The primary exploration target for the well was to prove petroleum in Middle and Lower Jurassic reservoir rocks (Stø and Nordmela formations). The secondary exploration target for the well was to prove petroleum in Upper Triassic reservoir rocks (Fruholmen and Snadd formations), which was contingent on the success of the first target.
The well encountered about 60 metres of dense sandstone rocks in the Stø og Nordmela formations but did not find hydrocarbons.
The structural framework was similar to that of Johan Castberg, about 80km to the south east: well defined fault blocks on the margin of the Bjørnøya Basin. The uncertainties were related to reservoir development, reservoir quality and hydrocarbons in the trap.
The prospect was by many considered “high risk – high reward” and a potential “play opening well”.
Exploration Innovation Prize
“The Exploration Innovation Prize will be awarded to a license group, company, team or individual who during the last two years have given a courageous and innovative contribution in exploring for oil and gas on the NCS. The recipient has matured and drilled a prospect that can be defined as high risk and high potential. The prospect must have been drilled, but can be classified as dry, technical discovery or commercial discovery”.
The Programme Committee for the conference NCS Exploration – Recent Discoveries has selected ten worthy candidates amongst wells that were drilled in 2016 or 2017.
“A true wildcat, with very limited well control, but a valid geological concept …
The candidates are (in alphabetical order): Boné (Eni), Brasse (Faroe), Cara (Engie), Filicudi (Lundin), Kayak (Statoil), Koigen Central (Statoil), Korpfjell(Statoil), Salander (Statoil), Zumba (Tullow) and Ørnen (Lundin).
The exploration community is now – until April 2nd, encouraged to vote for their favourite candidate, upon which the programme committee will select three candidates for a final vote.
“The well was drilled successfully up-flank and proved oil and gas that are very likely to be a commercial discovery
The winner of the Exploration Innovation Prize will be announced during the conference dinner May 23.
