The partners have submitted the plan for development and operation (PDO) to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.
The Maria field is located approximately 20km east of the Kristin field and 45km south of the Heidrun field in the Halten Terrace in the Norwegian Sea.
Planned to commence production in late 2018, the field hosts an estimated recoverable volume of around 180 million barrels of oil equivalent.
The Maria field, which is expected to produce for 23 years, will utilize existing infrastructure, and will feature two subsea templates located on the ocean floor tied back to various host platforms in the area.
Wintershall board of executive directors member Martin Bachmann said: "Wintershall is moving its successful exploration portfolio towards development and production.
"By applying this innovative and cost-effective solution we make the development and production of the field possible – even in a challenging oil price environment.
"We are continuing to invest in profitable projects in our core business and core areas."
Wintershall Norge operates the field with a 50% stake, while other licensees Petoro and Centrica Resources have 30% and 20%.
Image: An artist’s impression of Maria oil and gas field development. Photo: © Wintershall Holding GmbH 2015.
