At the application deadline for awards in predefined areas (APA) 2015 on the Norwegian continental shelf, the authorities had received applications from 43 companies, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has informed, saying the numbers were at about the same level as in 2014.

Interest is greatest in the Norwegian Sea, but there is also an increase in the Barents Sea, the NPD said.

“We are pleased to see that so many companies have confidence in the APA-areas,” says Sissel Eriksen, Director of Exploration of at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.

“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.”

Technical assessment of the applications starts now. The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate will also evaluate the applicants’ geological concepts and exploration strategy for the areas.

During APA 2014, the authorities received applications from 47 companies for an available acreage area of 109 205 square kilometres. At the September 2, 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.

http://www.offshoreenergytoday.com/43-firms-apply-for-acreage-offshore-norway/