Dry wildcat on Geitfjellet

Det norske oljeselskap ASA, as operator of production license 321, has concluded drilling operations on exploration well 6306/6-2 with semi submersible Aker Barents. The well was drilled in 224 meters of water, in an area located about 80 kilometres northwest of Kristiansund and 65 kilometres east of the Ormen Lange field. The purpose of the well was to prove petroleum in upper Jurassic sandstones (Viking Group). The well was dry and the drill bit did not encounter reservoir rocks in the upper Jurassic. This was the first exploration well in production license 321, which was awarded in the 18th licensing round in June 2004. Well 6306/6-2 was drilled by Aker Barents. The rig will now mobilise to production license 469, where it will drill exploration well 6407/12-2 for operator GDF SUEZ E&P. Partners in production license 321 are: Det norske(O) 25 percent Statoil 20 percent Aker Exploration 35 percent Talisman Energy 20 percent Contacts: Chief Financial Officer Finn Øistein Nordam; +47 98 28 93 82 Vice President Investor Relations Knut Evensen; +47 950 77 622