Statoil makes gas discovery at Iskrystall in Barents Sea

A group led by Statoil ASA has made a gas discovery at the Iskrystall prospect on PL 608 in the Barents Sea offshore Norway.

Well 7219/8-2 proved a 200-m gas column in the Sto and Nordmela formations. Statoil estimated volumes at 6-25 million boe.

The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate said the reservoir quality in both formations was “poorer” than expected.

“Our main goal was to find oil in Iskrystall, but unfortunately it did not materialize,” said Statoil’s Gro Haatvedt, senior vice-president, exploration, Norway.

Statoil has 50%, Eni Norge 30%, and Petoro 20%.

The well, which was drilled using Seadrill Ltd.’s West Hercules semisubmersible rig, is about 30 km southwest of 7220/8-1 Johan Castberg and about 240 km north of Hammerfest. The rig will be moved back to PL 532 to drill the Skavl prospect.