Today, 8 August, the Johan Castberg field was officially opened by the minister of energy, Terje Aasland.
Johan Castberg is Norway's northernmost oil field. The field will produce for at least 30 years. This creates great value and ripple effects and is important for Norway's role as a reliable, long-term energy supplier. The field produces 220,000 barrels of oil per day.
"This is a milestone for the petroleum industry in the Barents Sea. With Castberg on stream, the Barents Sea now has both our second largest producing oil field, our second largest gas field and the largest discovery being considered for development. In addition, the Castberg field is a good example of the positive ripple effects that production offshore has on the mainland. With Castberg, there are three producing fields in the Barents Sea. This provides secure jobs in the local business community and a basis for new assignments over a long period of time,“ Terje Aasland said in his speech to the FPSO crew right after the opening.
The official opening was attended by the crew of the Johan Castberg FPSO, leaders from the Ministry of Energy, including minister Terje Aasland, the mayors of Hammerfest and Harstad, leaders from the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, the Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority, Equinor, Vår Energi, Petoro, Aker Solutions and employee representatives.
“This is a red-letter day. The Barents Sea is becoming increasingly important for Norway's role as a long-term energy exporter, and Johan Castberg will produce safely and efficiently for at least 30 years. We are well underway and have already made new discoveries in the area. Throughout the field's productive life, we will make significant investments that will create jobs and opportunities for the supply industry," says Kjetil Hove, Equinor's executive vice president for Exploration & Production Norway.
Less than three months after coming on stream the Johan Castberg field was producing at peak capacity of 220,000 barrels of per day. Every three or four days, cargoes depart from Johan Castberg. Each cargo may be worth around NOK half a billion, depending on the oil price. Norwegian suppliers account for 95 percent of the deliveries to the field in the operational phase.
With a supply base and helicopter base in Hammerfest the field is operated from Equinor's Harstad office. A total of 30 wells will be drilled on the Johan Castberg field, and drilling operations are expected to continue through 2026, driving a high level of activity in Hammerfest.
