Over the past decades, geoscientists have sought to unlock the true potential of PS seismic data to enhance oil and gas exploration, development and production. Recent technological advancements and successful PS seismic imaging projects are now bringing this ambition closer to reality, with significant implications for field development and exploration planning. 

Why PS waves? A new level of subsurface clarity

Historically, PP seismic data have been the industry standard for subsurface imaging. Conventional PP seismic waves, with compressional wave motion, are sensitive to both rock properties and their fluid fill, whereas the shear wave component of converted PS waves (compressional-to-shear) is largely unaffected by fluid properties. Analyzing both PP and PS seismic in conjunction therefore provides unique opportunities in distinguishing rock and fluid types and pinpointing resource-rich zones, imaging under gas-filled, attenuative structures and distinguishing saturation and pressure effects during production.

This clarity directly supports well planning, allowing us to more accurately target areas with potential oil and gas reserves. Similar advantages are seen in time-lapse (4D) seismic. Here, the addition of PS data can enable discrimination between pressure and saturation changes induced by hydrocarbon production, in turn providing important information for planning of infill wells.  Collecting data with seismic receivers on the seabed captures both PP and PS waves, but until now, processing PS data effectively has been a challenge due to its complexity and the lack of advanced algorithms. 

Benchmarking and processing: Laying the foundation

Aker BP recently conducted a comprehensive research and development benchmarking exercise for processing and imaging of PS data, using data from Ivar Aasen, focusing on achieving optimal results on field data applications and the development of robust algorithms. This benchmark serves as a key element in technical verification, proving the viability of using PS data for imaging prospective areas like those in Symra Phase 2, where utilization of PS data is planned to optimize recovery.  

Parallel to the external benchmark, Aker BP has realized a new internally developed algorithm which addresses long-standing challenges in PS seismic data processing, such as decoupling PP and PS wave-propagation and scattering in an efficient and accurate manner. Although not yet applied in a full-scale setting, the initial field-data applications of the algorithm have already shown promising results. 

Inspiring Symra Phase 2: Learning from Ivar Aasen

The PS benchmark at the Ivar Aasen field partially served as a technical validation of PS data for targets such as Grid sand injectites (Fig. 1) and Heimdal channel sands (Fig. 2), where the conventional PP data appear less efficient in characterizing these sands. This carries a direct implication for the phase 2 development of the neighbouring Symra field, aimed at Grid and Heimdal targets. Given the successful PS results at Ivar Aasen, the Symra license decided to process PS seismic data to assist well planning and field development for the phase 2 development. For the team at Symra, this will hopefully mean better subsurface understanding, improved well planning, and increased potential for efficient oil and gas recovery.

Enhancing data with full-waveform inversion: Improving resolution and reducing uncertainty

For conventional PP seismic, full-waveform inversion technologies have been key to improve the imaging robustness over the past decade. However, similar developments have been lacking for the more complicated PS seismic waveforms, which has slowed adoption of this datatype. Aker BP acknowledged that both collaboration with external vendors and performing internal R&D should be leveraged to close the technology gap for PS data processing. 

A significant milestone achieved through collaboration with vendors has been field data applications of new implementations of full-waveform inversion of PS data. This advanced imaging technique brings sharper subsurface detail, reduces uncertainties, and opens new opportunities by providing a more robust view of complex geological formations. The level of detail offered in the resulting shear-wave velocity model (Fig. 2b)) can be much higher than the resolution limits of conventional PS processing methods (Fig. 2a)) and give a better structural image. As the first field-data verification and results from one vendor, these results have been published in conference settings [1].

