Core Insights - Norwegian energy company Equinor has obtained two permits from the Norwegian Offshore Directorate to drill wildcat wells in the North Sea, specifically wellbore 34/4-19 S and wellbore 34/6-9 S, with planned spud dates in September 2025 and October 2025 respectively [1][3] Group 1: Drilling Permits and Licenses - The permits cover wellbore 34/4-19 S in production licence 057, which was awarded in 1979, and wellbore 34/6-9 S in production licence 554, awarded in 2010 [1][3] - Equinor operates production licence 057 with a 31% stake, while other partners include Petoro (30%), Harbour Energy Norge (24.5%), INPEX Idemitsu Norge (9.6%), and Vår Energi (4.9%) [2][3] - For production licence 554, Equinor holds a 40% interest, with Aker BP and Vår Energi each holding a 30% interest [3] Group 2: Drilling Equipment and Contracts - The 34/4-19 S well will be drilled using Odfjell Drilling's Deepsea Atlantic rig, a sixth-generation semi-submersible rig capable of operating in water depths up to 3,000 meters [2] - The Deepsea Atlantic rig is contracted to Equinor until Q2 2027, with options to extend the contract until 2030 [3] - The 34/6-9 S well will be drilled using the COSL Innovator rig, which can operate in water depths up to 750 meters, and is contracted for two years starting in Q2 2025, with options to extend until the second half of 2030 [4] Group 3: Recent Discoveries - Last month, Equinor and its partners announced an oil and gas discovery in the Fram area of the North Sea [4]

Core Insights - Equinor ASA has received a drilling permit for an exploration well in the Norwegian North Sea, indicating ongoing offshore energy activity [1] - The drilling will utilize the COSL Innovator rig, capable of operating in depths up to 750 meters, with operations starting in June 2025 [2] - Equinor has a 45% operating stake in the production license, with Vår Energi and Inpex Idemitsu Norge holding 40% and 15%, respectively [4] Exploration and Contracts - Equinor awarded COSL Drilling Europe a two-year contract for the Innovator rig, with operations commencing in the second quarter of 2025 and options for a three-year extension [3] - The recent permit follows another license awarded for wellbore 7220/5-4, which will be drilled next month, reflecting Norway's commitment to expanding exploration and production [5] - The Norwegian government has announced additional acreage for the upcoming APA 2025 licensing round, supporting the country's long-term energy strategy [5][6] Industry Position - With strong government support and advanced offshore rigs, Equinor is solidifying its position as a key player in the North Sea energy landscape [6]