KRISTIANSUND, Norway -- Statoil's current exploration and production in Norway's North Sea will pave the way for more activity in the area, says chief executive Helge Lund.

"Statoil has been involved in drilling 199 of the 214 exploration wells drilled in the Norwegian Sea, so far," says Lund. "We will continue to maintain both intense exploration and project activity.

"In order to realize the greatest possible value from expected volumes in new fields, new transport capacity from the area could be necessary."

12/07/2006