To address the challenges of robust imaging with complex PS waves while accounting for the full elastic wave-physics of the subsurface, researchers at Aker BP have described a novel algorithm for PS-data full-waveform inversion. In an efficient manner, this development circumvents many of the approximations for wave-physics found in competing algorithms. The technology, along with promising initial field-data results, has been presented at the EAGE 2024 conference [2]. In this work, Fig. 4b) demonstrates the de-blurring properties of PS-FWI, compared to a PS-RTM shear-impedance image at the same frequency content (Fig. 4a). Similarly, initial tests on retrieving the shear-wave velocity with this methodology, Fig. 4c), suggests that the higher velocities of the Grid injectites are being correctly added. More involved and encouraging field-data applications are currently running. This R&D activity and its field data applications have majorly benefited from Aker BP’s newly installed on-premise computational resources. 

The next steps in research and industry application

The efforts and achievements at Ivar Aasen and Symra are just the beginning. Aker BP is set to continue its commitment to PS seismic research and algorithm development, with a newly launched project extending through 2026. This initiative includes partnerships with organizations like NTNU, where industry-focused Ph.D. candidates contribute to the advancement of seismic technology. 

Moving forward, we will work closely with service providers, including Viridien, TGS, and SLB, as they refine their PS data processing capabilities. This collaboration reflects a growing industry interest in making PS-wave imaging a commercial reality, further demonstrating the potential for PS seismic data to shape the future of oil and gas exploration. 

Acknowledgments and looking forward

Special thanks go to the dedicated team members, including Ross Milne, Ole Edvard Aaker, Ørjan Pedersen, and Espen B. Raknes, who have driven this project since early 2021. Their work has already made an impact within Aker BP and in the wider industry, with presentations at prominent conferences like EAGE. 
 
We thank the Ivar Aasen license, Aker BP, Equinor, Sval Energi, OKEA and M Vest Energy, for permission to show the seismic-related images. 
Geophysicists at the Ivar Aasen asset, particularly Jon Moen Lippard and Nora Løhre, are thanked for their support and interest in the project. 

As we advance, these technological breakthroughs position Aker BP at the forefront of seismic innovation, reinforcing our commitment to efficient, data-driven field development. 

References

[1]: Zhai, Yongbo, et al. PS Reflection-Based Full-Waveform Inversion Using Single-Mode Propagator. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts, 2024
[2]: Aaker, O. E., Ø. Pedersen, and E. B. Raknes. «Elastic Reflection Waveform Inversion with a Novel PS Mode-Decomposed Misfit Functional.» 85th EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition (including the Workshop Programme). Vol. 2024. No. 1. European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers, 2024.

The NPF Award is awarded annually to a candidate who has distinguished themselves by bringing important issues for the industry on the agenda. The award is a recognition of the effort put in and is presented at the Oil and Energy Policy Seminar in Sandefjord.

In the jury’s justification, it says: The 2024 award is given to Karl Johnny Hersvik for his role as a company developer, who over many years has built Aker BP to be a worthy challenger and competitor to Equinor on the Norwegian continental shelf, both through acquisitions (Marathon Oil, Premier Oil, Svenska Petroleum, BP-Norway, and Lundin) and through organic growth. As the driving force in Aker BP, he has contributed to the company investing over NOK 200 billion on the Norwegian continental shelf in the years after the pandemic and towards 2028.

He has been at the forefront of alliance development, technology development, and digitalization to streamline the industry and strengthen competitiveness on the Norwegian continental shelf.

He participates actively and with broad expertise in the public debate. He has also shown great commitment and has been a key attraction at several of NPF’s events. Kalle is fearless and clear, and has shown the courage to invest heavily in oil and gas in both good and bad times, thereby ensuring solid employment and industrial development in several places in the country.

The collaboration will enable Aker BP to optimize its subsurface exploration and development activities on the Norwegian Continental Shelf

Aker BP has entered a strategic partnership with PXGEO, to deploy an innovative seismic acquisition technology that will enhance the quality and efficiency of its subsurface exploration and development activities.

Aker BP targets to maximize value creation and flow efficiency by working as «One Team» and through a LEAN operations philosophy. To achieve this, we recognize that a value chain with strategic partnerships and alliances is essential. We therefore work together with our strategic partners on common goals to ensure continual improvement and share benefits and risk.

