Equinor and its partners Petrolia Noco and PGNiG have commenced drilling at the Løvmeis prospect in the Norwegian Sea. The exploration well, designated 6608/10-R-2 H, is located in production license 1013. Equinor holds a 40% operating stake in the license, while PGNiG and Petrolia Noco each hold 40% and 20% shares, respectively. The project is being carried out using Transocean Encourage, a semi-submersible drilling rig designed for harsh environments on the Norwegian continental shelf.
The Transocean Encourage rig, which was built in 2016, is a sixth-generation, fully winterized, and automated drilling control unit specifically designed for operations in tough environmental conditions. The drilling campaign is expected to provide valuable insights into the prospect’s potential, with a focus on fast-tracking development. If successful, production could begin as early as 2026, taking advantage of nearby infrastructure for rapid deployment.
The Løvmeis prospect lies within the license that was originally awarded during the APA (Awards in Predefined Areas) in 2018, with Petrolia Noco initially acting as the operator. Equinor later took over operatorship as part of a farm-down agreement with Petrolia Noco. The potential for early production aligns with the partners’ strategy to maximize the value of existing infrastructure and achieve swift project execution if resources are confirmed.
