The semisubmersible Ocean Vanguard has spudded the latest appraisal well on the Johan Sverdrup field in the central Norwegian North Sea.

Well 16/2-19 is directed at the northern part of the structure in the Statoil-operated PL265 license.

According to partner Lundin Norway, the main objective is to investigate the Jurassic presence, reservoir thickness, quality, and distribution on the northeastern edge of the discovery.

Drilling is estimated to last 45 days