Norwegian independent Okea is looking to take over operatorship and pursue development of the Grevling oil discovery in the Norwegian North Sea after the withdrawal from the asset of former operator Repsol.

A Repsol spokeswoman confirmed that the Spanish company has quit licence 038D in which Grevling is located, adding that the former operator has recommended to Norwegian authorities that Okea be given permission to take on the role.

Okea’s chief executive Erik Haugane confirmed that the Trondheim-based start-up is considering a development at Grevling.