Equinor has commenced drilling one of its two major high-impact exploration wells planned for 2026 in Norway, targeting the Vikingskipet prospect in the southern Barents Sea. This well, which could underpin a standalone development project, is being drilled in Block PL 1236 using the COSL Prospector rig.

Location and Potential

The prospect is situated in the remote south-western Barents Sea, a significant distance from the existing Goliat and Snohvit fields. According to joint venture partner Vaar Energi, Vikingskipet has the potential to contain up to 190 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Exploration Context and Partners

Vikingskipet, along with the Domen S/Ishjerte Lakris prospect in the Norwegian Sea, represents one of only two "new idea" or high-impact wells in Equinor's 2026 Norwegian exploration program. The license partners for PL 1236 are Equinor, Vaar Energi (which holds a 30% interest and has also classified it as high-impact), and Petoro.

Strategic Importance and Recent Challenges

Equinor, Vaar, and Aker BP are leading efforts to achieve large standalone discoveries in the Barents Sea. However, this campaign follows a series of disappointing results, including dry wells on the Deimos, Venus, Snoras, and Elgol prospects.