Equinor proves more oil in Johan Castberg area

The semi-submersible Songa Enabler has completed the Skruis exploration well in licence PL532, eight kilometres (five miles) north of the Johan Castberg oil field in the Barents Sea.

According to operator Equinor, results were positive with recoverable oil volumes estimated at 12-25 MMbbl.

According to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, the well, which was drilled in 409 metres (1,342 feet) of water, penetrated a total oil column of around 35 metres (115 feet) in the Stø formation.

Of this, 30 metres (98.4 feet) was effective reservoir in sandstone with moderate to good reservoir quality.

Nick Ashton, svp Exploration, Norway & UK at Equinor, said: “The Skruis discovery confirms the potential in this part of the Barents Sea. Over the past couple of years, we have learned that exploration in the Barents Sea is challenging and takes patience.

“We still have three Equinor-operated wells and one partner-operated well left to drill in the Barents Sea. We also have a good portfolio for the next couple of years. Together with the wells we drilled in 2017, this will help clarify the potential in the remaining part of the Barents Sea.”

The partners will consider tying in the find to the Johan Castberg infrastructure, which currently has full capacity up to 2026-2027. The timing of a potential development of Skruis discovery will be adjusted accordingly.

Recoverable reserves for Johan Castberg (excluding Kruis and last year’s nearby Kayak discovery) are in the 450-650 MMbbl range.

Equinor is also testing the Intrepid Eagle prospect in PL615 in the Hoop area of the Barents Sea.

The Songa Enabler will now drill five production wells for the company on the Trestakk field in the southern Norwegian Sea, a tieback to the Kristin platform.

Source: Offshore Magazine