Norwegian state-owned energy giant Equinor has received authorization from the country’s authorities to embark on exploration drilling activities with one of COSL Drilling Europe’s semi-submersible rigs in the North Sea off the coast of Norway.
The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) has granted Equinor consent for exploration drilling in block 34/10 in the North Sea.
The 34/10-56 well, known as the Rav Beta prospect, is located in the production licence 050HS , which is valid from April 11, 2012, up to September 10, 2031.
Equinor is the operator of the license with a 70% stake, while its partner, Petoro, holds the remaining 30% interest.
Situated in a water depth of 132 meters, the well will be drilled with the COSL Innovator semi-submersible rig.
The Norwegian energy giant hired 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.
Equinor made an oil d iscovery in the Norwegian Sea with the same rig in January 2026.