Vår Energi confirms another Barents Sea oil discovery

SANDNES, December 4, 2025 – Norway’s Vår Energi has confirmed a new oil discovery in the vicinity of the Goliat field in the Barents Sea, the company announced on Thursday.

The discovery was made in the Goliat North exploration well, approximately five kilometres north of the Goliat field, where hydrocarbons were encountered in the Realgrunnen and Kobbe formations. Gross recoverable resources are estimated at up to 5 million boe.

In February 2025, Vår Energi confirmed its third consecutive discovery at the location, with the Zagato exploration well encountering between 15 million-43 million boe and adding to the Countach and Countach appraisal discoveries of 2024.

 

Goliat North is part of a four-well appraisal campaign being carried out by Vår Energi on the Goliat Ridge with licence partner Equinor. Results of the appraisals will be analysed together with newly acquired 3D seismic data to evaluate the potential of the ridge.

Including this discovery, the Goliat Ridge is estimated to hold gross discovered resources of 39 million-108 million boe, with the full gross potential reaching up to 200 million boe. Vår Energi operates the licence with a 65% stake, while Equinor holds 35%. The companies are planning a tie-back of the discoveries to the Goliat FPSO on location.

Vår Energi is one of Norway’s largest E&P companies, operating more than 35 fields across the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea.

 

Photo courtesy of Vår Energi AS