Oil Firms in Norway to Drill 18% Less Exploration Wells by 2026, Survey Finds
A survey on Thursday showed that oil firms in Norway are planning to drill 18% less exploration wells next, as they focus on existing fields. This could undermine the government's aim of maintaining production from Europe's biggest petroleum producer.Offshore Norway's survey of its members shows that drilling and investment will decline next year.The survey revealed that oil companies on the Norwegian continental Shelf, such as Equinor Aker BP Vaar Energi, intend to drill 37 exploration wells by 2026.
Bureau Veritas Polar Rules & Ice Guidance
International classification society Bureau Veritas has published new rules for Polar Class vessels and specific guidance on ice/structure interaction. The rules are aimed at speeding Arctic and Caspian Sea oil and gas development by facilitating the building of tank, cargo and offshore service vessels which can operate unsupported by icebreakers in very heavy ice. The guidance note aims to facilitate floating LNG and oil platform construction in high Arctic conditions. According to Philippe Baumans, director of development, Bureau Veritas, “BV’s new ‘Rules for the Classification of Polar Class and Icebreaker Ships,’ bring together for the first time the requirements for icebreakers and the requirements for Polar Class cargo and other service vessels such as oilfield support vessels.
