ExxonMobil has been granted consent for exploration drilling of well 25/8-17 using the Bredford Dolphin semisub.

Exploration well 25/8-17 is part of production license 027D and is situated in the North Sea, approximately seven kilometers southeast of the Jotun field and 26 kilometers north of the Balder field.

The well has the following geographical coordinates: N 59 degrees 23' 32.039", E 02 degrees 20' 01.948". The water depth at the drilling site is 127 meters.

Det norske oljeselskap ASA (Det norske) is drilling the well on behalf of ExxonMobil, which is the operator in the production license.

Expected start-up of the drilling is mid-August 2009, but this is dependent on results from drilling activities planned ahead of the exploration drilling.

The activity has a duration of 33 days should the well be dry, and 64 days if a discovery is made.

Tags: Exxon Mobil Corporation