A year ago, the Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland extended the licenses in the Greater Ekofisk Area in the North Sea from 2028 to 2048. This week, he and the Director General of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate Torgeir Stordal visited Ekofisk for the first time, and were introduced to the field’s 50-year-legacy and ongoing activities contributing to the area’s longevity.

From left: ConocoPhillips President of Europe, Middle East and North Africa Steinar Våge, the Director General of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate Torgeir Stordal, the Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland and Parliamentary Leader of The Norwegian Labour Party Rigmor Aasrud.  

The extension of licenses in the Greater Ekofisk Area contribute to new investments in Norway’s oldest oil province with a potential total lifetime of almost 80 years. Currently, a number of activities are ongoing associated to the development of the Tommeliten A gas field and Eldfisk North oil project, both new subsea projects in the Greater Ekofisk Area.

Last week, the world’s largest heavy-lift vessel Pioneering Spirit positioned next to the Ekofisk Complex, commenced pipeline installation. Despite one kilometer from one end to the other at the Ekofisk Complex, the vessel’s dimensions of almost 400 meters created interest. This perspective and much more was introduced to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate at Ekofisk on Tuesday 18 April.

“After more than 50 years of operations at Ekofisk, we extend our thanks to the authorities, employees and all our business partners. The license extensions contribute to the predictability of our investments in new developments in the Greater Ekofisk Area. We look forward to producing first oil and gas from Tommeliten A and Eldfisk North next year”, said Steinar Våge, ConocoPhillips President of Europe, Middle East and North Africa.