Norwegian state-owned energy giant Equinor has received authorization from the country’s authorities to embark on exploration drilling activities with one of COSL Drilling Europe’s semi-submersible rigs in the North Sea off the coast of Norway.

The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) has granted Equinor consent for exploration drilling in block 34/10 in the North Sea.

The 34/10-56 well, known as the Rav Beta prospect, is located in the production licence 050HS, which is valid from April 11, 2012, up to September 10, 2031.

Equinor is the operator of the license with a 70% stake, while its partner, Petoro, holds the remaining 30% interest.

Situated in a water depth of 132 meters, the well will be drilled with the COSL Innovator semi-submersible rig.

The Norwegian energy giant hired the rig in August 2023 for a two-year contract, starting in the second quarter of 2025.

The rig deal comes with extension options for three additional years. The 2012-built semi-submersible is designed to operate in water depths up to 750 meters.

Equinor made an oil discovery in the Norwegian Sea with the same rig in January 2026.

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