Norwegian oil and gas company Aker BP and its partners have discovered gas in a wildcat well, drilled in the Barents Sea, using Saipem’s Scarabeo 8 semi-submersible drilling rig.
The well 7324/8-4 (Hassel) represents the second well drilled in the production license 1170, which was awarded in Norway’s APA 2021.
Preliminary estimates indicate the size of the discovery at between 0.51 – 0.7 million standard cubic metres (Sm3) of oil equivalent (o.e.). This corresponds to 3.23 – 4.42 million bbls o.e.
Aker BP is the operator of the license with 35% interest, with partners Equinor (35%), Petoro (20%), and Inpex Idemitsu Norge (10%).
To remind, gas was also recently proven in the first well in the production licence, when Aker BP and its made a discovery with preliminary estimates indicating between 0.52 – 0.75 million standard cubic meters (Sm3) of recoverable oil equivalent (o.e.), which corresponds to 3.3 – 4.7 million bbls o.e.
Following the latest gas find, the licensees said they will assess the discovery together with other discoveries and prospects in the area, with a view toward a potential development.
Both wells were drilled by the Saipem’s Scarabeo 8 rig. Scarabeo is a sixth generation dual derrick deepwater semi-submersible rig Scarabeo 8, whose maximum drilling depth is up to 35,000 ft (10,660 m).
The rig can accommodate 140 people and its maximum drilling depth is 10, 660 meters. The rig is capable of working in harsh environments and features dynamic positioning system and enhanced mooring capabilities.