Harbour Energy of UK Announces Gas Discovery in Norwegian Sea

Harbour Energy, a prominent British oil and gas company, has made an important gas discovery in the Norwegian Sea, located approximately 270 kilometers north of Kristiansund, off Norway's western coast, as reported by several media reports. According to a statement from the Norwegian offshore directorate on Tuesday, the discovery was made in the Sabina prospect, which has preliminary estimates suggesting it holds between 17 and 39 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) in gas reserves. In addition to Sabina, drilling activities also confirmed the size of another prospect, Adriana, which is estimated to contain between 28 and 43 million boe.

This discovery was made by the Norwegian unit of Wintershall Dea, which Harbour Energy acquired in September 2024 as part of a substantial $11.2 billion asset deal. Harbour Energy, which now operates the fields, holds a 38.08% stake in the permit, while other stakeholders include Norwegian state-owned oil company Petoro, which owns 35%, Aker BP with a 15% share, and Poland’s Orlen, holding the remaining 11.92%.

The Norwegian Sea is known for its significant oil and gas potential, and this discovery further underscores its importance. The area around the Sabina and Adriana prospects has long been of interest to operators, with multiple companies exploring the possibility of tapping into its resources. Following the discovery, the stakeholders involved will be considering the next steps for the development of these gas finds. One key consideration is whether the discoveries can be tied back to the existing infrastructure in the region. The Norwegian offshore directorate has highlighted that this will be one of the factors influencing future plans for these fields. The ability to connect these new discoveries to existing infrastructure would streamline development, reduce costs, and allow for quicker production.

Harbour Energy’s acquisition of Wintershall Dea’s Norwegian assets aligns with its broader strategy of expanding its presence in the North Sea and surrounding regions, which are rich in energy resources. The company’s move to take over Wintershall Dea’s Norwegian assets has proven to be a strategic one, with the recent gas discovery underscoring the value of the acquisition.

The gas find in the Sabina and Adriana prospects could significantly contribute to Norway’s energy sector, which has been a key player in Europe’s natural gas supply, especially amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. The development of these new fields will likely play a part in maintaining Norway’s status as one of Europe’s most important gas suppliers, ensuring a stable energy supply for the region.

As Harbour Energy and its partners move forward with plans for these discoveries, the focus will be on assessing how best to develop the fields while also considering the environmental impact and sustainability of the projects. The Norwegian government’s policies on energy development and climate goals will also play a role in shaping the future of these gas fields.