Equinor has made two new oil finds in strategic areas of the North Sea: oil in the Troll area and gas with condensate in the Sleipner region. Both finds are considered commercially viable and are located in regions with a developed export network to the European continent.
Oil find near Fram reinforces production in Troll
The Byrding C well, drilled just five kilometers from the Fram field, has revealed an estimated volume of between 4 and 8 million barrels of recoverable oil. This result continues a positive trend in the extended Troll area, where 26 wells have been drilled and 19 discoveries made since 2018, representing a success rate of over 70%.
Production of this new resource will be integrated into the Troll infrastructure, developed with platforms A, B, and C, consolidating the area’s position as the backbone of Norwegian gas.
Gas and condensate reinforce Sleipner’s maturity
The discovery named Frida Kahlo, made from the Sleipner B platform, contributes between 5 and 9 million barrels of oil equivalent of gas and condensate. The well is expected to come online in April. This find joins Lofn, Langemann, and Sissel, forming a package of recent discoveries in Sleipner with combined resources ranging between 55 and 140 million barrels of oil equivalent.
The maturity of the region has not slowed exploration. On the contrary, it has incentivized a renewed strategy based on OBN and 4D seismic, which has allowed for precise re-evaluation of the subsurface. This gamble has paid off: the discoveries will be connected via subsea systems to existing operational facilities, facilitating an agile and efficient startup.
Cooperation between partners reinforces energy strategy
Equinor leads both discoveries, with participation from companies such as INPEX Idemitsu Norge, Orlen Upstream Norway, Vår Energi, and Aker BP. Collaboration between operators and licensees is reflected in the shared development of infrastructure and advanced seismic data analysis. This joint approach strengthens Norway’s role as a stable energy supplier to Europe.
Sleipner, a key hub for energy exports
The Sleipner complex not only hosts its own fields such as Sleipner Vest and Gungne, but also processes hydrocarbons from satellite fields like Utgard, Gudrun, and Gina Krog. Its role as a logistics hub is essential for transporting dry gas to European terminals and sending unstable oil to Kårstø.
Exploration activity will continue this year with three new wells and two additional production wells in Sleipner. This sustained pace, backed by modern seismic technologies and inter-company cooperation, demonstrates Norway’s commitment to safe, profitable energy production aligned with the continent’s energy transition goals.
Source and photo: Equinor