Who is Norwegian Explorer of the Year?

At Gullkronen 2015 on February 4, 2015, VNG Norge was announced the winner of the award “Explorer of the Year”.

Rystad Energy’s Gullkronen awards companies, teams or people, who have shown high performances and outstanding achievements on the NCS during the previous year.

VNG Norge is operator of PL586 in the Norwegian Sea. The Gullkronen jury, which consists of industry and Rystad Energy representatives, has taken notice of the Pil & Bue discoveries on the Halten terrace and the upside potential that is now to be explored in the PL586. VNG Norge was nominated as one of the companies for the E&P award “Explorer of the Year”.

“We are proud to be nominated among such a group of distinguished companies”, stated Erling Bergfjord, Director Exploration in VNG Norge, when the nomination was published.

The other nominees were; Lundin Petroleum, OMV, Statoil (North Sea).

Jury’s Reasoning:

“The winner has conducted thorough geological and geophysical evaluations that resulted in a significant discovery. The discovery surprised most people with its size, and the reservoir properties appear to be excellent. The winner made the discovery in a well-explored area that is now reinvigorated. The jury is also impressed by how the winner showed stamina when its biggest partner withdrew from the license and new partners had to be found.”

New thinking & boldness

“We highly appreciate the award “Explorer of the Year” as an acknowledgement of our efforts and success in PL586”, says Atle Sonesen, Managing Director in VNG Norge, after the presentation.

“With new thinking, boldness and perseverance where others had doubts, we made Halten Terrace one of the most exciting areas on NCS in 2014. We are now preparing for the PL586 Exploration program 2015, which includes one of the most anticipated drilling programs on the NCS this year. With the nearby licences awarded in APA 2014, we consolidated our position as a major player in developing the Halten Terrace for the future.”

As stated by Sissel Eriksen, Director of Exploration in NPD, the Pil & Bue discoveries led to a great interest for the Halten Terrace area in APA 2014. VNG Norge was awarded six new licences in APA 2014.