The final part of the Nova field drilling campaign has begun in the Norwegian North Sea.

The Scarabeo 8 semi-submersible rig, operated by Saipem, will drill three production wells and three water injection wells through two subsea templates. The Nova field is expected to start production in the second half of 2022.

Nova is a tie-back to the nearby Gjøa platform, which will provide water injection and gas lift and receive the hydrocarbons. Gjøa is electrified with power from shore and will also provide electricity to Nova.

The installation of the subsea equipment is completed and modifications to the Gjøa facility are progressing well.

Nova is located in the Norwegian North Sea, about 120 km northwest of Bergen and 17 km southwest of Gjøa. The partnership in PL 418 consists of Spirit Energy (20%), Wintershall Dea (45% and operator), Sval Energi (25%) and One-Dyas (10%).

Drilling on Nova originally started at the end of October 2020 but was paused following an incident with one of the X-mas trees. The contract for the drilling rig West Mira was terminated in May this year.