By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, June 29 -- Statoil ASA projects that its Norne oil field in the Norwegian Sea is likely to continue producing longer than previously expected due to the close proximity of commercial discoveries and promising new prospects near the Norne area.
The Norne discovery, which came on stream in 1997 from a production ship and five subsea templates, was expected to operate until 2016. However, with currently increased levels of activity in and greater knowledge of the area, operations are expected to extend to about 2020.
Jostein Gaasemyr, Norne field operations vice-president, said, "A lot of exploration is planned for the Norne area." He added that the activity will be extended both offshore and on land.
Urd oil field was tied back to the Norne production ship as a satellite last year. An additional subsea template also was installed in 2005 to improve recovery from the main field. And further development of the surrounding area is attracting great interest, with oil proven in the Linerle and Falk structures 2 years ago.
Two exploration wells are due to be drilled this summer on the Valkyrie structure about 30 km northeast of Norne. More discoveries could strengthen prospects for an independent development solution, with a platform supplementing the existing production ship, Statoil said.
Plus, gas was proved in 1990 in Alve 16 km southwest of Norne. A new well is planned later this year to establish whether more resources might be found deeper in the formations. That well also will be used as a producer tied back to Norne for the existing discovery. Gas is set to begin flowing in October 2008.
Statoil hopes to submit a plan for development and operation of Alve to the Norwegian authorities by the end of October.