Recent results in seismic imaging and seismic velocity model building obtained from OBN (Ocean Bottom Node) data on the Norwegian Continental Shelf demonstrate an excess quality potential to other seismic dataset obtain by other methods. As part of Aker BP’s vision and strategy going forward, we seek to obtain and acquire more of these data. However, we are challenged by the relatively high cost of such operations.

PXGEO operates MantaRay, a hovering autonomous underwater vehicle engineered by Manta to deploy and recover ocean bottom nodes with minimal impact to the ocean floor. The MantaRay technology has the potential to reduce a seismic survey operation time significantly. This will enable Aker BP to capture more detailed and accurate images of the subsurface, reduce operational risks and environmental footprint, and optimize its exploration and development activities in the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

The partnership with PXGEO is part of Aker BP’s strategy to leverage digitalization and innovation to create value and drive performance. Ocean Bottom Node seismic data has traditionally been time consuming and expensive to acquire, and the technology has mainly been used for development projects and 4D seismic surveys. Aker BP sees the potential for leveraging the new technology brought by PXGEO to acquire large-scale OBN exploration surveys.

«We are very excited to partner with PXGEO to deploy this innovative seismic acquisition technology on the NCS. The MantaRay technology will enable us to acquire high-quality seismic data in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way, and support our ambition to deliver profitable and sustainable growth on the NCS,» says Per Øyvind Seljebotn, Senior Vice President Exploration & Reservoir Development at Aker BP.

Signing up for an innovative collaboration: Helene Hafslund Veire (VP Exploration & Reservoir Development, Aker BP), Peter Zickerman (Founder and Executive Chairman, PXGEO), Karl Johnny Hersvik (CEO, Aker BP) and John Scott (Head of Sales – Europe & Africa, PXGEO)

In October, Aker BP, in collaboration with several operators, suppliers, authorities, and partners, organized a comprehensive emergency preparedness exercise called Tveegg. The evaluation has now been completed, and important learning points have been identified.

«The name Tveegg refers to a double-edged sword, symbolizing the balance between two critical processes: operational response and holistic planning,» explains project manager Harald Kvernstrøm.

The exercise challenged participants to handle both the acute incident and a strategic planning process simultaneously. By using the ICS methodology (Incident Command System), which is a recognized standard for crisis management, the collaboration between the actors was streamlined.

Large participation and cross-company collaboration

Over 180 people participated in the exercise, which was conducted at Aker BP’s offices in Jåttåvågen, with activities also in Haugesund, Sirevåg, and Farsund. NOFO (Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies) contributed from their facilities at Forus.

For the first time, the assist-team agreement was tested in practice. The agreement ensures that operating companies can share trained personnel during serious incidents on the Norwegian continental shelf.

«It is challenging to organize an exercise of this size, but the learning outcome is significant. We challenge both the industry and our own organization, and see that many have gained networks and valuable experiences,» says Kvernstrøm.

As the action leader, Aker BP played a key role. To staff a robust emergency organization over time, support from other operators and suppliers will be necessary.

Effective systems and structure

Everyone who contributed to incident management was met with clear routines for parking, access cards, and IT access. A registration system provided a complete overview of attendance and the roles that were covered. Based on the experiences from the exercise, this system will be further developed.

The ICS methodology, which has been a gradually introduced standard in the Norwegian oil and gas industry since 2015, formed the basis for the exercise. Twelve operators and suppliers contributed personnel who worked across companies to solve tasks as efficiently as possible. All participants had completed ICS courses in advance, ensuring a common understanding of roles and tasks. Participants wore vests in different colors, clearly showing their roles in the ICS structure, and worked closely together to handle the scenario.

Realistic and educational exercise

To make the exercise as realistic as possible, a game staff in a nearby office simulated incidents that required responses from the participants. At the same time, controllers and evaluators monitored the exercise and assessed performances with the aim of strengthening preparedness and collaboration routines.

