Oil Drilling In NW Europe On The Rise

Exploration and appraisal drilling in northwest Europe has shown a sharp increase in 2000 over year-ago levels, industry consultants Arthur Andersen said in a report.

A total of 37 exploration wells have been spudded between January and July 19, with 18 appraisal wells started in the same period, representing an increase of 12 and 38 percent respectively on the level of spuds achieved in the same period of 1999, the report said.

The northwest Europe area comprises activities in UK, Norwegian, Dutch and Danish waters.