Our Arctic Neighbors: Norwegian public weighs in on licensing

Norway’s proposal for its 20th oil and gas licensing round, comprising 79 blocks or parts of blocks in the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea, was sent out for public consultation for the first time. The response from the public was extensive and positive and the government took the expressed views into account when making its decision, the ministry said June 27. In some blocks time limitations on seismic surveys were introduced and conditions relating to the environment and fisheries were strengthened.

“It is important to continue the development of our welfare society by maintaining opportunities to make new discoveries, activities and value creation on the Norwegian continental shelf,” said Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Riis-Johansen. “The announcement is a balanced solution with emphasis on environmental and fisheries concerns,” he added. The deadline for applications in the 20th round is Nov. 7.

At the same time, Norway’s Petroleum Directorate announced it was scaling back seismic work in waters near the Lofoten Islands in the Arctic. Delays involving two seismic vessels caused the survey to start later than planned and the Petroleum Directorate declined to extend the duration of the program in order to avoid the fishing season in August.

—Sarah Hurst