Drilling of Det norske’s first operated well in the Barents Sea starts today 14 January, on the Langlitinden prospect in production license 659.

The target for the well (7222/11-2) is to prove hydrocarbons in the Kobbe formation on the Bjarmeland platform. The same structure was drilled in 2008, approximately six kilometers away. Then, a small gas column was encountered in the Snadd formation. In the Kobbe formation, two zones containing hydrocarbons were discovered; an oil column of approximately three meters, and an 11-meter oil and gas column situated somewhat deeper.

The license was awarded in February 2012, in connection with the APA 2011 licensing round.

Determined and efficient work in the license partnership makes us able to drill this well less than two years after the award. This is an exciting start to the new year, says Head of Det norske’s office in Harstad, Terje Solheim.

Seismic data have indicated several large channels in Kobbe that might possibly also function as stratigraphic traps. This structure has not been previously tested. The target is to prove hydrocarbons and good reservoir characteristics inside the channels. Although it is primarily expected to encounter gas, oil cannot be ruled out.The well is located approximately 165 kilometers northwest of Hammerfest, which will serve as the helicopter and supply base during the operation.

The operation will be carried out by the semi-submersible drilling rig Transocean Barents. The rig is positioned by means of dynamic positioning, not requiring the usage of anchors. The total length of the well is 2,901 meters from the seabed. The ocean depth is 338 meters.

This is Det norske’s first own-operated well in the Barents Sea. Det norske is a driving force behind increased levels of activity in the High North. The activities in the Barents Sea are managed from the company’s office in Harstad.

Licensees in PL 659:

- Det norske oljeselskap, operator 30 percent

- Petoro 30 percent- Lundin Norway 20 percent

- Tullow Oil Norge 10 percent

- Rocksource Exploration Norway 5 percent

- Ithaca Petroleum Norge 5 percent

Det norske names its prospects after Norwegian mountains or mountain ranges. Langlitinden is a mountain located on the Andørja island in the municipality of Ibestad in Troms county. It measures 1,276 metres above sea level and is the highest mountain on an island in Scandinavia. The glacier Blåisen is situated below the summit on the north-eastern side.