On 30 August 2019 Aker BP spudded an exploration well targeting the HPHT Kark prospect in PL 019 C, located immediately southeast of Gyda, using the âMaersk Interceptorâ J/U. 2/1-17 S had an Upper Jurassic Gyda Sandstone (part of the Ula Formation) target at 4,017 m and secondary targets in the Upper Jurassic Eldfisk (4,156 m) and Middle Jurassic Bryne (4,355 m) formations and the Triassic Skagerrak Formation at 4,470 m. Aker BP reported potential pre-drill reserves of 15-48 MMboe for Kark and listed the prospect under its portfolio of growth exploration opportunities where, depending on the results of the well, stand-alone or cluster developments could be potential development options. After reaching the 8-1/2â hole section, the company kicked-off a technical sidetrack on 7 October and drilled to a TD of 4,390 m (4,322 m TVDSS) in the Upper Jurassic Tyne Group - 235 m shallower than planned. The Gyda Sandstone was absent and the Bryne and Skagerrak targets were not reached. However, a very small (3-9 MMboe) oil discovery was made in the Eldfisk Formation where a 5 m oil column was proven with no OWC. The find is non-commercial and the well was abandoned on 5 November 2019.   The Kark well is positioned between Gyda and two small oil discoveries made by 2/1-5 and 2/1-11. 2/1-5 was drilled by BP in 1982 / 1983 and proved oil in a 6 m Ula Formation sandstone. 2/1-11 was drilled by the same operator in 1997 and was also looking for an Ula Formation reservoir, but there were only minor sands present. However, oil was encountered in the Middle Jurassic Bryne Formation. In 2008 / 2009 Talisman drilled a further well just to the southwest of 2/1-11 and in a more crestal position but found the Bryne Formation to be tight (but with oil and gas shows) and the Skagerrak Formation to be water-wet.  Interest in PL 019 C is divided between Aker BP ASA (80% + operator) and MOL Norge AS (20%).
Norway (Cod Terrace (Central Graben)) Gyda