Norwegian Authorities Content With Applications from 43 Companies for APA 2015

Norwegian authorities received applications from 43 companies for awards in predefined areas (APA) 2015 on the Norwegian continental shelf. Despite the 2015 round registered less companies applying for licences with respect to the APA 2014, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate said it is content with the interest demonstrated by companies. 

"Many companies continue to focus on the Norwegian Sea, where several oil and gas discoveries have been made in recent years. The number of applications has been fairly stable in past years, and we see that the APA scheme is important for maintaining the activity level and realising the value potential on the shelf” Sissel Eriksen, Director of Exploration of at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD), commented in a note. 

While the interest in the Norwegian Sea slightly decreased, the Barents Sea raised the attention of more companies.

‘During APA 2014, the authorities received applications from 47 companies for an available acreage area of 109 205 square kilometres. At the 2 September 2015 application deadline, it was possible to apply for a total of 127 608 square kilometres. Since APA 2014, the pre-defined areas (APA areas) have increased by 35 blocks in the Norwegian Sea and 11 blocks in the Barents Sea’ NPD reported. 

Last week, Statoil wrote that it had delivered the largest APA license application in the last 10 years for acreages in Norway.  

Technical assessment of the applications starts now. The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate will now proceed with its technical assessments and its evaluation of the applicants' exploration strategy.