- There is considerable value in small and medium sized fields located in mature parts of the continental shelf. Development of these resources is important in order to achieve the Government's long-term scenario for petroleum production on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. A prerequisite for the realisation of these values is efficient exploration in mature areas. The North Sea awards 2002 is one important step in reaching this goal, says Steensnæs, Minister of Petroleum and Energy.

In the North Sea, exploration activities have been going on for many years. The activity started in 1965 and since then 797 exploration wells have been drilled in the area. The geology, in large parts of the North Sea, is therefore well known and the largest fields have probably already been discovered and put in to production. There is however still a potential to discover new profitable resources in the North Sea.

The acreage announced totals 109 blocks or parts of blocks. Deadline for submission of applications is 28th of January 2003. The awards are planned to take place at the beginning of the second quarter next year.

The following blocks or part of blocks are announced:

1/2, 5, 6, 9
2/1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11
3/1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
4/1, 2
6/3
7/2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
8/7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
15/2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12
16/1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
25/1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
29/3, 6, 9
30/1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
31/1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
33/5, 6, 9, 12
34/4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12
35/4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12

Map in pdf format

North Sea Awards 2002 brochure in pdf format