NPD Grants Statoil Lifetime Extension for Gullfaks B

The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has granted Statoil permission to use the B platform on the Gullfaks field in the North Sea until January 1, 2036, which corresponds to the length of the production license.

Gullfaks B first came on stream in February 1988. In the application for extension, Statoil noted that the facility can be operated profitably up to 2031, and possibly even longer with further maturation of improved oil recovery projects and other measures.

The NPD believes that further operation of Gullfaks B is needed in order to recover the remaining resources on Gullfaks. The drilling rig has recently been upgraded and new wells are now being drilled from the facility.

“If the facility is operated in a safe and cost-effective manner, there is a potential for reserve growth and extended production,” said an NPD statement.

“A major effort has been made in recent years to recover oil from the Shetland/Lista reservoirs over Gullfaks. Gullfaks B could also be a relevant host platform for new deposits in the area,” the NPD added.

The current licensees on the field are Statoil, Petoro and OMV Norge. Final consent to the lifetime extension is contingent on approval from the Petroleum Safety Authority.



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