“Awarding prospective exploration acreage is a central pillar in the Norwegian Government’s petroleum policy. APA 2017 is the second largest expansion so far, and the largest expansion yet in the Barents Sea. This is imperative for effective resource management,” says The Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Mr. Terje Søviknes (Progressive Party).
“The APA 2017 announcement shows commitment to the Government’s petroleum policy and our ocean strategy. This expansion promotes effective resource management, high value creation and employment,” Søviknes continues.
In the APA 2017 round, the predefined area has been expanded by in total 87 blocks, 34 blocks in the Norwegian Sea and 53 blocks in the Barents Sea. The expansion includes blocks west in the Norwegian Sea and areas around Wisting, Alta and Gohta in the Barents Sea.
A complete announcement text, an updated map of the announced blocks, health, safety and environment (HSE), environmental and fisheries conditions and further information are available on the website of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.
The application deadline for companies is 12:00 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2017.
The aim is to award new production licenses in the announced areas at the beginning of 2018, Søviknes said.