BG Group picked as operator of Norwegian offshore blocks

BG Group reported Monday that it accepted the offer from the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy for the operatorship—and 100% ownership—of three offshore exploration blocks in Norway's first "Predefined Areas" licensing round.

Dec. 9, 2003

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Dec. 9 -- BG Group reported Monday that it accepted the offer from the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy for the operatorship—and 100% ownership—of three offshore exploration blocks in Norway's first "Predefined Areas" licensing round.

Blocks 1/2, 1/5, and 1/6 are in the Central Graben area of the Norwegian North Sea. BG expects to shoot 3D seismic over the blocks during 2004, with a drilling program to begin in 2006, the company said.

"Our proven abilities and strong position in the UK Central North Sea provides us with the knowledge, infrastructure, and competitive advantage to link up potential new fields in this adjacent Norwegian acreage to our existing operations," said Jon Wormley, executive vice-president and managing director, North West Europe:

BG has a significant E&P program in the UK Continental Shelf. It operates Blake and Atlantic fields, the Armada complex, and some of the Easington Catchment area fields as well as being a partner in 10 other producing fields.