«The exercise confirmed that the assist-team agreement works. We managed to establish cooperation quickly and effectively, but also identified areas for improvement that we need to address to strengthen ourselves for future incidents,» says Kvernstrøm.

The way forward

The results from the exercise provide a basis for further development and training.

«Now we must continue to implement the improvements. This is not just about getting better in emergency situations, but also about strengthening the industry’s overall interests. We must ensure continuity and build robust preparedness for the future,» concludes Kvernstrøm.

«We will share the experiences from the Tveegg exercise with the other operators so that it can be useful before the next major joint exercise.»

We’re excited to contribute to this global effort and further position Aker BP as a leader in the industry!

We are proud to announce that Kåre Langaas has been selected by SPE as a global subject matter expert in the design of optimal production wells with inflow control.

The initiative, supported by SVP Per Øyvind Seljebotn, allows Aker BP to contribute to the industry’s knowledge-sharing efforts, with SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) as the main sponsor.

Starting in November, the first global tour will take Kåre to China and Indonesia, followed by Brazil, Ecuador, the USA, and Mexico in February. A Norwegian tour is planned in May and will visit Harstad, Oslo, Trondheim, and Bergen.

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Aker BP’s strong expertise while promoting sustainable well designs.

We’re excited to contribute to this global effort and further position Aker BP as a leader in the industry!

On 31 October, Aibel and Aker BP celebrated that the Munin utility module is ready for sail-away from Thailand. The first steel was cut in November last year. Now it is just weeks before the 2900 tonnes module will set sail from Aibel’s yard in Laem Chabang towards Haugesund. 

“I am extremely proud of the Munin team and their deliveries. We started construction a year ago in Thailand, after many years of planning and engineering. Shortly, the utility module will sail from Laem Chabang, as a key building block in the overall Haugesund assembly programme. This is a very important milestone for us – delivered as planned. A big thank you to everyone involved,” says Munin Project manager Håkon Helgå in Aker BP. 

Representatives from executive management in both companies joined the Munin team for the celebration at yard 2 on Thursday morning. The Norwegian Embassy in Thailand and Norwegian Church Abroad were present at the ceremony. 

Integrated team 

The Munin topside will weigh approximately 8000 tonnes, with a size of 62 by 42 metres and a height of 35 metres. The contract is valued at NOK 7 billion for Aibel and will provide work for around 2000 people in Asker, Haugesund, Singapore and Thailand.   

“This is the first greenfield project Aibel is delivering together with Aker BP. We have been collaboration closely for two years and have managed to establish an integrated one team working to deliver a unique topside for the Norwegian shelf,” says Munin Project director Erling Landsværk in Aibel.  

With Yggdrasil, Aker BP and licence partners Equinor and Orlen Upstream Norway, is setting a new standard with remote-controlled operations, unmanned platforms, new technology and a data-driven organisation. Munin, which is situated in the northern part of the area, is an unmanned production platform. This installation is the first of its kind on the Norwegian shelf.   

“Munin is being built without a helicopter deck, living quarters and lifeboats. Access to the platform will be carried out in campaigns through support vessels. Our priorities have been safety incorporated in the design, minimal maintenance requirements and streamlining of platform systems and functions to avoid manual operations,” explains Landsværk.   

The Munin utility module is over 32 metres long, 40 metres wide and 37 metres tall. Approximately 950 people have been working to complete the module in Thailand. 

Assembly on track 

Aibel Thailand is delivering the utility module, stair tower, flare boom and deck sections for the Munin process module through multiple shipments to Norway. Assembly and outfitting will take place at Aibel’s yard in Haugesund. 

“We started assembly of the Munin topside in the North Sea Hall in Haugesund in September. The first shipment with two process sections from Thailand arrived shortly after. We are progressing according to plan and the work has been carried out safely. Now we are really looking forward to receiving the next shipment from Thailand in Haugesund. In addition to the utility module, we will also receive almost 500 tonnes of structural sections for the process module in this shipment,” says Landsværk. 

