The Norwegian Offshore Directorate's interactive map shows high activity and continuous exploration in the mature NCS (Norwegian continental shelf) areas from 2004 to 2024. The light green area shows active production licences, while the darker green areas show awarded production licences for each year. The map shows a high level of activity and continuous exploration in the mature areas on the Shelf.

The annual APA (Awards in predefined areas), rounds are the most important driver for exploration on the NCS. This is the result of more than 20 years of continuously expanding the available acreage and securing predictable framework conditions through the annual licensing rounds.

"This has ensured predictability for the industry. Nearly all acreage opened for petroleum activity on the NCS is now included in APA. There is still some acreage available within the mature areas where there has been less exploration. We encourage more exploration and a greater willingness to take chances. Higher risk can yield higher rewards," says Kjersti Dahle, Director of offshore new ventures.

The APA scheme was introduced for the most well-explored parts of the continental shelf in 2003. It's important to ensure good utilisation of the infrastructure over time in order to achieve good resource management and high value creation. 

The companies' deadline for nominating blocks for next year's APA is by September.

Read more about licensing rounds