Equinor will use COSL Drilling Europe’s semi-submersible rig, the COSL Prospector, for exploration drilling in the Barents Sea in December 2025. The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) has granted its consent for the drilling of well 7220/7-5 in production license 532.
The well, known as the Polynya Tubåen prospect, is located in the Barents Sea.
Equinor operates the license with a 46.3% interest. Its partners, Vår Energi and Petoro, hold 30% and 23.7%, respectively.
Timeline: The drilling is expected to begin in December 2025.
Rig name: COSL COSL Drilling Europe was awarded a two-year contract for the rig by Equinor and Vår Energi in September 2023, with options for three more years.
The GG5000 design rig is built for harsh environments and can operate in water depths up to 1,500 meters.
Note by Alessandro Bazzoni