The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) has today awarded a gas allocation to the Mikkel field located in the Norwegian Sea. Consequently, the Mikkel field is guaranteed an income from its future gas production. Gas from the field will contribute to Norway's efforts to honour the long term supply contracts entered into with buyers in continental Europe.

The MPE reached its decision after counselling the Gas Supply Committee (GSC) and the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate. Mikkel will deliver gas under existing long term contracts from 2003 throughout 2010.