First well spudded

by the Norwegian Petroleum Museum

Ocean Traveler spudded (started) the first well on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) for Esso in block 8/3. Built in New Orleans, this drilling rig had arrived in Stavanger in June 1965.

— Ocean Viking, Ocean Traveler and Trans World 61 at Stavanger on the way to the Ekofisk field. Photo: Donald J. Stevens/Norwegian Peroleum Museum

Although Ocean Traveler was brand new, the Norwegian authorities found several faults with it which had to be repaired before drilling could begin.

Two well were drilled for Esso during 1966, with the second yielding traces of hydrocarbons. This was the first sign that the NCS might contain oil and gas.

Oil base leased Norway’s first drilling rig

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Published 22. May 2019 • Updated 1. October 2019