Dana Petroleum, the Scottish oil and gas explorer, said on yesterday it has received interests in eight new offshore blocks under four new production licences by the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.

Dana Petroleum, the Scottish oil and gas explorer, said on yesterday it has received interests in eight new offshore blocks under four new production licences by the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.

The new production licences significantly extends Dana's exploration programme in Norway's proven oil and gas areas, the company said.

"Dana is delighted to have won these attractive new licences, which significantly extends our exploration programme in Norway's proven oil and gas areas," said chief executive Tom Cross. "In addition, Dana has applied for licences in Norway's 20th round where the focus is on the less mature, frontier areas," he added.

The blocks are located in the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea.

Dana now holds a substantial position offshore Norway, with 14 production licences on the Norwegian Continental Shelf covering around 25 blocks, the Aberdeen-based company stated.

In addition, Dana has applied for licences in Norway's 20th round where the focus is on the less mature, frontier areas. The awards for the 20th round are expected during the first quarter of 2009, the company said.

On Monday, Faroe Petrol- eum was awarded three new licences in the latest Norwegian licensing round.

Dana shares, which are listed on the London Stock Exchange's FTSE-250 index, closed 15.5p weaker at 928.5p - a loss on the day of 1.6%.

Dana has also made significant land-based discoveries in the East Beni Suef concession in Egypt and is exploring in Egyptian waters.

The firm recently said oil production will be 30% higher this year as rising output in Egypt offsets a decline in the UK. Total output is expected to be 39,000 to 40,000 barrels a day of oil equivalent, compared with 30,514 barrels a day in 2007, Dana has re-paid a $75m bank loan and has a net cash position of of more than £30m.