– I am delighted to announce this year’s APA round. We are continuing our practice of offering regular concessions on the NCS to provide the industry access to new acreage. Awarding prospective acreage is a central element in the Government’s policy. I believe the oil companies are well motivated to continuing exploring the NCS, says Minister Kjell-Børge Freiberg.

In the APA 2019, the predefined area has been expanded by a total of 90 blocks – five in the North Sea, 37 in the Norwegian Sea and 48 in the Barents Sea.

– The expansion of the APA-area is important to ensure effective exploration of larger parts of the NCS, including the Barents Sea. The expansion will give the companies access to new opportunities that can enable value creation, employment and technology development.

Read entire press release HERE.