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The Bay du Nord project

Illustration of the Bay du Nord field, including potential future subsea tie-backs
Illustration of the Bay du Nord field, including potential future subsea tie-backs.

The Bay du Nord project is a series of oil discoveries in the Flemish Pass Basin, about 500 kilometres northeast of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Discovered in 2013, it represents a generational opportunity for Canada’s offshore — one that could open a new deepwater basin and shape the province’s energy industry for decades to come.

With an estimated investment of around CAD 14 billion, Bay du Nord has the potential to generate significant value for governments and communities, contributing billions in revenues and thousands of jobs across construction, subsea fabrication, drilling, logistics, marine operations, maintenance, and more.
Once developed, Bay du Nord will create the foundation for future subsea tie-backs, extending activity, capability, and opportunity in the region for decades to come.
Equinor and its partner bp are working closely with local suppliers, contractors, and governments to align the project’s needs with Newfoundland and Labrador’s strengths – I building skills, competitiveness, and shared value across Canada’s offshore industry.

Key figures (subject to project maturation and final investment decision)

  • Estimated initial investment: ~CAD 14 billion
  • Estimated government revenues: ~CAD 20 billion
  • Total GDP contribution: ~CAD 50 billion
  • Employment: Thousands of jobs across project phases
Equinor in Canada
Map showing offshore fields and discoveries in the Flemish Pass

Project facts

  • Discovery: 2013
  • Location: Approximately 500 km east of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Basin: Flemish Pass
  • Water Depth: 600–1,170 metres
  • Type: Deepwater oil development
  • Licensees: Equinor (operator, 60%), bp (40%)
  • Fields: Bay du Nord, Cambriol, Cappahayden, Harpoon, and Baccalieu
  • Concept: Phased subsea development tied back to a floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO)
  • Estimated Reserves (initial phase): >400 million barrels
  • Investment: ~CAD $14 billion
  • Final Investment Decision (target): 2027
  • First Oil (expected): 2031
St. John's Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John's Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador
Photo: Braeden King

Procurement opportunities

In accordance with the Atlantic Accord Acts, the project’s contracting and procurement strategy will give first consideration to goods and services provided from within Newfoundland and Labrador, where competitive in competence, price, quality, and delivery.

Contracts and procurement office

Our Newfoundland and Labrador–based contracts and procurement office is located in St. John’s, where it coordinates Bay du Nord–related procurement activities and works closely with local suppliers and industry associations to support readiness and engagement.

Industrial benefits, gender equity and diversity

Bay du Nord will bring important benefits to Newfoundland and Labrador and to Canada. Equinor is developing a benefits plan, along with a gender equity and diversity plan, to guide how opportunities are created and shared during the project’s development and operation.

We are committed to transparent, life-of-project reporting and close collaboration with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator.

For additional information, see: Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator

A arial photo of the rural town Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, positioned on cliffs above the Atlatic ocean.
Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador
Photo: Braeden King

Sustainability

Bay du Nord aligns with Equinor’s ambition to produce energy with lower emissions and higher efficiency.

Environmental approval

The Government of Canada approved the Bay du Nord environmental assessment in April 2022.

Our approach to environmental management

Everywhere we operate, we strive to build a robust understanding of the environmental and social context, and the potential impacts of developing new oil reserves. The Bay du Nord Environmental Impact Statement reflects our values of responsibility, transparency, and collaboration — including meaningful engagement with Indigenous groups and local stakeholders. We use collaborative research and the best available environmental impact management processes to build an understanding of, and establish actions tailored to, local conditions.

You can find more information related to the Bay du Nord environmental assessment process on the Government of Canada Environmental Assessment registry website.

  • Government of Canada Environmental Assessment registry website
Bannerman Park, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Bannerman Park, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Photo: Braeden King

Creating value for people and communities

Equinor measures success by the positive outcomes we create for people and communities. Bay du Nord will generate value for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador through revenues, local employment, supply-chain activity, and community investment.

Community investment

Equinor proudly supports youth and community programs across Newfoundland and Labrador, with a focus on arts, culture, sports, and STEM education — helping develop the Heroes of Tomorrow.

Learn more about our sponsorship and community investments