The new licences lie in different geological provinces and their resource potential could form the basis for stand-alone developments.
Tove Stuhr Sjøblom, senior vice president for exploration on the Norwegian continental shelf. (Photo: Øyvind Hagen)
"We are very satisfied with these awards and have great confidence in the potential of the Norwegian continental shelf," says Tove Stuhr Sjøblom, senior vice president for exploration on the NCS.
"Access to new high-quality acreage was our top priority in the 20th licensing round.
"StatoilHydro has had a very high level of exploration activity in recent years. The new allocations justify continued exploration. We have knowledge, expertise and experience and are well-equipped to take on new exploration assignments.
The large number of companies awarded interests in new licences shows that the industry takes a positive view of the NCS. Nevertheless, the chances of making major discoveries are limited and pressure is rising to open new areas.
StatoilHydro has been awarded interests in the following blocks in the 20th licensing round:
| Production licence | Percentage share |
| Norwegian Sea: | |
| 6203/10 | 60 (operator) |
| 6509/4,5,6 | 40 (operator) |
| 6606/2,3 | 75 (operator) |
| 6703/7,8,9,10,11,12 6704/7,8,10 |
20 |
| Barents Sea: | |
| 7219/9 7220/4,5,7,8 |
50 (operator) |
| 7224/7,8,11 | 20 |
| 7228/11,12 | 40 (operator) |