The Norwegian authorities have offered Aker BP ownership interests in 22 exploration licences on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) in the APA 2025 licensing round. Aker BP has been awarded operatorship in 12 of the licences. The awards strengthen the company's position as one of the most active exploration companies on the NCS. 

"We are pleased with the outcome of this year's APA round. The awards support our long-term growth ambitions on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and provide a solid basis for pursuing a focused and value-driven exploration strategy," says Petter Sørhaug, SVP Exploration and Reservoir Development in Aker BP.

The company has been awarded licences in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea. The portfolio represents a balanced mix of opportunities close to existing infrastructure and prospects in less explored areas. The associated work programmes include two committed exploration wells and extensive seismic data acquisition aimed at rapidly assessing the resource potential.

Aker BP continues to invest in technology and digital solutions to unlock value in complex reservoirs on the NCS. The APA 2025 awards include operatorship in licences covering several material gas discoveries in tight reservoirs, previously regarded as challenging to commercialise (Victoria and Warka in the Norwegian Sea, and Norvarg and Ververis in the Barents Sea). These awards provide a unique opportunity to apply new technology and further build expertise in developing such resources. 

APA - Awards in Predefined Areas - is the annual licensing round for mature areas on the NCS. These areas are characterised by known geology and a relatively well-developed infrastructure with production facilities and pipeline systems. 

The APA 2025 awards were announced today by the Minister of Energy, Terje Aasland, during the Oil and Energy Policy Seminar in Sandefjord. In total, 19 companies were offered ownership interests in 57 licences. 

Link to the Ministry of Energy's press release