The predefined areas are in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. At the 15 September deadline, companies could apply for a total of 55,319 km2, divided between 227 blocks, reports the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.
- This confirms that mature areas on the Norwegian shelf are still interesting for the oil companies, says Sissel Eriksen, director in charge of exploration at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.
- High oil prices in recent years have made the Norwegian shelf attractive, which is confirmed by the very high level of exploration activity, says Eriksen.
