APA 2023: Still significant interest for exploration in mature areas
The photo shows Edge Island with outcropping Triassic source rock of the Steinkobbe-/Botneheia Formation. Photo: Bjørn Anders Lundschien/the NPD.
29/08/2023
The authorities have received applications from 25 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2023.
Almost all companies that are active on the Norwegian shelf have submitted applications in this year's APA. The application deadline was 23 August 2023.
"It's gratifying to note the continuing significant interest in investigating new exploration acreage among almost all active companies on the Norwegian contintental shelf, and that we see an increased interest in the Barents Sea this year," 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 2024
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 2023 early in the new year – 2024.
22/04/2024
Equinor has completed an appraisal well (7324/7-4) on the Wisting discovery in the Barents Sea. The objective was to acquire data on the reservoir and cap rock, for use in ongoing evaluation and development of the discovery.
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.
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.
17/04/2024
Vår Energi has made an oil discovery in "Ringhorne Nord" (wells 25/8-23 S and 25/8-23 A & B), north of the Ringhorne Øst field, 200 kilometres northwest of Stavanger.
03/04/2024
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Wintershall Dea Norge AS drilling permit for well 35/11-27 S in production licence 248, cf. Section 13 of the Resource Management Regulations.
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.
25/03/2024
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Aker BP ASA drilling permit for well 24/6-5 in production licence 203, cf. Section 13 of the Resource Management Regulations.
