Neptune Energy today announced drilling has commenced on the Dugong exploration well in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. 

Image source: Neptune Energy

Dugong is the first operated exploration well to be drilled by Neptune in the northern North Sea since the Duva discovery in 2016.  

Neptune’s Director of Exploration & Development in Norway, Steinar Meland, said: "A discovery in Dugong could open up new and exciting opportunities in surrounding licences, making it an important well in establishing a new core area for Neptune in Norway. 

"This activity underlines the importance of the region to Neptune’s geographically-diverse portfolio.” 

Dugong is located 158 kilometres west of Florø, Norway, at a water depth of 330 metres, and is close to the existing production facilities of the Snorre field. The reservoir lies at a depth of 3,250 - 3,400 metres. 

The drilling program comprises a main bore with a down-dip side track, subject to the results of the main bore.

Dugong will be drilled by the Deepsea Yantai, a new semi-submersible rig, owned by CIMC and operated by Odfjell Drilling.  

Dugong partners: Neptune Energy, (operator and 40%), Concedo (20%), Petrolia NOCO (20%), and Idemitsu Petroleum Norge (20%).

KeyFacts Energy: Neptune Energy Norway country profile