 early in the new year – 2023.

Press release from the Ministry of Petroleum on APA 2022

More about APA 2022

 

Contact

Ola Anders Skauby

Director Communication, public affairs and emergency response

Tel: +47 905 98 519

Updated: 9/13/2022

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).
Resource report 2026 in English
9/8/2026 The Resource report is now also available in English.
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.