The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway has given approval to Total E&P Norge AS for exploration drilling in the Norwegian part of the North Sea with the Borgland Dolphin offshore drilling rig.
The consent applies to drilling of well 34/6-2, which is part of production licence 554, located east of the Snorre field.
Water depth at the site is 383 metres. The drilling is expected to begin in June 2012, and the operations will last for two months, depending on whether discoveries are made.
Borgland Dolphin is a Aker H-3 type semi-submersible drilling rig built in Northern Ireland in 1977. The rig, owned operated by Dolphin Drilling A/S underwent extensive upgrades in 1999.
[mappress] Offshore Energy Today Staff, March 7, 2012; Image: ptil