Equinor, the Norwegian state-owned oil and gas giant, has received regulatory approval for an exploration well in the North Sea, marking a significant milestone in its drilling operations. The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) confirmed on Thursday, November 16, 2023, that Equinor has been granted a drilling permit for a wildcat well designated 35/11-28 S in production license 248 C. This license, awarded on April 9, 2013, remains valid until June 4, 2035.

As the license operator, Equinor holds a 30% ownership interest, with partners Petoro and Wellesley Petroleum owning 40% and 30%, respectively. The drilling activities are scheduled to utilize the Deepsea Stavanger rig, a sixth-generation semi-submersible drilling rig built in 2010 with an enhanced GVA 7500 design. This rig, known for its capabilities in deepwater and harsh environments, received an Acknowledgement of Compliance (AoC) from the PSA in April 2017.

Equinor secured the services of the Deepsea Stavanger rig in May 2021 for a firm period covering three wells. Subsequently, the company extended the rig's contract, incorporating additional wells in September 2021, March 2022, May 2022, and at the beginning and end of July 2022, as well as in September 2022 and May 2023. These contractual agreements are expected to keep the rig engaged until the first quarter of 2024.

The Deepsea Stavanger, equipped with eight mooring lines, has a drilling depth capacity of 10,670 meters, making it suitable for operations in water depths of up to 3,000 meters. This venture exemplifies Equinor's commitment to offshore exploration in the North Sea and reinforces its strategic position in harnessing the region's energy resources.