Offshore staff OSLO, Norway – Two of Norway's leading offshore operators have secured approval for exploration drilling. The Petroleum Safety Authority has sanctioned OMV's plan to drill a well and side track (6506/11-12 S and 6506/11-12) on the Hades prospect in Norwegian Sea license PL 644. The semisubmersible Island Innovator will drill both wells in a water depth of 433 m (1,420 ft), with the program set to last up to 99 days. OMV first discovered gas-condensate on the Iris Hades structure in 2018. In the North Sea, Equinor has permission from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate to drill well 30/2-5 S, the first on PL 878, which was awarded in early 2017. The location is around 17 km (10.6 mi) south of the company's Kvitebjorn field. The semisub West Hercules will start the campaign after concluding another wildcat for Equinor in PL 827 S.