The North Sea has long been a frontier for oil and gas exploration, but not every venture yields black gold. Norwegian energy giant Vår Energi recently learned this the hard way, as its latest wildcat well in the Kokopelli prospect came up dry—marking the third consecutive disappointment in the region.
A Third Strike in the Sleipner Area
Vår Energi, alongside partners Petoro, Aker BP, and Equinor, drilled the 7/1-4 S well in the North Sea’s production license 1190, located south of the Sleipner area. Despite high hopes, the well failed to uncover any hydrocarbons, continuing a streak of bad luck in the region. This marks the third dry well in the area, following two previous unsuccessful attempts.
The well, drilled to a vertical depth of 2,488 meters below sea level, encountered 94 meters of poor-quality limestone rocks in the Tor Formation—a far cry from the petroleum-rich deposits the team was targeting. With no viable resources found, the well has been permanently plugged and abandoned.
The COSL Pioneer Rig: A High-Tech Gamble
To tackle this ambitious project, Vår Energi deployed the COSL Pioneer, a state-of-the-art semi-submersible rig built in 2010. Designed to operate in water depths of up to 750 meters, the rig is a testament to modern drilling technology. However, even the most advanced equipment couldn’t turn the tide in this case.
The Kokopelli prospect was part of the 2020 Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) initiative, with the license awarded in 2021. Despite the setback, Vår Energi remains committed to exploring the North Sea’s potential, though this latest dry well raises questions about the viability of the region.
A Silver Lining in the Barents Sea
While the North Sea venture didn’t pan out, Vår Energi has reason to celebrate elsewhere. The company recently struck oil in the Barents Sea, near one of its existing assets. This discovery serves as a reminder that the energy game is as much about persistence as it is about precision.
For now, the Kokopelli prospect remains a tantalizing but elusive target. As Vår Energi regroups and refocuses its efforts, the North Sea continues to challenge even the most seasoned explorers.
