The Norwegian Ministry of Energy has awarded 53 new oil and gas production licenses on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, according to a press release.

The new licenses are awarded in connection with the annual license round. In total, 20 companies have been awarded one or more licenses. Most of the licenses, corresponding to 33, are in the North Sea, and the rest in the Norwegian Sea (19) and the Barents Sea (1).

"We need new discoveries to ensure that Norway can continue to be a stable and predictable supplier of oil and gas to Europe. It is therefore very positive to see so much interest in new exploration areas," said Minister of Energy Terje Aasland.

Among the companies awarded licenses are Aker BP (a total of 19) and Vår Energi, which received 16 licenses. Equinor, DNO and ConocoPhilips have also been awarded licenses.

"We are very pleased with the award announced today. It reflects a comprehensive application and gives us a basis to maintain our growth ambition on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and our ambitious exploration strategy," says Per Øyvind Seljebotn, Aker BP's Chief Exploration Officer.

Last year, Norway awarded 62 licenses to 24 companies. A production license gives the right to explore, drill and produce within the license area.