Spud of the Velocette Exploration Well

The rig Transocean Norge is drilling the well on behalf of the operator OMV (Norge) AS. Transocean Norge is a semi-submersible rig designed for operations in harsh environments and is converted to a low emission drilling unit.

The Velocette exploration well (6607/3-1 S) is located in the northern part of the Norwegian Sea close to the Aasta Hansteen field and approximately 225 kilometers west of Sandnessjøen. The water depth in the area is 475 meters. The duration of the Velocette drilling campaign is up to 61 days in case of a discovery.  

“Velocette is a gas prospect close to existing infrastructure. This exploration campaign fits our strategy to increase the share of gas as a transition fuel in our production portfolio”, says General Manager Knut Mauseth in OMV (Norge) AS.

In connection with the drilling campaign, OMV has selected Sandnessjøen for supply base services and Brønnøysund for helicopter transport services.

OMV (Norge) AS is the operator of PL 1016 with 40% working interest. The license partners are INPEX Idemitsu Norge AS and Longboat JAPEX Norge AS with 40% and 20% working interest respectively.

The production license was awarded by the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in 2019, as part of the Awards in Pre-defined Areas 2018.