PGNiG spuds Copernicus exploration well offshore Norway

PGNiG Upstream Norway AS has begun drilling operations on the Copernicus exploration well offshore Norway.

Copernicus is the primary prospect in license PL1017, which lies on the Utgard High in the Vøring basin region of the Norwegian Sea. The prospect is a combination trap with mapped stratigraphic pinch out down-dip and a small structural component at the apex, said partner Longboat Energy.

The prospective interval is identified as the Pliocene-Pleistocene Naust formation. Based on seismic features, the interval is interpreted as representing distal fan lobes sourced from erosion of coastal plain sediments in the Lofoten area, according to Longboat’s website. Petrophysical analysis of nearby wells show the Naust sands are good quality, with porosities of 25-35% and 100s to 1000s mD permeability.

Drilling of well 6608/1-1S by the Deepsea Yantai drilling rig began Aug. 30 and is expected to take up to 8 weeks to drill.

PGNiG is operator. Partners are Equinor and Longboat Energy.