Norway Launches APA 2025 Round for Oil and Gas Exploration

Norway’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has launched the award in pre-defined areas 2025 (APA 2025) round for oil and gas exploration activity, covering the predefined areas on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) with blocks in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and the Barents Sea.

After the Norwegian Ministry of Energy sent out a proposal for the APA 2025 for public consultation on January 14, 2025, with a consultation deadline of February 25, a total of 30 consultation statements were received from various stakeholders.

Several of the consultation statements focused on petroleum activities and climate considerations, aligning with Norway’s commitment to UN-led climate cooperation, including the Paris Agreement.

The Ministry of Energy announced APA 2025 on May 9, 2025, expanding the predefined areas with blocks in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea. The application deadline is Tuesday, September 2, 2025, with awards expected in the first quarter of 2026.

The APA 2025 round offers exploration acreage in the best-known petroleum areas on the NCS, with an increase of 68 blocks in the Barents Sea and 8 blocks in the Norwegian Sea compared to APA 2024.

Terje Aasland, Norway’s Minister of Energy, emphasized the importance of exploration for the country and Europe, stating, “We will explore more, find more and extract more. It is good for Norway and for Europe.”

The APA 2025 round covers approximately 75% of the area open for petroleum activities on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, providing opportunities for hydrocarbon companies to replenish their exploration efforts.

The Ministry of Energy stresses the significance of continuity in exploration activities to maintain long-term production levels and effective resource management.

Applications for the APA 2025 round can be submitted until September 2, 2025, with a focus on smaller discoveries that can contribute to overall production levels when combined with existing infrastructure.

Minister Aasland underlined the need for responsible exploration to identify opportunities with significant resource potential in well-known exploration areas.

The APA 2025 round presents a significant opportunity for the oil and gas industry to secure access to new acreage and contribute to the country’s energy resource base.