Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) has given Eni Norge consent to drill an exploration well in Block 7222 in the Barents Sea.
Eni Norge is the operator for production license 226 in the Barents Sea. The well is to be drilled in a prospect named Aurelia, with the designation 7222/1-1.
Water depth at the site is 424m. Drilling is estimated to last for 58 days, depending on whether a discovery is made.
Drilling is to be performed by Saipem's Scarabeo 8 semisubmersible drilling facility of the Moss CS 50 MkII design. The facility is winterized and is designed for working at water depths of between 70-3050m.
Image of the Scarabeo 8, from PSA.