No connection has been proven between formation of the pit and well after a pit was discovered at a subsea template at Snorre B on 17 May.
On Thursday, an injection test was performed in the well that is tied in to the subsea template. The test confirmed that there is no communication between the well and the pit.
Analysis of sediment samples also revealed no sign of hydrocarbon content. No movement has been observed since Monday in the pit near the subsea template. The subsea template is still being monitored continuously with a remotely operated underwater vehicle.
Since it is not confirmed a connection between formation of the pit and the well, other explanations are being examined. None of these are considered to be a serious factor as regards the technical integrity of the subsea template or the wells.
Production from the template will remain shut in until further examinations have been concluded. The other production from Snorre B has now resumed.
Press Release, May 23, 2014; Image: Statoil