The Johan Castberg field is important to the further development of the Barents Sea, says the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, as it will be producing oil for many years to come, and new discoveries can be incorporated.
The Johan Castberg oil field came on stream in March, and was officially opened on August 8.
There have been 13 discoveries made in the production license, two of which were made this year. On June 30, an oil discovery was reported in the Johan Castberg area and a gas discovery was made on July 10.
Discoveries have also been made in nearby production licenses, and future tie-backs may be considered.
“Johan Castberg is important for further development of the Barents Sea and to contribute toward slowing the expected production decline from the Norwegian continental shelf,” says Hege Susanne Blåsternes, Director of Offshore development and technology in the Norwegian Offshore Directorate.
The Barents Sea is the ocean area on the shelf which holds the greatest expectations for undiscovered resources. A lack of export solutions – particularly for gas deposits – can affect the companies' interest in exploration.
“With infrastructure in place, for example a pipeline solution for gas export, the Barents Sea will remain attractive for exploration.”
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate estimates that about 67% of the remaining resources in opened areas in the Barents Sea have yet to be discovered.
“In order for the Norwegian continental shelf to maintain production at a high level, the companies will need to explore more, drill more wells and continue developing technology. The Norwegian Offshore Directorate wants to ensure that the decisions made contribute to good area solutions for the best possible resource management,” Blåsternes says.