Second-largest on the Norwegian Shelf Print E-mail

Det norske is the second-largest operating company on the Norwegian Shelf with regard to number of operatorships and exploration activity. Det norske's current portfolio consists of 37 operatorships and interests in a total of 74 licenses.

Det norske was the winner of the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2009 licensing round, Det norske was awarded a total of 11 licenses, of these six operatorships. Det norske this year recieved the highest number of awards.

Det norske is keen on utilizing the entire shelf, and are of the opinion that the Barents Sea ought to be far more prioritized - also in the northern areas


Det norske is one of the most experienced small operators on the Norwegian Shelf. The organization was initially established as a subsidiary of PGS in 2002. Pertra, the company name prior to 19 November 2007, became the first new oil company in 30 years to operate a field in production.

Det norske has since the very beginning worked actively to obtain more area. After the reorganization of Det norske in 2005 (see 'The history '), the company put significant efforts in APA 2005. Attention was focused on two promising areas, one in the North Sea and one in the Norwegian Sea. Det norske was awarded licenses in both these areas as operator. In cooperation with NOIL (DNO) Det norske was also awarded two partnerships, which meant that we were awarded all the licenses we applied for in the APA 2005.

In January 2007, Det norske was awarded three new operatorships in APA 2006. One partnership was awarded in June 2007 following the postponed APA 2006 awards.

Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) for the Yme Field was approved by the authorities 11 May 2007. The Yme Field is operated by Talisman, and Det norske had a 10% interest. Det norske sold its interest in Yme in the fall 2008.

Det norske had a 15% interest in Goliat. This interest was sold in the fourth quarter 2008.

The sales of Yme and Goliat gave the company about two billion in cash. The sales have been crucial to finance the aggressive exploration program.

Det norske submitted a Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) in September 2008 for the Frøy field. Within 2010 a decision on how Frøy will be developed will be taken, and a new PDO will be submitted.

In December 2009 Det norske oljeselskap ASA and Aker Exploration ASA merged. Read more about the implementation of the merger here. This merger strengthened Det norske`s position as the second largest company on the NCS.