OMV, Equinor cleared to drill offshore Norway

Two of Norway’s leading offshore operators have secured approval for exploration drilling.

The Petroleum Safety Authority has sanctioned OMV’s plan to drill a well and side-track (6506/11-12 S and 6506/11-12) on the Hades prospect in Norwegian Sea licence PL 644.

The semi-submersible Island Innovator will drill both wells in a water depth of 433 metres (1,420 feet), with the programme set to last up to 99 days.

OMV first discovered gas-condensate on the Iris Hades structure in 2018.

In the North Sea, Equinor has permission from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate to drill well 30/2-5 S, the first on PL 878, which was awarded in early 2017.

The location is around 17 km (10.6 miles) south of the company’s Kvitebjorn field. The semi-sub West Hercules will start the campaign after concluding another wildcat for Equinor in PL 827 S.

Source: Offshore Magazine