Authorities in Norway have received applications from 33 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2019. 

The deadline for applications was 27 August.

Most of the companies that are active on the Norwegian shelf have submitted applications in this year’s APA round.

Interest in the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea is comparable to APA 2018, while there is a small decline in the North Sea.

"A great deal of acreage has been awarded over the last two years, particularly in the North Sea. That makes it particularly gratifying to see the continued strong interest in new exploration acreage," says exploration director in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, Torgeir Stordal.

He adds:

"The APA area was further expanded prior to this year’s round. We are pleased to see many applications in the expanded area."

The NPD will now start the work of evaluating the applications with focus on geological understanding 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 will announce which companies will be offered ownership interests in APA 2019 early in 2020.