ORLEN Confirms Upsize to Afrodite Gas and Hydrocarbon Resources
- Appraisal drilling more than doubled earlier estimates; operator now places recoverable resources at 77–180 million boe (mean 128 million boe).
- ORLEN’s share is now over 32 million boe and its net gas share exceeds 4 billion cubic metres.
- Afrodite contains natural gas, oil and other hydrocarbons and lies in license PL293 northwest of Bergen.
- Potential tieback to Kvitebjørn infrastructure could lower development costs and accelerate first production; partners include Equinor (operator), DNO and Wellesley.
Appraisal results
Appraisal drilling on the Afrodite discovery in the North Sea has more than doubled earlier recoverable resource estimates. The campaign data show ORLEN’s net share of recoverable gas resources now exceeds 4 billion cubic metres.
Resource estimates
At acquisition in February 2026 Afrodite was estimated at about 50 million boe total, with ORLEN’s share near 12 million boe. The operator’s updated range is 77–180 million boe, with a mean estimate of 128 million boe; ORLEN’s attributable volume is now more than 32 million boe. The discovery contains natural gas, oil and other hydrocarbons. For comparison, the Omega Alpha discovery has a mean recoverable estimate of 115 million boe.
Development options
The partners are assessing development concepts; a possible subsea tieback to existing Kvitebjørn infrastructure could reduce costs and speed first production. Afrodite sits in licence PL293 northwest of Bergen, and available data suggest additional resources may exist in the surrounding area.
Portfolio and technology context
Afrodite is one of several unconventional discoveries in ORLEN’s Norwegian portfolio, including Victoria (acquired 2026), described as the largest undeveloped gas discovery in Norway. The company cites recent upstream technology advances and plans to apply experience from unconventional projects elsewhere when evaluating development concepts.
Source: ORLEN