Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
LONDON, Apr. 21 -- StatoilHydro will evaluate tying in the Natalia gas prospect in the Norwegian Sea to Aasgard field following a discovery that could hold 1.5 billion cu m of recoverable gas.
Natalia is 5 km northwest of the Midgard structure in Aasgard field on the Halten Banken and is one of several finds in the vicinity.
"Natalia Exploration activities in the area have so far this year given good results, such as the Natalia, Gamma, and Marulk (partner-operated) finds. Positive results in Gamma and Natalia are also important contributions in evaluating the potential of equivalent structures in the area," StatoilHydro said.
The West Alpha semisubmersible rig drilled the exploration well to 3,040 m TD below sea level, completing it in early Jurassic rocks. The company found contact between hydrocarbons and water at 2,612 m and in the expected reservoir interval.
"The well has not been formation-tested, but comprehensive data collection and sampling have been carried out, including core drilling and fluid sampling," StatoilHydro said.
The well will be plugged, and the rig will continue to the StatoilHydro-operated License 348 in the Norwegian Sea to drill a new exploration well.
The partners in Exploration License 263, where drilling of exploration well 6507/11-9 in the Natalia prospect was completed, are StatoilHydro ASA with a 70% stake and Bayerngas Norge AS with 30%.
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].
