The forecast for Norwegian oilfield spending in 2007 has been revised higher to a record NOK111.3 billion kroner ($18.58 billion) after a survey of spending by a national researcher.

It’s the highest, currency-adjusted amount seen in Norway since spending amounts were compiled for the first time in 1985.

Some NOK24.8 billion looks likely to be spent on exploration alone, Statistics Norway said in a statement, pointing to a an NOK11.6 billion ($1.94 billion) hike in drilling activity over 2006.

The pollster added that concept studies more thoroughly make their mark on the revised forecast for spending, to the count of NOK1 billion ($167 million). Investments in operation fields will reach new highs this year, NOK49.7 billion ($8.3 billion), or NOK8.9 billion ($1.5 billion) more than in 2006. Troll, Valhall and Ekofisk expansions were cited for soaking up funds.

Total Norwegian offshore investments in 2008, however, are seen shrinking to NOK82.3 billion ($13.74 billion), although the early numbers are higher than those issued at the same time last year.