OMV lets rig contract for Velocette gas-condensate exploration

OMV (Norge) AS has let a rig contract to Transocean Ltd. for the Transocean Norge semisubmersible drillship to drill the Velocette exploration well in production license (PL) 1016 in the Norwegian Sea, according to a Sept. 22, 2022, release by partner Longboat Energy Norge AS.

Velocette is a gas-condensate prospect targeting Cretaceous Nise turbidite sands on the eastern flank of Utgard High identified following recent seismic reprocessing. Velocette shows seismic amplitude anomalies indicative of gas-filled sands within tieback distance (about 45 km) from Equinor-operated Aasta Hansteen field.

The well is expected to spud third-quarter 2023. 

OMV is operator at PL 1016 (40%) with partners INPEX Norge AS (40%) and Longboat Energy (20%).