The Johan Castberg FPSO in the Barents Sea. Photo: Lars Morken/Equinor
Equinor’s floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) for the Johan Castberg field has been successfully anchored in the Barents Sea, marking a significant milestone in Norway’s offshore oil industry.
The project, set to commence production by year-end, represents a major step in expanding Norway’s energy production capabilities.
“Johan Castberg strengthens Norway’s role as a reliable, long-term energy supplier. The field will create great value for society, and long-term ripple effects and jobs,” said Trond Bokn, Equinor’s senior vice president for project management control.
The Johan Castberg field, with estimated recoverable volumes between 450 and 650 million barrels, is expected to produce for 30 years. At its peak, the field may yield 220,000 barrels per day. The development includes 30 wells across ten subsea templates and two satellites, with 13 wells already drilled and operations continuing until 2026
Grete Birgitte Haaland, Equinor’s senior vice president for Northern Norway, emphasized the project’s regional significance: “Johan Castberg is important for our development plans in Northern Norway. When the field comes on stream, a new province will be opened for oil recovery in the Barents Sea.”
The project has had a substantial impact on the Norwegian economy, with over 70% of total deliveries coming from domestic suppliers. In the operating phase, this figure is expected to rise to 95%, with North Norwegian content estimated at about 40%. Additionally, one in three Johan Castberg employees resides in Northern Norway.
Johan Castberg is located in the Barents Sea, 100 kilometers northwest of the Snøhvit field, at a depth of 370 meters. The field comprises three discoveries—Skrugard, Havis, and Drivis—made between 2011 and 2013. The FPSO measures 313 meters in length, 55 meters in width, and 120 meters in height. It boasts a design storage capacity of 1.1 million barrels of oil.
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