**OMV’s Significant Gas Discovery in the Norwegian Sea and Potential Tieback to Aasta Hansteen**
On August 23, 2024, OMV Norge AS announced a major gas discovery in the Norwegian Sea, further solidifying the company’s position as a reliable gas supplier in Europe. The discovery, located approximately 65 kilometers southwest of the Aasta Hansteen field and 310 kilometers west of Sandnessjøen, has the potential to extend the life of the existing gas hub.
The well, designated as 6605/6-1 S, was drilled to a vertical depth of 4,641 meters and a measured depth of 5,123 meters below sea level. The primary exploration target aimed to prove petroleum in the Upper Cretaceous reservoir rocks within the Springar Formation, with a secondary target in the Nise Formation also of Upper Cretaceous origin.
The drilling campaign, executed by the Transocean Norge rig in production license 1194, successfully encountered a substantial gas column of approximately 20 meters, with 13 meters of this column residing in sandstone reservoir rocks with moderate to good quality. The presence of a gas column without a discernible gas/water contact suggests promising reserves.
**Promise of Significant Volumes and Potential Development**
Preliminary estimates indicate recoverable volumes between 30 and 140 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe). These estimates underscore the substantial potential of the discovery, making it a significant milestone in Norwegian offshore petroleum exploration.
Given the proximity of the discovery site to existing infrastructure, including the Polarled pipeline and the Equinor-operated Aasta Hansteen field center, OMV is considering a subsea tieback to the Aasta Hansteen spar platform. This strategic decision not only aligns with the company’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints but also ensures faster and more cost-effective development processes.
**OMV’s Strategy and Future Outlook**
Berislav Gašo, OMV’s executive vice