In the next year the Munin topside will rise and fill North Sea Hall to the roof.  

“I witnessed Thai monks bless the steel when we did the first cut in Thailand. It is great to be present here today and see what the Munin team has achieved this last year. The delivery of the utility module is important for the integrated Yggdrasil plan. We are progressing fast forward in all delivery lines. Thousands of people in Norway and worldwide are involved. Then it is fantastic to be on site and celebrate together with some of the people behind this major development,” concludes Project director for Fixed Facilities deliveries in Yggdrasil, Peter Kupka.  

Assembly of the Munin topside at Aibel’s yard in Haugesund. Two sections have been installed on the grillage so far. In addition, the third section will be lifted these days. 

ceo karl johnny hersvik, 11 september 2024

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Aker BP is a focused oil and gas company, dedicated solely to creating value on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). And we certainly believe this is a winning strategy. Over the last 10 years, Aker BP has delivered over 20 percent annual shareholder return, and we are well positioned to continue creating highly attractive returns with low cost, low carbon production and profitable growth into the next decade.

The NCS will remain an important energy basin for decades to come. Numerous studies underscore that Norway still possesses vast, untapped oil and gas resources. The latest analysis from the Norwegian Offshore Directorate estimates that approximately 44 billion barrels of oil equivalent are remaining on the NCS, with approximately half of this yet to be discovered.

However, the directorate also points out that if exploration activity is low, and if the willingness to invest in new developments is limited, much of these resources will stay in the ground. Society will miss out on significant value creation, which could be as much as the equivalent of another Norwegian “oil fund”.

This is a topic I’m deeply passionate about, but in the interest of time, I’ll limit the discussion to three core reasons why the continued development of Norwegian oil and gas is crucial.

The first is energy security. Ensuring a reliable and affordable energy supply for a growing global population is essential. Norway’s role as a strategic supplier for Europe cannot be overstated.

While there are many scenarios for future energy demand, clear projections are often harder to find. One that particularly caught my attention was ExxonMobil’s recently published Global Outlook. The headline is that oil and gas is likely to account for 54 percent of the primary energy mix in 2050, compared to 56 percent today. Their projection shows that oil production naturally declines by about 15 percent per year, which means that without continued investment, the much-needed supply could virtually disappear. This analysis indicates that the world might need more oil in the future than we previously thought.

But this is not just about global demand. Oil and gas from Norway is critical for Europe’s energy security. Even as the continent transitions toward renewable energy, oil and gas is projected by Wood Mackenzie to comprise over 50 percent of the primary energy mix by 2040 — remaining a critical component of the energy supply. Simply put, Norway is Europe’s largest and most reliable energy supplier, and frankly, there are few viable alternatives in the near future.

Secondly, environmental impact. The environmental consequences of replacing Norwegian oil and gas production would be severe. The NCS has the lowest average emissions intensity globally, and a lapse in supply could lead to a net increase of up to 230 million tons of CO₂ emissions between 2024 and 2040, according to a recent study made by Wood Mackenzie for Aker BP. Even in the most aggressive scenario of achieving the 1.5-degree target, Europe will remain a net importer of oil and gas. Any shortfall in Norwegian exports would need to be filled by regions with much higher emissions from production and transportation. From an environmental perspective, maintaining a high level of production on the NCS is essential.

And thirdly, value creation. The E&P value chain on and around the NCS generates immense value—not only for the E&P companies but also for suppliers, local communities, families, and the nation. The substantial tax revenue from this sector is a cornerstone of Norway’s welfare state. In 2022, oil and gas companies contributed 84 percent of Norway’s corporate tax revenue. For Aker BP alone, our tax contributions exceeded those of all the 390,000 land-based companies combined. Let me make today’s understatement: It would be a grave mistake to allow this value to evaporate.

Now, let’s turn to Aker BP, and what role we play in this context.

