OMV has announced a significant gas discovery in the Norwegian Sea, targeting the “Haydn/Monn” exploration prospects in production license 1194. This discovery, achieved through the drilling of well 6605/6-1 S, is pivotal for OMV’s efforts to increase its share of gas in its production mix to around 60% by 2030. This strategic goal aligns with OMV’s commitment to becoming a reliable gas supplier in Europe.
Located approximately 65 kilometers from the existing infrastructure of the Polarled pipeline and the Equinor-operated Aasta Hansteen field, the well encountered gas in Upper Cretaceous reservoir rocks, primarily in the Springar formation and secondarily in the Nise formation. The primary exploration target revealed a gas column of about 20 meters, with 13 meters in sandstone reservoir rocks exhibiting moderate to good quality. No gas-water contact was encountered.
The discovery also included additional gas-filled sandstone layers totaling 11 meters in the lower part of the Springar formation and a 5-meter gas column in the Nise formation. Despite not being formation-tested, extensive data acquisition and sampling were conducted to further understand the reservoir characteristics.
The Transocean Norge drilling rig successfully drilled the well to vertical and measured depths of 4,641 and 5,123 meters subsea, respectively. The operation showcased an excellent health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE) performance by the converted and certified low-emission drilling unit.
OMV aims to leverage the existing infrastructure to potentially tie the gas discovery back to the Aasta Hansteen spar platform. This subsea development strategy is expected to accelerate planning and execution while reducing development costs and carbon footprint. The primary objective is to extend the life of the Aasta Hansteen gas hub, in which OMV already has a stake.
Berislav Gašo, OMV’s executive