Statoil's Tulipan wildcat finds gas

Sept. 27, 2005
Statoil ASA has discovered a small gas deposit in early Tertiary sandstones at 2,600 m in its Tulipan prospect in Production License 251 in the Norwegian Sea.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 27 -- Statoil ASA has discovered a small gas deposit in early Tertiary sandstones at 2,600 m in its Tulipan prospect in Production License 251 in the Norwegian Sea.

The 6302/6-1 wildcat is in 1,260 m of water 130 km west of Norsk Hydro ASA's Ormen Lange gas development (OGJ Online, June 02, 2005). It was drilled to 2,950 m TD beneath the seabed in late Cretaceous rocks by Ocean Rig's Eirik Raude semisubmersible.

Field operator Statoil is completing an extensive logging program, which will form the basis for further analysis.

Statoil has a 90% interest in Tulipan, and Norske Shell has 10%. BG Norge is acquiring 20% of Statoil's share, subject to government approval.

The Eirik Raude will move to the Barents Sea to drill on Eni's Goliat discovery before spudding an exploration well on Statoil's Uranus prospect.