Statoil makes NCS discovery

Statoil has made a gas discovery in the Askja West prospect and an oil discovery at the Askja East prospect in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.

The exploration wells, 30/11-9-S and 30/11-9-A, were drilled using the Ocean Vanguard semisubmersible, between the Oseberg and Frigg fields, in PL 272, about 13km southeast of the Statoil-operated Krafla/Krafla West discoveries.

Well 30/11-9 S tested the Askja West prospect and proved a 90m net gas column.

Side-track 30/11-9 A on Askja East proved a 40m net oil column.

Image: The location of Askja West and Askja East. Credit: Statoil.

Statoil estimates total recoverable reserves in Askja West and Askja East are 19-44MM boe.

"Askja will be considered developed together with the Krafla and Krafla West discoveries made by Statoil in 2011," says Knut Skjoldli, vice president field development in Statoil.

Statoil is operator on PL 272, with 50% interest. Partners are Svenska Petroleum Exploration AS (25%) and Det norske oljeselskap ASA (25%).

Det Norske said, together with the discovery at Krafla, with 50-80MM boe, a joint development may provide 69-124MM boe.

TheOcean Vanguard will now proceed to PL628 in the Norwegian North Sea to drill wildcat well 25/9-4, on which Statoil is operator.