New Discovery Reinforces Goliat Ridge Potential
Vår Energi ASA has confirmed a new oil discovery at its Countach appraisal well, located near the Goliat field in the Barents Sea. Preliminary assessments indicate recoverable resources between 4 and 25 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe), bringing the total estimated resources for the Countach discovery to 10–55 mmboe. This latest find further strengthens the geological potential of the Goliat ridge, with additional assessments scheduled for 2025 that could push total recoverable volumes past 100 mmboe.
Expanded Resource Estimate Following 2023 Discovery
The appraisal well builds on the initial 2023 Countach discovery, which had estimated recoverable resources of 3–13 mmboe. The latest drilling, situated 13 kilometers northeast of the Goliat FPSO, encountered hydrocarbons in two formations: the Kobbe formation, noted for its favorable reservoir quality, and the deeper Klappmyss formation, which revealed an oil column over 200 meters thick. While the Klappmyss reservoir displayed lower quality, its oil-bearing nature opens new exploration possibilities deeper in the Goliat ridge.
2025 Drilling Plans to Further Develop Goliat Region
In 2025, Vår Energi will expand its drilling campaign with three new wells: Zagato North, Zagato South, and Goliat North. These wells aim to target untapped resources within the ridge between the Goliat field and Countach discovery. Together, they are expected to bring the region’s total recoverable resources to over 100 mmboe, significantly enhancing the original Goliat field development plan, which projected 176 million barrels of oil.
Long-Term Strategy: Barents Sea Remains Core Focus
The Barents Sea remains a strategic priority for Vår Energi, which is targeting sustained production levels of 350,000 to 400,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day over the long term. The company intends to drill approximately 20 wells in the region over the next four years to maintain output and unlock new reserves. Following Countach, the next exploration well will be drilled at the Elgol prospect, located 17 kilometers northeast of Goliat.
Partnership with Equinor Supports Regional Expansion
Vår Energi holds a 65% operating interest in the Countach licence, with Equinor owning the remaining 35%. The two companies are partnering on a two-year drilling program across the Barents Sea, focusing on both infill production and exploration wells. This collaboration is expected to strengthen the long-term development and production capacity of the greater Goliat area.
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