Equinor and its partners have successfully drilled an oil exploration well on the Othello South prospect, located in Block PL 124B in the Norwegian Sea. The well is situated approximately four kilometres north of the mature Heidrun field, in water depths of 374 metres, and was drilled using the semi-submersible rig COSLInnovator.

Discovery and Resource Estimate

The exploration well resulted in a discovery of between 950,000 and 12.6 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalent. The joint venture partners plan to assess this discovery for the potential further development of the northern part of the Heidrun field.

Geological Findings

The well encountered multiple oil-bearing sandstone layers within the shallower Are formation. In the upper part of this formation, an oil column of about 14 metres was proven in sandstone exhibiting good to very good reservoir quality. Additionally, oil-bearing sands with poor to moderate reservoir quality were found in deeper parts of the formation, which are considered to hold potential upside.

Partnership

The partners in the venture are Equinor, Petoro, ConocoPhillips, and Vaar Energi.