In February or March 2018, the Island Innovator drilling rig is expected to begin operations at Fogelberg.
The appraisal well is being drilled to reduce volume uncertainty and understand the reservoir quality at the Fogelberg gas discovery.
Located in Haltenbanken area of the Norwegian Sea, Fogelberg was discovered in 2010 following Centrica's first operated exploration well on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
The discovery is expected to accommodate around 60 million barrels of oil equivalent, while the current development concept is a subsea tie-in to the Statoil-operated Åsgard B platform.
The processed gas from the platform will go to Kårstø through the Åsgard transport pipeline.
According to Centrica, the processed gas from the pipeline is expected to be distributed in 2021. Fogelberg is also expected to start production in the same year, if the project is sanctioned.
The rig agreement with Island Drilling also includes an option for two additional wells. Odfjell Drilling will operate the semi-submersible Island Innovator.
With an ownership stake of around 50%, Centrica Norway is operator for the Fogelberg licence. The other partners of the licence include Faroe Petroleum and DEA Norge with 25% stake each.
Centrica Norway asset director Dag More said: “Island Innovator is a modern rig built in 2012 and very suitable for drilling the appraisal well at Fogelberg.
“Now our focus is on thorough planning and execution to make sure we operate safely, safeguard the environment and deliver on cost and schedule."
Image: Island Drilling has secured a contract for appraisal well at Fogelberg discovery. Photo: courtesy of Centrica plc.
