Wintershall Admits Delays at Maria Field

Germany’s Wintershall will postpone the submission of the development plan of its Maria field offshore Norway.

The company, which is increasing its Norwegian exposure, was originally meant to carry out this preparatory activity by the end of the year. Bernd Schrimpf, the managing director of the firm's Norwegian unit, admitted the delay, saying that the company plans to submit the development plan in the first half of 2015. 

It is not clear whether the delay might impact on the development of the field located in the Norwegian Sea, on the Halten Terrace in blocks 6407/1 and 6406/3.

The discovery is expected to produce around 130 million barrels of oil and just over 2 billion standard cubic metres (Sm3) of gas.   

Wintershall Norge is the operator, with a 50% share. The other licensees are Petoro with 30% and Centrica with 20%.  

Norway is trying to decrease the probability of a decrease in investments.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that the country hopes to launch its 23rd offshore licensing round before Christmas. The awards were originally scheduled for the first quarter of 2015.