New appraisal drilling has commenced on the giant Johan Sverdrup oilfield discovery offshore Norway to further improve reservoir knowledge.

Operator Statoil has spudded the 16/2-19 well in PL265, which is targeting a northern sector of the giant field.

According to partner Lundin Petroleum the new well is designed to investigate the presence of a Jurassic horizon and to test reservoir thickness quality and distribution on the northeastern edge of the field.

Drilling is taking place with the Ocean Vanguard semisubmersible at a location 2.2 km
(1.4 miles) north of a previous appraisal well, 16/2-12, and 3.2 km (2 miles) southeast of the 16/2-9S appraisal well.

Statoil is operating the well with 40% equity, partnered by Lundin, Petoro, and Det norske oljeselskap.