StatoilHydro: Tornerose Wells Completed

StatoilHydro, the operator of production licence 110 C, has completed the drilling of appraisal wells 7123/4-1 S and 7123/4-1 A. The latter well was sidetracked from the S well.

The purpose of the wells was to confirm the existence of resources in Triassic sandstones within previously untested segments on the Tornerose structure.
The appraisal wells were drilled to a vertical depth of 2683 metres and 2603 metres respectively under the sea surface and completed in Triassic rocks. The well confirmed the existence of reservoir development in this rock, but no movable hydrocarbons were proven in any of the wells.
"It is disappointing to drill dry wells, but we have previously confirmed the existence of recoverable gas in the Tornerose structure. Experience gained from these wells will be useful during the drilling of additional wells in this area in the years ahead," says StatoilHydro's vice president for infrastructure-led exploration in the North, Ørjan Birkeland.
Two wells have previously been drilled in production licence PL 110B on the Tornerose structure. Both were successful. This production licence was awarded in 2004 in connection with TFO 2004 (award in pre-defined areas), whereas PL 110 C was awarded as additional acreage to the Tornerose discovery in connection with the 19th licensing round in 2006.

The two appraisal wells were drilled by Polar Pioneer in 413 metres of water. This rig will now be used for the drilling of a new StatoilHydro-operated exploration well in the Barents Sea, well 7226/2-1 in production licence 395.

Licensees in production license 110C: StatoilHydro (operator) (33.53 percent), Petoro (30.00), Total E&P Norge (18.40), Gaz de France Norge (12.00), Hess Norge (3.26) and RWE Dea Norge (2.81).