Energy NL, formerly Noia, is expressing concern with a delay in the offshore call for bids imposed by the federal government.

CEO Charlene Johnson says the delay causes further uncertainty, which drives away industry participants and investors.

She says Energy NL is seeking clarification from Ottawa on why the delay has been imposed and a timeline for when the process is set to resume.

Johnson says she is pleased to see that provincial minister Andrew Parsons has approved the bid round and expects it to proceed.