OMV (Norge) has successfully completed the drilling of a deepwater exploration well in the Norwegian Sea with a preliminary estimated recoverable gas volume of 30 to 140 million barrels of oil equivalent (million boe).

The deepwater well 6605/6-1 S is located 300 km west of mainland Norway in a water depth of 1,064 meters. The gas discovery in the Haydn/Monn exploration areas of PL 1194 is located approximately 65 kilometers from the existing infrastructure of the Polarled pipeline and the Aasta Hansteen field.

The PL1194 license partners will continue to evaluate the discovery for potential gas field development to nearby infrastructure. By leveraging existing infrastructure, subsea development to Aasta Hansteen’s host platform will result in faster planning and implementation with lower development costs and a lower carbon footprint.

The drilling was carried out using the Transocean Norge drilling rig, a converted and certified low-emission drilling rig. OMV (Norge) is the operator of PL 1194 with a 40% share. Partners are Vår Energi (30%) and Inpex Idemitsu Norge (30%).

“By focusing on gas as a transition fuel, OMV is investing in affordable energy solutions and contributing to a more sustainable energy mix. Our goal is to increase the share of gas in our production portfolio to 60% by 2030. A commercial discovery will further drive our diversification while adding value to our portfolio in Norway. Ultimately, today’s news further cements our position as a reliable gas supplier in Europe,” says Berislav Gašo, OMV Executive Vice President Energy.

“This discovery could unlock significant potential in the region and extend the life of the Aasta Hansteen gas hub, in which OMV is already involved,” added Gašo.