Nearly a decade ago, we set out on a journey to transform our industry. We identified lots of waste in the value chains. Delays and cost overruns were normal. The cooperation between oil companies and service providers was far from optimal. The industry also lagged behind in digitalisation. Our goal was to address these issues and build a highly efficient, cost-leading E&P company — resilient to oil price fluctuations and capable of generating superior returns through the cycles.

Fast forward to today: We have well-established strategic alliances with our key suppliers across all major categories, including drilling, subsea, fixed facilities, etc. Through these alliances, we provide our suppliers with unprecedented visibility, enabling them to get involved early, plan ahead, and allocate their people and resources accordingly. The incentives are aligned based on win-win. The organisational model is simplified with clear responsibilities. Learning effects are being preserved inside the company. And all this is supported by a state-of-the-art digital ecosystem.

Today, Aker BP is producing well above 400 mboepd, with industry-leading metrics for production cost (below $7 per boe) and greenhouse gas emissions (around 3 kg/boe). We are in the midst of a significant, and in our view a highly attractive investment program, developing close to 800 million barrels of new reserves. This program includes the Yggdrasil development, the Valhall/Fenris project, and several tieback projects around our existing hubs at Alvheim, Grieg/Aasen, and Skarv.

In sum, these projects will contribute to growing our production to over 500,000 barrels of oil equivalents per day in 2028. And the economics are highly compelling, with an average break-even oil price of 35-40 dollars per barrel on an NPV10 basis, and with around 25 percent IRR (internal rate of return) and 1-2 years payback time at oil prices of 65 dollars. We are nearly two years into the execution phase of this investment program. Four of the projects have already been completed, including Tyrving in the Alvheim area which started production last week — 6 months ahead of schedule, and the rest of the projects are progressing according to plan.

Our ambitions go beyond the current projects. We have a vast portfolio of contingent resources which we aim to mature into new development projects, including the potential stand-alone development at Wisting in the Barents Sea, where we are targeting an investment decision in 2026, as well as several other tieback projects.

Exploration is also key to Aker BP’s long-term strategy. We plan to drill 10 to 15 exploration wells annually, with 80 percent focused on near-field prospects, and 20 percent on stand-alone opportunities.

And this is an area ripe for disruption. New imaging technologies, such as OBN, along with the introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning, will significantly enhance our ability to analyse vast amounts of underground data and increase our exploration success rate. In this context, we have sent a clear message to the Norwegian regulators, to open up as much exploration acreage as possible.

In summary, we are on track to achieve the goals we set a decade ago. As one of the most efficient operators in our industry, we continue to push boundaries with the support of our alliance partners. The skillset we have developed has allowed us to turn previously non-commercial discoveries into profitable development projects. This also means that we have significantly expanded our opportunity set. We intend to keep leveraging this skillset to generate new profitable investment opportunities, whether in existing fields, through new exploration, or strategic M&A deals.

Aker BP is in the middle of a major investment portfolio on the Norwegian continental shelf. Together with license partners, the company is investing NOK 200 billion. Over 250 Norwegian suppliers are directly contributing to the development projects.

“At Aker BP, we are creating the oil and gas company of the future with low costs, low emissions, profitable growth, and attractive returns. The project portfolio gives us an outstanding opportunity to lead the transformation of the oil and gas industry. None of this would have been possible without the best suppliers involved,” says CEO Karl Johnny Hersvik of Aker BP.

At ONS, Aker BP gathers Norwegian suppliers contributing to the project portfolio for a grand celebration at the stand. Watch the broadcast (in Norwegian) live on Tuesday, August 27, from 10:30-11:00:  Rebels United: Storstilt feiring av norske leverandører til Aker BPs prosjekter (youtube.com)

Preparing the Industry for a future in new value chains

Aker BP started the execution of the projects Yggdrasil, Valhall PWP-Fenris, Skarv satellites, and Utsira High a year and a half ago. The Norwegian share in the projects is approximately 65 percent. The projects provide 150,000 man-years in Norway over the lifetime of the fields. About half of this is in the development phase. Hundreds of apprentices are completing their vocational training through the project portfolio. Over 250 Norwegian suppliers are directly involved, and these suppliers place thousands of purchase orders, with a significant portion going to Norwegian companies.

