HomepageOur activitiesExploration

Exploration

An oil rig from far away

Discover our exploration ambitions

OMV Norge AS is actively engaged in offshore exploration, appraisal, development, and production on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The company holds several exploration licenses, about half of which as operator, across the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea.

Exploration plays a key role in OMV’s strategy to high-grade its portfolio, manage natural production decline, and increase the share of natural gas in its production mix to over 60% by 2030.

+

Haydn/Monn discovery – A major milestone

In August 2023, OMV successfully drilled its first deepwater exploration well in the Vøring Basin in the Norwegian Sea, targeting the Haydn/Monn prospect in license PL 1194. OMV Norge AS is the operator of PL 1194 (40%), with partners INPEX Idemitsu Norge AS (30%) and Vår Energi ASA (30%). An extensive logging and coring program was completed, as well as an initial evaluation of the discovery for potential development and tie-in to nearby infrastructure.

The Haydn/Monn gas discovery was one of the largest in Norway in 2024, with preliminary recoverable volumes estimated between 30 and 140 million boe. The well was completed with excellent HSSE performance.

+

Expanding in the Vøring Basin

Following the success of Haydn/Monn, OMV reinforced its presence in the Vøring Basin by securing four new gas exploration licenses in the APA 2024 licensing round:

  • PL 1276 – Operator
  • PL 1274 – Operator
  • PL 1194 C – Operator
  • PL 1272 – Partner (Aker BP as operator)

These licenses are located in the Norwegian Sea and represent promising gas prospects. Their proximity to the Aasta Hansteen platform, where OMV already holds a stake, may offer future tie-in opportunities depending on upcoming findings.

Strategic focus

OMV’s exploration strategy in Norway is aligned with our broader transformation goals:

  • Focus on gas as a transition fuel to support a lower-emission energy mix
  • High-grade the portfolio by building on core areas and maximizing asset value
  • Leverage proximity to infrastructure to enable efficient development

These efforts contribute to OMV’s ambition to be a reliable gas supplier to Europe, while supporting the transition to a more secure and sustainable energy system.