Norwegian oil and gas company BlueNord has announced the commencement of drilling operations at the Harald East Middle Jurassic (HEMJ) well in the Danish North Sea. 

The drilling near the Norwegian border is being conducted by the Shelf Drilling Winner jack-up rig.  

This well is expected to explore the Jurassic reservoir, which could impact the region's subsurface potential. 

BlueNord is optimistic about the well's prospects, noting that the reservoir properties in the Jurassic are favourable.  

The drilling outcome will determine the decision on the hook-up concept for Harald and assess the possibility of extending its operational life.  

If successful, the exploration could add up to 8mboe to BlueNord's portfolio, with an estimated 80% being gas.  

The gas would be exported via the Tyra East facilities, and production could commence by late 2024.  

This development follows the Danish Underground Consortium's (DUC) final investment decision on the HEMJ well in January this year.  

The DUC is a partnership between BlueNord (36.8%), TotalEnergies (43.2%) and Nordsøfonden (20%). 

BlueNord chief operating officer Miriam Lykke said: “We are excited to announce that the jack-up rig Shelf Drilling Winner has successfully spudded the HEMJ well. We will drill through the chalk reservoir and then into the Jurassic reservoir, which has very promising qualities.  

“If successful, the expected gains from HEMJ could be significant to BlueNord, and we look forward to seeing the results later this year." 

In March, TotalEnergies announced the Tyra hub's return to gas production after a major redevelopment.  

The hub, crucial for Denmark's energy infrastructure, is expected to hit a production peak of 5.7 million cubic metres of gas and 22,000 barrels of condensate daily.  

The redevelopment of the Tyra field, discovered in 1968 and located 225km west of Esbjerg, was essential after production ceased in September 2019 to enable the upgrade.