PSA Gives Green Light to Use Eirik Raude on Troll

Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority

The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) has granted its consent to Norsk Hydro to use the Eirik Raude to drill production well 31/2-L-23 H on the Troll field.

The Eirik Raude is owned and operated by Ocean Rig A/S. The rig was granted an Acknowledgement of Compliance on September 14, 2004.

The rig will drill the uppermost sections of production well 31/2-L-23 H on Troll, production licenses 054 and 085. The water depth at the location is about 330 meters.

This activity is expected to last 30 days.

In connection with this activity, the plan is to test new technology for alternative return systems for drilling mud and handling of cuttings.

The PSA requires that this takes place in accordance with Sections 8 and 9 of the Regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities, in conformance with the established level of safety in the activities and in keeping with the company's criteria for acceptable risk to personnel. Another precondition for testing the mud return system is that the subsurface conditions do not entail a danger of shallow gas.

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