Interest in exploration on the Norwegian continental shelf remains high
Thin section from the Ørn Formation, of Carboniferous and Permian age. The thin section is from a well drilled on the central Finnmark Platform in the Barents Sea and shows limestone with fossils from approximately 2000 meter depth.
9/4/2025 The authorities have received applications from 20 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2025. The deadline for applications was 2 September.
«It is encouraging to see that there is still significant interest in exploring new acreage in mature areas of the Norwegian continental shelf. The interest spans all sea regions, which demonstrates that there are many opportunities to make profitable discoveries from the south to the north of the shelf», says Kalmar Ildstad, Director of regulations, licence and area management in the Norwegian Offshore Directorate.
We note that most of the companies that are active on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) have submitted applications in this year’s APA round, and the applications confirm considerable interest in exploration near existing fields and infrastructure.
Offers announced early in the new year
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate is now working to evaluate the applications, with emphasis on geological comprehension and plans for exploration of the areas. When production licences are awarded, emphasis is also placed on the companies’ technical expertise and experience, as well as financial strength.
The authorities aim to award new production licences in the announced areas in early 2026.
Press release from the Ministry of Energy
Updated: 9/4/2025