Offshore staff

HAMMERFEST, Norway --Statoil has completed drilling of an oil appraisal well in the Snøhvit field in the Barents Sea. This was drilled by the semisub Polar Pioneer on the western part of the field in 321 m (1,053 ft) of water, 4.3 km (2.67 mi) west of the 7120/6-1 discovery well.

According to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, well 7120/6-2 proved an oil and gas column from the Early/Mid-Jurassic period. It was not formation tested, but there was extensive data collection and test sampling.

The partners will analyze the results to improve understanding of Snøhvit's reservoir characterization, and the thickness of the oil and gas column, to determine whether oil production is feasible. The well has since been P&A'd for possible use later on for injection of formation water or carbon dioxide.

The rig is now on its way to the Norwegian North Sea to drill a wildcat in production license 417.

07/23/2007