Neptune Energy  announced drilling has commenced on the Dugong Tail exploration well in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.

The Dugong Tail is being drilled by the Deepsea Yantai, a semi-submersible rig, owned by CIMC and operated by Odfjell Drilling. It is located within the Neptune-operated Dugong Production Licence (882).

Neptune Energy’s Director of Exploration & Development in Norway, Steinar Meland, said: “Dugong Tail  represents an important geophysical calibration point for the licence, with the potential to unlock further prospectivity in the region.

“This positive activity demonstrates Neptune’s commitment to investing in Norway, underlining the importance of the country to our global portfolio.”

Dugong Tail is located 120 kilometres west of Florø, Norway, at a water depth of 320 metres, and is close to the existing production facilities of the Snorre field. The reservoir lies at a depth of 3,200 – 3,500 metres.

The drilling program comprises a main bore with the potential for sidetracks, should hydrocarbons be encountered.

Dugong was one of the largest discoveries on the NCS last year. A recent Drill Stem Test (DST) of Dugong has now been completed and is currently under evaluation