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Equinor (EQNR) Gets Approval for Drilling Operations in Norway

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Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) received approval from Norwegian authorities for a drilling permit to conduct exploration activities in the North Sea off Norway.

One of Odfjell Drilling’s rigs is anticipated to be utilized for the upcoming drilling activities.

Equinor received a drilling permit for a wildcat well, 35/11-28 S, within production license 248 C. This license was initially awarded on Apr 9, 2013, and is valid until Jun 4, 2035.

Equinor is the operator of the license with a 30% ownership interest. Petoro and Wellesley Petroleum hold the remaining 40% and 30%, respectively.

The drilling of the well 35/11-28 S is scheduled to be carried out using the Deepsea Stavanger rig. In May 2021, Equinor entered a contract, securing the Deepsea Stavanger rig for a specified period covering the drilling of three wells.

Constructed in 2010, the Deepsea Stavanger rig represents a sixth-generation semi-submersible designed for deepwater and harsh environments, featuring an enhanced GVA 7500 design. With the capability to operate at water depths of up to 3,000 meters, the rig is equipped with eight mooring lines. It has a capacity to accommodate 157 individuals and boasts a drilling depth capability of 10,670 meters.

In August, Equinor received approval from the Norway offshore safety regulator to use a semi-submersible rig for production drilling at the North Sea field. The approval received involves production drilling activities, including plugging and abandonment operations. It also involves the completion of two wells, M-1 BH on Statfjord Ost and F-4 CH on Statfjord Nord.

Equinor’s endeavors to improve the recovery of resources in mature fields are commendable. The company has operations across all major hydrocarbon-producing regions of the world, with a strong focus on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Equinor currently carries a Zack Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors interested in the energy sector might look at the following companies that presently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

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For the fourth quarter of 2023, OII anticipates a decline in EBITDA on relatively flat revenues from the figure reported in the third quarter.

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