Drilling in progress on well 16/1-7 in the North Sea

As operator of PL001b and PL 242, we are currently drilling exploration well 16/1-7 with the semi-submersible drilling rig Deepsea Delta. The well was spudded on April 29, 2004. (07.05.2004)

It is expected that the drilling operation will take 30 - 60 days. The well is located in the North Sea - approximately 35 km southwest of the Balder field, and 200 km west of Stavanger. The water depth is 110 metres.

Licensees:  Esso Exploration & Production Norway AS: 50% (operator) and Statoil: 50%.