Aker BP and its partners have announced a new gas discovery in an exploration well in the Barents Sea, roughly 300km off Norway’s northern coastline.  

Preliminary estimates suggest the find could yield 0.5–0.7mcm of oil equivalent, translating to 3.23–4.42 million barrels of oil equivalent. 

The consortium will now evaluate the discovery in conjunction with other finds and prospects in the vicinity to consider future development opportunities.  

The well, designated 7324/8-4 (Hassel), is the second exploration effort in production licence 1170 following the initial successful gas discovery at well 7324/6-2.  

Both wells were drilled using the Scarabeo 8 rig. 

The aim of the Hassel well was to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons in reservoir rocks dating from the Middle Jurassic to the Upper Triassic, specifically within the Stø and Fruholmen formations.  

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The well encountered a 30m reservoir zone, which included an 11m gas column, with 8m of high-quality sandstone reservoir. 

At a depth of 686m below sea level, the gas-water interface was identified.  

While the well was not subjected to a formation test, comprehensive data collection and sampling have been undertaken. 

The Hassel well reached a vertical depth of 781m below sea level and concluded in the Snadd Formation of the Upper Triassic.  

The site’s water depth is 401m and the well is earmarked for permanent closure. 

Ownership of production licence 1170 is divided among Aker BP with a 35% stake, Equinor also holding 35%, Petoro with 20% and Inpex Idemitsu Norge holding a 10% interest.  

This licence was secured during the Awards in Predefined Areas in 2022. 

In another development, Aker BP, Equinor and Sval Energy commenced production at the Hanz field in the Norwegian North Sea in April 2024.