Maria

Location and Geology

The Maria oil project is located on the Norwegian continental shelf. It is situated at a water depth of approximately 300 meters.

Discovery and Reserves

The Maria field was discovered in 2010. It is estimated to hold around 180 million barrels of oil equivalent, with the majority being oil.

Operator and Development

The project is operated by Wintershall, a German energy company. The development of the Maria field involves a complex tie-back setup to existing infrastructure, which is a unique approach on the Norwegian continental shelf. This strategy aims to minimize investment and maximize profit, particularly in a context of low oil prices and high industry costs.

Technical Complexity

The Maria project is noted for its unprecedented complexity in terms of its setup. According to Wintershall’s Maria project director, Hugo Dijkgraaf, the project's intricate tie-back configuration makes it quite unique compared to other projects in the region.

Economic and Strategic Considerations

The use of existing infrastructure is a key strategy to keep costs down and ensure the project's viability. This approach reflects the industry's need for innovative solutions to cope with the challenges of low oil prices and high operational costs.

Analysis and Reporting

Detailed analysis and reporting on the Maria project are available through various industry reports, such as the Norway Maria Project Panorama – Oil and Gas Upstream Analysis Report. These reports provide up-to-the-minute insights and comprehensive data on the project's development and operational aspects.

Overall, the Maria oil project stands out due to its innovative development approach, significant oil reserves, and the technical complexities involved in its operation.