Equinor, Wellesley plan 15 HPHT wells in Norway through 2030
According to Drilling Contractor, Equinor and Wellesley Petroleum launched a joint exploration project targeting high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) drilling on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The program begins in 2026, with up to 15 exploration wells planned from 2027 to 2030. Wellesley will operate three to five HPHT wells annually in licenses where both companies participate.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- HPHT specialists could see increased demand for specialized drilling fluids, completion services, and wellhead equipment designed for extreme conditions
- US service companies with HPHT experience in the Gulf of Mexico may find export opportunities as Norwegian operators accelerate exploration activity
- Equipment providers should watch for potential contracts as the partners aim to tie discoveries back to existing infrastructure, requiring specialized subsea and completion technologies
