The first wildcat drilled by Statoil in the Nordland VI area of the Norwegian Sea has been completed without finding either oil or gas.
Drill ship West Navion was responsible for this 6710/10-1 well in production licence 220, which lies south-west of Røst in the Lofoten islands.
The operation targeted Palaeocene structures, which represent a new exploration model in the northern North Sea, and reached a total depth of 2,231 metres in Late Cretaceous rocks.
Although the results are disappointing, Kristin Rønning, manager for exploration operations in new parts of the Norwegian Sea, still sees opportunities for further activity in the area.
"The well gives interesting information on geological conditions, and we're continuing to evaluate the area for possible new exploration," she says.
Opened for oil drilling in 1994, Nordland VI has special environmental qualities. Extensive work has been done in recent years to clarify the possible impact of offshore operations in these waters.
Restrictions have been imposed on drilling activities with a view to protecting the environment.
West Navion is now moving to drill for Statoil in PL 128, in the Norne area of the Norwegian Sea.
Statoil has 40 per cent of PL 220, with the state's direct financial interest (SDFI) holding 30 per cent, Amerada Hess 15 per cent and Fortum 15 per cent.