Statoil has completed drilling of an exploration well in the Trost prospect in the Norwegian Sea. Gas was proven and the find is now being evaluated with a view to production tied back to the Norne field.
"We hope that the Trost find will be commercial but it is too early to tell," says Tim Dodson, senior vice president for exploration in Statoil’s Exploration & Production Norway business area.
The prospect is localised roughly one kilometre west of the Norne field. Exploration well 6608/10-11S was drilled to a total depth of 3,243 metres in early Jurassic rocks. The objective was to prove hydrocarbons in Jurassic sandstones.
The well has been permanently plugged and abandoned. Drilling was performed by the Transocean Arctic rig which will continue production drilling on the Norne field.
Statoil is operator for production licence 128 with a 50.5% interest. The other licensees are Petoro (24.5%), Eni (11.55%) and Hydro (13.5%).