Summary

The Norne Field was discovered in December 1991, and is one of the largest oil discoveries on the Norwegian Continental Shelf the last decade. In order to improve economy and maintain momentum in the development of the field, a novel approach of managing large and complex projects was initiated. This included amore integrated approach, with parallel execution of activities, standardisation and close relations to contractors, licence partners and authorities.

This paper review the reservoir description and development, the concept evaluations and the new approach to project management.

Introduction

The Norne Field is located in the blocks 6608/10 and 6508/1 in the Nordland II area of the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The field is located 200 km from the shore and 85 km northeast of the Heidrun Field (Fig. 1). The water depth in the area is 370 to 390 metres.

The Norne Field was discovered in December 1991 by well 6608/10-2. The discovery well contained a total hydrocarbon column of 135 metres; a 110 metresoil column with an overlying gas cap. An appraisal well, 6608/10-3, was drilled on the northern part of the Norne structure early 1993. The well confirmed the results from the discovery well, and proved the extension of the field to the north. Well 6608/10-4 was drilled in a structure 2-3 km east of the Norne Field early 1994, and discovered a minor oil accumulation.

Time from discovery to production and investment costs are major factors influencing the economy of a field development. In the past, the time from discovery to production for field developments comparable to the Norne Field(water depth, reserves, etc.) have been 8-10 years. The Norne development project was established in the spring of 1993 with objectives to minimize time from discovery to production, and to reduce the investment costs with 30-40%compared to the current established level in Norway. To achieve this, a new approach to project management was required.

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