Rich gas was proven in the Fangst group of middle Jurassic age. According to preliminary calculations the find is in the order of 2 to 3 GSm3 of recoverable gas. Gamma is located eight kilometres southeast of the Mikkel field on the Halten Bank.
Provides further insight
The exploration well is one of several similar prospects in the Norwegian Sea, and the find helps increase the understanding of the underground in this area.
“The results strengthen our belief in the further potential of the area near the Midgard and Mikkel fields, and more wells will be drilled in the next few years,” says Ørjan Birkeland, manager for exploration activities in areas close to existing fields in North Norway.
Important contribution to Åsgard
In connection with further work on Gamma the possibility of leading the gas volumes to the Åsgard field will be studied.
Ørjan Birkeland.
(Photo: Harald Pettersen)
“The Gamma volumes may be important to the Åsgard gas production, and possible development solutions will be considered,” says Mr Birkeland.
The exploration well was drilled to a total depth of 2,508 metres below sea level, and concluded in rocks of middle Jurassic age.
Extensive data gathering
Formation testing of the well has not been performed, but extensive data gathering and sampling have been carried out. The semi-submersible drilling rig, Ocean Vanguard, has drilled in the Gamma prospect. The well will be plugged and abandoned, and the rig will continue to the Alve find in the Norwegian Sea to drill an exploration well.
The licensees of production licence 312, in which drilling of exploration well 6407/6-6 in the Gamma prospect has been concluded are: StatoilHydro ASA (operator) (59%), ExxonMobil Production Norway Inc (24%) and ENI Norge AS (17%).