German explorer Wintershall has started drilling on the Kvalross exploration well 7224/2-1 in license PL611, in the Norwegian Barents Sea.
Kvalross is to the south of OMV’s significant Wisting and Hanssen oil discoveries.
The well will test two independent targets: the Kvalross prospect with significant oil and gas resource potential within Lower Triassic Klappmyss Formation clinoform reservoir; and the Kvaltann prospect, which has additional oil potential within a Mid-Late Triassic Snadd Formation channel.
License PL611 was awarded in May 2011 in the Norwegian 21st Licensing Round to Wintershall Norge (40% and operator), Faroe Petroleum (40%) and Petoro (20%).
The Kvalross well is being drilled using the Transocean Arctic semisubmersible drilling rig and the results will be announced when drilling operations are complete.
Graham Stewart, CEO at Faroe, said: “Kvalross is the first of three exploration wells in Faroe’s drilling program for 2016 in Norway. This well will test two independent structures in a highly prospective area in the Norwegian Barents Sea. Kvalross is on trend with and just to the South of OMV’s significant Wisting and Hanssen discoveries and will use the same rig as was used to make the Pil and Bue discoveries last year."