Open Door Procedure

The Open Door procedure covers all non-licensed areas east of 6°15’ eastern longitude

In 1997 an Open Door procedure was introduced for all non-licenced acreage east of 6° 15' eastern longitude, i.e. all onshore areas as well as the offshore area except the westernmost part of the North Sea. The oil companies can apply for licences at any time during the yearly opening period from the 2nd of January until the 30th of September (both included).

The procedure comprise an area with no previous oil or gas discoveries. The Open Door licences are consequently granted on easier terms compared to the 'Licensing Round Area' in the westernmost part of the North Sea. Thus the oil companies do not have to commit to exploratory drilling when the licence is granted. The work programmes that determine the exploration work to be carried out by the oil companies during the six-year exploration period, are divided into phases, such that the companies must gradually commit to more exploratory work or relinquish the licence.

Invitation Letter
Licence Map (pdf-file, 129 KB)

English versions of Open Door Model Licence and Model Joint Operating Agreement incl. Accounting Procedures is included in the Danish Energy Agency's e-publication "A Guide to Hydrocarbon Licences in Denmark, General Legislation and Information, Exploration and Drilling Activities".

Contact

Lene Dalsgaard

Energy Resources

Phone: +45 3392 6897
ld@ens.dk

Lene Dalsgaard
Danish Energy Agency    Amaliegade 44     DK 1256 Copenhagen K    Phone: +45 33 92 67 00    Fax: +45 33 11 47 43    ens@ens.dk    Further contact information