Norwegian state-controlled energy giant Equinor has spudded the Kveikje exploration well in an area north of the Troll field, partner Longboat Energy said.
The drilling of the 35/10-8S well is being carried out by the semi-submersible Deepsea Stavanger and work is expected last up to four weeks.
Kveikje is estimated to contain gross mean prospective resources of 36 million barrels of oil equivalent with further potential upside estimated at 79 million boe.