Equinor discovery strengthens Johan Castberg

Key highlights
  • Polynya Tubåen (7220/7-5) discovery: 14–24 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalents.
  • Drivis Tubåen discovery (June 2025): 13–20 million barrels.
  • Johan Castberg initial resource estimate 500–700 million barrels with an ambition to add 200–500 million barrels.
  • Isflak development construction started; Aker Solutions is building a well frame for two wells to tie into Johan Castberg.

Discovery details

Equinor announced an oil discovery in the Polynya Tubåen prospect (7220/7-5) in the Barents Sea; the well was drilled by the COSL Prospector and is preliminarily estimated at 14–24 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalents.

Resource context

Johan Castberg's initial volume estimate was 500–700 million barrels, and Equinor has an ambition to add 200–500 million barrels to that basis.

Exploration programme

Equinor plans to drill one to two exploration wells annually in the area to increase the resource base and extend plateau production.

Related finds and developments

In June 2025 the Drivis Tubåen discovery was estimated at 13–20 million barrels; construction has started on the Isflak development, with Aker Solutions building a well frame for two wells to tie into existing Johan Castberg subsea facilities.