30-08-09 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has granted Norske Shell a drilling permit for wellbore 6305/5-3 S.
The drilling program for well 6305/5-3 S relates to the drilling of an appraisal well on the Ormen Lange field on behalf of production licences 208, 209 and 250 (Ormen Lange Unit). The well will be drilled from the Leiv Eriksson drilling facility at position 63 degrees 34'53.76" North and 5 degrees 25'07.38" East.

The Ormen Lange field extends over blocks 6305/4, 5 and 6305/7 and 8 in the Norwegian Sea.
Norske Shell is the operator of the Ormen Lange Unit with a 17.0375 % ownership interest. The other licensees are Petoro with 36.475 %, StatoilHydro Petroleum 28.9169 %, DONG E&P Norge 10.342 % and ExxonMobil E&P Norway with a 7.2286 % ownership interest.

The permit is conditional on the operator securing all other consents and permits required by other authorities before the drilling activity commences.