The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has received applications from 13 oil companies for the 17th Licensing Round on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

The following qualified companies have submitted applications: Agip, BP, ChevronTexaco, Conoco, DONG, Enterprise, Fortum, Gaz de France, Norsk Hydro, Phillips, RWE-DEA, Shell and Statoil.

The Ministry aims to award the new production licenses in the 17th licensing round in the second quarter of 2002.

- I am well satisfied with the interest from the companies. The 17th Licensing Round is an important step in the further exploration of the Norwegian Sea as a petroleum province. Through this licensing round we will open up for new activity and future income. At the same time, the relationship between the petroleum activities and other important society interests is important. I would like to emphasise that we are seeking a balance between the interests of the environment, the fisheries, the fish farming industry and the petroleum activities, within the framework of sustainable development, says Einar Steensnæs, Minister of Petroleum and Energy.