“We have promised Norwegian politicians to ensure activity, develop competence, and prepare the industry for a future in new value chains. For the industry to transition, we need activity. We see many good examples of our suppliers using these projects to increase competitiveness through better productivity, upgrades, technology investments, digitalization, and automation. Many are also positioning for work in new value chains. We are proud of this,” says Hersvik.

Projects are on track

Aker BP is among the oil and gas companies in the world with the lowest emissions and is uniquely positioned for further growth. Due to the project portfolio, along with a range of measures for increased recovery and efficiency, Aker BP expects to increase production to around 525,000 barrels in 2028.

“All our projects are on track. In the major developments Yggdrasil and Valhall PWP-Fenris, work is ongoing at all involved yards and locations in Norway and worldwide. Installation and drilling have started at offshore. We have reached this stage because we work closely integrated with alliance partners, strategic partners, and suppliers, and because we standardise to reduce costs and complexity across projects,” concludes Hersvik.

Lukas Mosser from Aker BP has been awarded the prestigious Arie Van Weelden Prize for 2024. The prize is awarded to a person under the age of 35 who has made a significant contribution in one or more disciplines within the geosciences.

It is EAGE (European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers) that awards the prize. EAGE’s justifies the award by saying that Lukas Mosser has been a pioneer in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to meet geoscientific and technical challenges from pore to reservoir scale.

His work stands out for being genuinely innovative and significant, setting new paradigms in geoscience, particularly in the interpretation and quantitative analysis of geophysical datasets. Lukas Mosser has contributed to a number of new solutions in geoscience that are used commercially today.

The prize was awarded at the EAGE Annual conference, which this year is being held in Oslo. The conference gathers more than 6,000 participants from all over Europe.

Photo: Ronny Setså / GeoPublishing

The oil discovery was confirmed in May 2023 in the Yggdrasil area and is the longest exploration well ever drilled on the Norwegian continental shelf. The discovery was estimated to be around 70 million recoverable barrels of oil equivalent, increasing the total resources in the Yggdrasil area to over 700 million barrels.

Øst Frigg Beta/Epsilon won the Exploration Innovation Prize because innovative methods were used when they drilled horizontal wells that were several kilometers long. You can read more about the well here: Record-breaking well behind the Yggdrasil discovery  – Aker BP

Torstein Skorve was subsurface Lead for Øst Frigg Beta/Epsilon during the drilling operation.

– Drilling NCS’s longest exploration well would not have been possible without good cooperation between drilling and wells (D&W) and exploration and reservoir development(ExpRes). We have faith and trust in each other, which means that we challenge not only each other, but also accepted truths about what is possible to achieve in a well, says Skorve.

– In the Øst Frigg Beta/Epsilon well, both ExpRes and D&W saw a common value in long, horizontal wells. We at ExpRes saw for every meter we drilled that we found increased oil volumes for the Øst Frigg Beta/Epsilon project at the same time that D&W gathered important drilling experience ahead of production well drilling at Frigg Gamma Delta and East Frigg Epsilon, he continues.

Vice president of exploration, Olav Antonio Blaich mentions good support from everyone in the company as an important success criterion for the project.

– It is so great that we are recognized for pushing the geological boundaries and challenging the established truths. It is also particularly important that we work in a company that invests so much in exploration, and who wishes to support new and good ideas, he says.

The Exploration Innovation Prize was awarded at the NCS Exploration – Recent Discoveries conference on 7 May. The prize is awarded to a company, team or license group that has made an innovative technological contribution to the search for oil and gas on the Norwegian continental shelf in recent years.