Orlen makes largest oil discovery of the year on the Norwegian Continental Shelf
Orlen Upstream Norway, together with partners Aker BP (operator), Equinor and Petoro, has announced the year’s largest oil discovery on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The Omega Alfa project, located in the Yggdrasil area of the North Sea, holds estimated recoverable resources of 96–134 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe).
In brief
ORLEN Upstream Norway, together with Aker BP, Equinor and Petoro, has made the largest oil discovery of 2025 on the Norwegian Continental Shelf in the Omega Alfa project in the Yggdrasil area of the North Sea. Drilling lasted three months, and the wells reached a total length of 45 km, including three horizontal wells exceeding 10 km, a record for the shelf. Wiesław Prugar, ORLEN SA board member for Upstream, stressed that the data collected will accelerate potential production.
This landmark find directly supports the company’s Orlen 2035 strategy, reinforcing its upstream portfolio while contributing to Europe’s long-term energy security. “The Omega Alfa project sets new standards for exploration activity. By drilling exceptionally long, precisely guided wells, we obtained detailed data that will accelerate potential production,” said Wiesław Prugar, Orlen management board member for upstream.
Record-breaking drilling campaign
Over the course of just three months, the project partners drilled a total of 45 kilometers of wells, including three horizontal wells each exceeding 10 kilometers in length – a new record for the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Advanced geo-steering technology was deployed to continuously adjust the well trajectory based on real-time downhole sensor data, ensuring the boreholes remained within the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. As a result, the wells maintained 40 kilometers of direct reservoir contact, securing robust resource documentation.
Contribution to Orlen’s portfolio
The discovery spans licenses PL873, PL873B and PL1249, where Orlen Upstream Norway holds 12.3% and 9.84% interests. Net to Orlen, Omega Alfa is expected to deliver 10.5–15 million boe. Production will be integrated into the broader Yggdrasil development, ensuring operational and financial efficiency.
This marks Orlen’s second Norwegian discovery in 2025, following the E-prospect find earlier this year, estimated at 3–7 million boe and located near the Skarv production hub.
Beyond energy
Crude oil remains not only a cornerstone of global energy supply but also an indispensable feedstock for multiple industries. From automotive parts and road construction to electronics, refined oil products underpin essential aspects of modern infrastructure and manufacturing.
The Omega Alfa discovery further cements Orlen’s position as a growing player in the Norwegian upstream sector and underscores its role as a strategic contributor to Europe’s evolving energy landscape.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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