Great interest in APA 2015, Norwegian Petroleum Directorate says

STAVANGER, Norway – Norway received applications from 43 companies by the application deadline for awards in predefined areas (APA) 2015 on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate announced.

That is about the same level as last year. Interest is greatest in the Norwegian Sea, but there is also an increase in the Barents Sea.

"We are pleased to see that so many companies have confidence in the APA-areas," Sissel Eriksen, director of exploration of at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, said. “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 realizing 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.

APA 2015 was announced on April 21. The awards are scheduled for early 2016.