Norway Expands Offshore Exploration with APA 2026 Licensing Round
Norway has launched its APA 2026 licensing round, adding 70 new exploration blocks across the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea. This move is part of Norway's strategy to expand access to the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) and support its long-term oil and gas sector. The Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) round targets mature exploration regions, providing companies with predictable access to prospective acreage. The Norwegian government emphasizes the importance of the oil and gas sector for domestic and European energy security, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre highlighting the sector's role in job creation and value generation. 
