The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has granted state-run Equinor two drilling permits for wells 35/11-24 S and A in production licence 248C, according to a press release. 

The aforementioned wells will be drilled from the West Hercules drilling facility after finishing the drilling of wildcat well 30/5-2 for Equinor Energy in production licence 878. The drilling program for wells 35/11-24 S and A relates to the drilling of a wildcat well and an appraisal well.

These are the third and fourth exploration wells to be drilled in the licence. The inauguration of drilling at licence 248C dates back to April 2013. 

Equinor Energy is the operator with an ownership interest of 35%. The other licensees are Petoro (40%) and Wellesley Petroleum (25%). Despite the NPD granting the permits, production is dependent on securing consent and permits from all the other relevant authorities prior to commencing drilling.