| 
Norway continues to see significant potential for new oil and gas discoveries on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), with strong interest from international and domestic energy companies. The Norwegian Energy Ministry received applications from 21 companies, including Shell, ConocoPhillips, Equinor, TotalEnergies, OMV, Repsol and others, for the latest exploration licensing round. The round was expanded by 70 blocks or partial blocks across the Barents Sea, North Sea and Norwegian Sea.
The Barents Sea received the largest expansion, with 38 additional blocks offered. Norway considers the region a frontier area with some of the country's largest remaining resource potential. New production licences are expected to be awarded in 2027.
According to the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, the NCS has around seven billion cubic metres of oil equivalent in remaining resources. However, Norway expects production to remain high only until the end of the 2020s before natural decline sets in. The regulator says increased exploration, investment in existing fields, infrastructure and technology will be needed to slow that decline.
The article also highlights the importance of gas export infrastructure. The Barents Sea currently relies on Hammerfest LNG at Melkøya, which is fully utilised by the Snøhvit field. Increasing export capacity could accelerate development of existing discoveries and make exploration in less-developed areas more attractive.
Relevance to SA
This is particularly relevant to SA because the expected exploration and development activity could create opportunities across several of SA's capabilities.
THE FOUR PILLARS OF SA
Your Trusted Partner for Project Execution
STAFFING SOLUTIONS
The right expertise, wherever the project takes place
Specialised personnel for survey, marine and subsea operations, ROV, diving, cable lay, installation and construction.
ENGINEERING
Engineering solutions for real offshore challenges.
From concept, FEED and detailed design to structural and hydrodynamic analysis, system integration, technical and interface management, bespoke equipment and installation engineering
ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE
Independent insight. Greater confidence. Lower project risk.
Independent reviews, HAZOP, FMECA, HSE & operational risk audits, integrity verification, technical & regulatory compliance, gap analysis and failure investigation.
FABRICATION & MAINTENANCE
Turning engineering into operational assets.
Through strategic partners: fabrication, new construction, equipment overhaul, upgrades, maintenance, and shop & field repair.
Looking Ahead
Norway's offshore energy story is far from finished. Strong interest in new exploration licences, particularly in the underexplored Barents Sea, points to continued demand for offshore expertise.
For companies like SA, the opportunity lies across the full project lifecycle—from survey and drilling through engineering, subsea operations, marine support and specialist personnel—as Norway seeks to turn remaining resources into viable projects while maintaining its position as a major European energy supplier.
