Statoil harnesses MPD technology for Norwegian field drilling

Statoil has announced that it has brought on board the services of KCA Deutag to help with drilling at a field in the Norwegian North Sea.

This oil industry alliance will see KCA Deutag provide managed pressure drilling (MPD) services for Statoil.

Allowing the firms to drill a depleted reservoir in the Kvitebjorn field, the technique means that the high temperatures and pressure to be found at the depth of 4,000 m should not hamper proceedings.

The technology has been developed jointly by both companies to ensure the desired performance in the field.

Initially for a two-year period, the contract also holds the option of extending for two further 24-month stints.

Last week, Statoil was compelled to halt work on its Njord platform following the discovery of a gas leak.

A Statoil spokesperson, speaking to Dow Jones, stressed that the leak was small - but that "every gas leak is a gas leak too much".