Norwegian state-owned energy giant Equinor has secured the go-ahead from the country’s authorities to use one of COSL Drilling Europe’s semi-submersible rigs for drilling operations in the North Sea off the coast of Norway.
The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) has granted Equinor consent for exploration drilling in block 25/7 in the North Sea.
The 25/7-13 well, known as the Linga prospect, is situated in the production licence 782 S , which is valid from February 6, 2015, up to the same date in 2045.
Equinor is the operator of the license with a 60% stake, while its partner, Aker BP, holds the remaining 40% interest.
Located in the water depth of 126 meters, the well will be drilled with the COSL Innovator semi-submersible rig.
The Norwegian state-owned player booked the rig in August 2023 for a two-year contract, starting in the second quarter of 2025.
The rig deal comes with extension options for three additional years. The 2012-built semi-submersible is designed to operate in water depths up to 750 meters.