60 years since the hunt for oil and gas began
6/17/2026 On Tuesday 19 July 1966 at 08.20, drilling commenced on the first exploration well on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS). This summer marks 60 years since the oil and gas hunt got underway.
Dry well in the Norwegian Sea (6507/8-D-4 CH)
6/16/2026 Equinor and its partners have drilled a dry well in the “Heidrun Cellar SE” prospect under the Heidrun field in the Norwegian Sea.
Petroleum
Appraisal
Wildcat
CCS
Appraisal
Wildcat
| Active exploration wellbores |
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Drilling permits
Drilling permit for wellbore 15/6-17
5/20/2026
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Aker BP ASA drilling permit for wellbore 15/6-17 in production licence 979.
Drilling permit for wellbore 34/10-56 S
5/8/2026
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Equinor Energy AS drilling permit for wellbore 34/10-56 S in production licence 050 HS.
Drilling permit for wellbore 7220/5-EC-2 H
4/27/2026
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has granted Equinor Energy AS drilling permit for wellbore 7220/5-EC-2 H in production licence 532.