ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Norway AS (ExxonMobil) has received consent to use West Alpha for drilling and completion on the Balder field.

The consent relates to use of the West Alpha mobile drilling facility to drill the wells25/11-A-21 25/11-A-22, 25/11-A-23, 25/11-A-24 and 25/11-A-25 which are part of production licence 001.

The rig’s planned positions during drilling and completion are: • Well 25/11-A-21:59° 11’ 30.091 " N, 02° 21' 29.297” E • Well 25/11-A-22: 59° 11’ 27.423 " N, 02° 21’ 31.550 ” E • Well 25/11-A-23: 59° 11’ 30.093 " N, 02° 21’ 27.024 ” E • Well 25/11-A-24: 59° 10’ 41.217 " N, 02° 22’ 42.708 ” E • Well 25/11-A-25: 59° 11’ 59.913 " N, 02° 24’ 37.409” E

Water depth at the site is approximately 125 metres.

The operation is expected to start in January 2013 with a duration of approximately 500-600 days.

Tags: ExxonMobil, Petroleum Safety Authority