Trondheim, 2010-01-19

Det norske a winner - offered most licenses in APA 2009

Det norske oljeselskap emerged as a winner in the Awards in Predefined
Areas (APA) 2009 licensing round. Following this award, Det norske has
ownership in 81licenses and is operator for 36 licenses.

As many as 44 companies applied for acreage in the APA 2009 round.

In total, Norwegian authorities have offered 38 licenses to 42
companies, with 19 companies being offered a role as operator.

Det norske has been offered ownership in 11 licenses, and the role as
operator in 6 of these.

Det norske CEO Erik Haugane, said:

"This award is a success for Det norske and offers us lots of
high-quality acreage. We are very pleased with the result and we have
been offered licenses that were our top priorities."

Final awards will take place when the companies have accepted the
offers. For a graphic presentation of the awards, see the company's home
page.

Contacts:
Chief Financial Officer Finn Øistein Nordam; +47 98 28 93 82
Vice President Investor Relations Knut Evensen; +47 950 77 622

About Det norske:

Det norske oljeselskap ASA has interests in a total of 70 licenses, with
32 operatorships.

Det norske is the second-largest operating company on the Norwegian
Continental Shelf both considering number of operatotships and
exploration activity. I 2009 the company operated nine exploration
wells, and the high activity will continue in 2010. Det norske runs its
activities in a safe and responsible manner in close cooperation with
the authorities.

Det norske currently employs a staff of 180. The company`s registered
office is located in Trondheim. The company also has offices in
Oslo,Harstad, and Stavanger. Det norske is listed on the Oslo Stock
Exchange (DETNOR).