Recent drilling in production license 1137 has allowed Equinor and its partner ORLEN to identify a new condensate-rich gas accumulation offshore Norway, specifically in the prospective area known as “Sissel”.
Gas and condensate exploration in well 15/8-3 S
The discovery was made in the exploratory well 15/8-3 S, located about 5 kilometers southeast of the Utgard field. Utgard field field and 250 kilometers from the city of Stavanger. The drilling reached a vertical depth of 4,282 meters, confirming the presence of hydrocarbons. presence of hydrocarbons in the upper part of the Hugin Formation within the Vestland Group.
Technical evaluation of the reservoir
The total interval drilled in the reservoir was 148 meters, with 57 meters comprised of moderate to good quality sandstones. Samples obtained indicate a 95-meter hydrocarbon column with no evidence of gas/water contact. In contrast, the secondary target presented an aquifer environment with low storage quality.
Although no training tests were conducted, the operators collected extensive data and samples that will allow them to assess the feasibility of the development. The operation was run through the Deepsea Atlantic platform. Deepsea Atlanticplatform on a 110-meter deep seabed.
Discovery potential and next steps
Preliminary estimates indicate that the recoverable volume could range from 6.3 to 28.3 million barrels of oil equivalent. This figure positions the discovery as a strategic opportunity to expand reserves connected to existing infrastructure in the Utgard area.
Production license 1137 was awarded in 2022 as part of the APA (Awards in Predefined Areas) program and this was the first drilling in this concession. Alternatives are currently being considered for possible development such as a subsea link to the networks already in place.
This new reservoir reinforces Equinor’s and ORLEN’s technical presence in the North Sea. Equinor and ORLEN’s technical presence in the North Sea and consolidates the interest to continue exploring the potential of the Norwegian Middle Jurassic.
Source and photo: Norwegian Offshore Directorate