Statoil is set to drill its next well, on the Mim prospect, near the Norne field after being given the green light by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.
Statoil will use the Deepsea Bergen semisubmersible drilling rig to drill well 6507/3-12 in production license 159 B, which Statoil operates with 85% interest alongside partner Dong E&P Norge (15%).
The well will be drilled about 11km, close to which the Cape Vulture discovery was recently made, using the same rig. Cape Vulture is being considered as a tieback to the Norne floating facility.
Production license 159 was awarded in licensing round 12 Part B on the Norwegian shelf and production license 159 B was carved out on 13 August 2004.
The permit is contingent upon the operator securing all other permits and consents required by other authorities prior to commencing drilling activities.