In the 2025 awards in pre-defined areas (APA), 19 companies have been offered ownership interests in a total of 57 production licences on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).

The authorities reviewed applications from a total of 19 companies in autumn 2025. Of these 57 production licences, 31 are in the North Sea, 21 in the Norwegian Sea and 5 in the Barents Sea. 20 of the production licences are additional acreage for existing production licences.

"This year's awards show that the companies still see the potential for profitable exploration in mature areas. Resources proven near established installations will be crucial to ensure high value creation and effective utilisation of infrastructure moving forward", says Kalmar Ildstad, Director of regulations, licence and area management at the Norwegian Offshore Directorate.

"It's also encouraging that several companies have submitted applications to conduct new assessments of discoveries with tight reservoirs, where production has so far been deemed unlikely," he adds. 

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Norwegian Offshore Directorate