In the 22nd licensing round on the Norwegian shelf, Det norske has been awarded four new licences in the Barents Sea, whereof two as operator. Det norske is very pleased with the award.

SVP Exploration Bjørn Martinsen says that the ministry places great trust in Det norske by awarding the company two operatorships and four licences in the Barents Sea.

Four new licences in the Barents Sea entail a strengthening of our exploration activities in a very promising area. The awards strengthen our long-term efforts in the North. We are especially pleased with being awarded our first priority and the two operatorships, says Mr Martinsen.

The award of licences in the Barents Sea is an acknowledgment of the qualifications and expertise of Det norske, both with regard to the area as well as the Harstad office.

Det norske has been awarded the operatorship of licence 709 (40 percent) and licence 715 (40 percent). In addition, Det norske is partner in licence 706 (20 percent) and licence 535 B (20 percent). A total of 24 new production licences was awarded.

The ministry received applications from 36 companies by the deadline, 4 December 2012, for the 86 announced blocks in the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. The licensing round targeted frontier areas in the Barents Sea (72 blocks) and in the Norwegian Sea (14 blocks).