Jun 11, 2013 - Bridge Energy, minority partner in Norwegian license PL511, indicated that reservoir quality sandstones have been encountered by the Transocean Arctic (mid-water semisub) while drilling exploration well 6406/6-3 on the Mjosa prospect. Initial results indicate the presence of a sub-commercial volume of gas within the reservoir. Data is still being acquired and further interpretation will be needed to determine what potential exists within the prospect. The current plan is to plug and abandon the well upon reaching total depth.

May 28, 2013 - Statoil announced a new oil discovery near the Grane field in Production License 169 B2 (PL169B2). Exploration well 25/11-27 was drilled by the Songa Trym (mid-water semisub) and intersected a 65-foot oil column in the Heimdal formation. The discovery is estimated to contain recoverable oil resources in the range of 18 to 33 million barrels. Near-field exploration is a facet of Statoil's exploration strategy on the Norwegian continental shelf and involves making new discoveries in the vicinity of existing facilities so that they can be brought on-line quickly. Partners in PL169B2 are Statoil (47.5%) as operator, Petoro (30%), ConocoPhillips (12.5%) and ExxonMobil (10%).

May 23, 2013 - Lundin Petroleum announced the completion of drilling operations on wildcat well 7/4-3 in the Norwegian North Sea. The well was drilled in PL495 to test the Upper Triassic and Upper Cretaceous reservoirs that make up the company's Carlsberg prospect. Unfortunately, the primary target was not found and the secondary target, although encountered at the expected depth, proved to be water wet. The well will be plugged and abandoned as a dry hole and the Maersk Guardian (350' ILC) will mobilize to the Brynhild field to begin development drilling. Lundin operates and maintains a 60 percent interest in PL495 and PL459B while its partner, Tullow, owns the remaining 40%.