Aberdeen-based oil exploration and production company Dana Petroleum has won a share of nine new licences for drilling zones in Norwegian waters.

These awards have been made through the 2009 Norwegian APA Licensing Round, on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

They have a 20% interest in PL359, Block 3/7, in the Southern North Sea with partners Nexen (operator), PetroCanada and RWE. The work programme includes acquisition of 3D seismic and the bid was based on an oil prospect with significant volumes.

There is a 30% operating interest PL562, Blocks 6609/5 and 6, in the Norwegian North Sea in the proximity of Dana’s existing acreage.

The partnership group (E.ON Ruhrgas, Noreco, North Energy and Petoro) has committed to seismic reprocessing and acquisition and already recognises two substantial prospects in the blocks.


There is also a 30% interest in PL548S, Block 25/7, with Det norske oljeselskap (operator) and Bridge Energy in the Jotun area of the Central North Sea. Two prospects are recognised in this block which, given their close proximity to the existing Jotun infrastructure, have a low threshold for commerciality.

In addition there's a 20% interest in PL549S, Blocks 30/10 and 25/1, in the Central North Sea with partners Det norske (operator), Svenska and Bayerngas. These blocks are adjacent to the Fulla discovery made in 2009 and contain a number of substantial gas prospects which could be tied back to neighbouring infrastructure.

The firm has a 30% interest in PL504BS, Block 25/7, in the Jotun area of the Central North Sea which is an extension to Dana’s existing acreage in this area.

There is a 20% interest in PL497S, Blocks 7/8 and 7/11, which is an extension to existing acreage in the Southern North Sea and where the Geite and Kniven prospects have already been identified.

Chief Executive Tom Cross said: "Dana is delighted with the award of these new licences. Some 10 new exploration prospects have already been identified within these blocks with total unrisked reserves potential of more than 200 million barrels of oil equivalent net to Dana.

"This provides a significant portfolio of new opportunities, building upon Dana's existing business in Norway."

(GK/BMcC)