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Drilling boom in Barents Sea

Transocean's rig Polar Pioneer has discovered several fields in the Barents Sea.

In the course of the next five years, a total of 158 wells will be drilled in the Norwegian part of the Barents Sea, offshore drilling company Transocean believes.

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According to Transocean, one of the world’s biggest offshore drilling companies, the Barents Sea will over the next years see a strong increase in oil and gas drilling. While a total of six wells were drilled in 2011, the number will increase to 38 in year 2017, the company believes.

In 2012, eleven wells are planned drilled, while the estimated number for 2013 is 20, Oilinfo.no reports. In 2014, as well as in 2015, the company believes 27 wells will be drilled, and then 35 wells in 2016 and 38 wells in 2017.

Transocean is the company, which has been responsible for most of the past drilling operations in the region. Over the last couple of years, the company’s “Polar Pioneer” and “Transocean Barents” rigs have successfully discovered both the Skrugard and Havis fields.