Wintershall Norge has successfully appraised its Skarfjell discovery offshore Norway with two wells, according to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD).

The German operator is near to completing the main 35/9-10 S Skarfjell South appraisal well drilled on the south-eastern part of the structure, and a sidetrack, 35/9-10 A targeting the top of the structure in the southwestern part of the field.

The NPD reported that the 35/9-10 S well encountered a 13 m (43 ft) gross gas column and a 49 m (160 ft) oil column, with pressure tests indicating that this area has lower pressure and is not in direct communication with the western and northern parts of the Skarfjell discovery.

Also the NPD says the 35/9-10 A sidetrack encountered a 59 m (193 ft) gas column with pressure data indicating it is in communication with the northern part of the Skarfjell discovery. Both wells were drilled by the Transocean Arctic semisubmersible.

Wintershall Norge has previously indicated that the appraisal north of Skarfjell was aimed at proving up resources in the range of 60 MMbbl to 160 MMbbl. With the latest results, the operator says the Skarfjell south work has proved an extension of the structure and reduced uncertainties over reserves quality and distribution.

Current reserves for Skarfjell are estimated at 120 MMboe to 230 MMboe, of which 10 MMcm to 23 MMcm (62.9 MMbbl to 144.67 MMbbl) is oil and condensate, and 8 Bcm (282 BCf) to 15 Bcm (539 Bcf) is gas.

Development of Skarfjell is being considered either as a stand-alone project or as a tieback to the existing Gjoa field offshore Norway, which lies 15 km (9.3 miles) to the northeast.

Offshore