The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has received nominations from 14 companies regarding blocks to be included in the 18 ^th> licensing round on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The nominating companies are: Norsk Agip, BP, Chevron Texaco, ConocoPhillips, Dong, ExxonMobil, Gaz de France, Idemitsu Petroleum Norge, Marathon Petroleum Norge, Norsk Hydro, RWE Dea, Norske Shell, Statoil and Total.

Two or more companies nominated 43 blocks. The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy will base the announcement of the 18 ^th> licensing round on the nominations.

- The 18 ^th> licensing round will give the companies access to frontier acreage, which is important to increase the exploration activity and to achieve the long-term scenario. Simultaneously the Government emphasizes to balance the interests connected to the environment, fishery, fish farming and petroleum activities within the frame of a sustainable development, says Einar Steensnæs, Minister of Petroleum and Energy.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy aims to announce the blocks in the second half of 2003. Awards could then take place before summer 2004.

See map in PDF format