Aker BP Comes Up Dry Again in the North Sea

Norwegian oil and gas player Aker BP has faced another setback in its exploration efforts in the North Sea off the coast of Norway. After drilling a dry well at the Kaldafjell prospect, the company’s latest wildcat well at the Njargasas prospect has also turned out to be unsuccessful.

The wellbore 35/6-5 S in production license 1110 was drilled to a total depth of 3,933 meters below sea level in search of petroleum in Lower Cretaceous reservoir rocks in the Agat Formation. Despite reaching its target depth, the well only encountered sandstone layers with poor to moderate reservoir quality, leading to its classification as dry.

Aker BP, holding a 55% ownership interest and acting as the operator, collaborated with license partners Vår Energi (30%) and Wintershall Dea Norge (15%) on the drilling of the 35/6-5 S well. The drilling operations were carried out by the Deepsea Nordkapp semi-submersible rig, which was acquired by Odfjell Drilling in 2018.

Although the Njargasas prospect did not yield the desired results, Aker BP remains committed to its exploration activities in the region. The company has strategically positioned itself in the North Sea, an area with significant hydrocarbon potential, as evidenced by the recent interest and production licenses awarded north of the Gjøa field.

Looking ahead, Aker BP and Odfjell Drilling have entered into long-term agreements to continue their collaboration on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Despite the challenges faced in recent drilling campaigns, both parties are optimistic about the future prospects and opportunities in the region.

In conclusion, while the dry well at the Njargasas prospect may be a setback for Aker BP, it is not the end of the road for the company’s exploration efforts. With a strong partnership with Odfjell Drilling and a strategic focus on the North Sea, Aker BP is well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities and unlock the region’s hydrocarbon potential.