OKEA has started drilling an exploration well on the southern part of the Talisker discovery, close to the Brage Field in the Norwegian North Sea.

According to Rex International Holding, which has an indirect interest in OKEA’s partner Lime Petroleum, the well will test for hydrocarbons in geological layers not previously penetrated.

A successful outcome could help delineate the extent of the accumulation and shed light on saturation in the area.

This is the first of three back-to-back wells to be drilled by the rig on the Brage platform; next up will be a further exploration well followed by drilling of a new producer.

Lime CEO Lars B. Hübert said, “The exploration wells in this campaign, if successful, can add more reserves to the Brage Field, and in turn, extend the longevity of the field. The producer well that we currently have in the same area is doing exceptionally well, and the second producer that will be drilled during this campaign will serve to drain the proven reservoir effectively.

“Production is expected to start during the first quarter of 2026. The Bestla tieback to Brage is also progressing on track and within budget.”

In May 2025, exploration and delineation drilling along Brage’s eastern flank also led to a discovery in the southern part of the Prince prospect, with recoverable resources estimated at 0.3 to 2.8 MMboe.

The discovery is under assessment as part of the further development of Brage.

Other partners are DNO Norge, Petrolia NOCO and M Vest Energy.