Saga discloses Norwegian Sea gas/condensate discovery

Saga Petroleum AS, Oslo, has disclosed a gas/condensate discovery on Norwegian Sea Block 6406/2, southwest of Smoerbukk field, which is being developed as part of Aasgard project. The disclosure was made after only two of five target formations have been drilled, because of speculation in the Norwegian media. Drilling continues, with a deadline for completion of Apr. 1 because of drilling time restrictions in the license due to environmental concerns in the concession area.

Jan. 27, 1997

2 min read

Saga Petroleum AS, Oslo, has disclosed a gas/condensate discovery on Norwegian Sea Block 6406/2, southwest of Smoerbukk field, which is being developed as part of Aasgard project.

The disclosure was made after only two of five target formations have been drilled, because of speculation in the Norwegian media.

Drilling continues, with a deadline for completion of Apr. 1 because of drilling time restrictions in the license due to environmental concerns in the concession area.

Overly hyped well?

A Saga official said news of the find was broken by a Norwegian radio station, which claimed the find is the biggest yet off Norway: "This is ludicrous. We're trying to play it down."

Saga and the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate are saying that it is far too early to say how significant the find is. The Saga official said only that it is an encouraging find.

The 6406/2-3 well is being drilled in what is known as A structure, which is said to extend into Block 6506/11, where Smoerbukk lies.

Another find to the south on Block 6406/2, called B structure, has had two wells drilled.

Saga said the well is being drilled by Transocean Arctic semisubmersible and has reached about 5,000 m of a planned 5,400 m TD.

Saga intends to drill the remaining three formations before Apr. 1 and log and test them if appropriate.

The company also intends to test the two formations drilled to date.

Development of Aasgard's three fields is seen as key to exploiting gas reserves in the Norwegian Sea, because the project will include installation of the first gas export pipeline from the area (OGJ, Aug. 19, 1996, p. 29).