Tests delayed at potential Barents oil strike. (Barents Sea oil drilling) (Brief Article)

Production testing of a promising oil strike in the Barents Sea off northern Norway has been delayed by bad weather.

Operator Den norske stats oljeselskap AS intended to begin testing its Block 7128/44 wildcat Feb. 14 but had to reschedule tests to begin Feb. 16.

The discovery was thought at first to be the first potentially commercial oil discovery in the Barents Sea. If true, this would boost flagging interest in the area.

However, the well is now thought likely to have reserves of about 30 million bbl of oil. Given the 400 m water depth on the block and the remoteness of the discovery, it is thought unlikely to be of commercial significance. …