Noreco to Conduct Exploration Drilling in Northern North Sea

Norwegian Energy Company ASA (Noreco) has been granted consent to conduct exploration drilling in the northern North Sea with the West Alpha semisub.

The consent applies to drilling of exploration well 25/9-3 which is part of production license 412. The well is located approximately 22 km north of the Balder field and approx. 190 km west of Stavanger.

The well has the following geographical coordinates: N 59 degrees 26' 05.030", E 02 degrees 40' 42.880". The water depth at the site is approximately 125 meters.

The earliest start-up time is the end of July 2009. The drilling activity is estimated to last 40 days.