Shell has been given the nod to use the Leiv Eiriksson semisubmersible for production drilling in the Norwegian Sea.

The consent includes drilling and completing two of the three wells on the giant Ormen Lange gas field. The field is being developed with 24 wells from three subsea templates.

Meanwhile, StatoilHydro has been given the green light to use the Deepsea Delta for work on the Norwegian Sea Oseberg field.

The Petroleum Safety Authority gave consent for the rig to be used for the permanent plugging of wells 30/9-B-50H and 30/6-C-27AH. Work is expected start on 1 September and last for around 70 days.