The Norwegian Ministry of Energy has awarded 57 new offshore production licenses to offshore production to 19 oil companies as part of the APA 2025 round. This annual licensing round in predefined areas has established itself as a crucial strategy to maintain the vitality of the Norwegian energy industry against a backdrop of projected production declines.
Geographical distribution and key operators in offshore licenses
The Norwegian continental shelfcovering the North, Norwegian and Barents Seas, is the focus of this initiative. In this edition, 31 licenses were allocated in the North Sea, 21 in the Norwegian Sea and 5 in the Barents Sea. All are subject to a mandatory work program designed to ensure progress in exploration or, failing that, the return of rights to the State.
Of the 19 companies selected, 13 have been designated as operators in one or more areas, including prominent figures such as EquinorAker BP and ConocoPhillips. These assignments not only reinforce exploration activity, but also represent a political tool to ensure the stability of energy supply to Europe.
Terje Aasland, Minister of Energy, stressed that, in view of the expected natural decline in production, new projects are required to cushion the decline. The expansion of the APA area, which is reviewed annually under technical criteria, guarantees predictability to the companies and promotes the efficient use of the existing infrastructure.
Regulatory strategy and long-term energy vision
These awards are part of a regulatory framework approved by the Norwegian Parliament, which prioritizes mature areas with a high probability of profitable discoveries. Since its implementation in 2003, the APA round has been a constant instrument for sustaining the country’s energy competitiveness on the international scene.
This new round underscores Norway’s commitment to an energy transition that does not neglect the role of oil and gas in European security and economic development, especially at a time when energy geopolitics is once again at the center of the continental debate.
Source: Government of Norway
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