Total E&P Norge has, on behalf of the partnership in license 102C, submitted a plan for development and operation (PDO) for Atla to the authorities. In addition to Total which is the operator, the partnership in 102C consists of Petoro, Centrica and Det norske, with a 10 percent interest.

The discovery on Atla (formerly called David) was made in oktober 2010. Gas-condensate was proven in the Brent formation. Comprehensive tests and sampling was carried out. According to plan, the exploration well from 2010 will also be used as a production well, which has great significance for the projects profitability. Total investments are estimated to 1,4 billion NOK.

-Atla is a prospect we have known about for a long time, in which we succeeded to enter, and one we have promoted in the drilling schedule. We are very pleased with the work Total has put down in this small-scale discovery, as the operator.

The license managed to quickly develop a good solution for development. This is the first development project we, Det norske, participate in. It also represents the beginning of a series of development projects in the coming years, which will give us a considerable production, says Erik Haugane (picture).

Atla is situated in the central part of the North Sea, 20 kilometers northeast of the Heimdal Field. The discovery will be produced using a subsea installation connecting with an existing pipeline between Heimdal and Skirne. Total is also operator of the Skirne Field.

Recoverable reserves are estimated to be 12 million barrels of oil equivalents.