On June 30, 2025, Equinor ASA announced a new oil discovery in the Barents Sea, further enhancing the resource base of the recently operational Johan Castberg field. The discovery, designated well 7720/7-DD-1H or Drivis Tubaen, is estimated to contain between 9 and 15 million barrels of oil. Located near the 2014 Drivis discoveries, this new find adds momentum to Equinor’s broader ambition of unlocking additional reserves in the region. The company, which holds a 46.3% stake in Johan Castberg, is assessing the feasibility of tying in the new discovery to the existing infrastructure. The field is jointly developed with Vår Energi ASA (30%), backed by Eni SpA, and state-owned Petoro AS (23.7%).

Equinor is targeting a significant reserve uplift at Johan Castberg, initially projected to hold 450–650 million barrels. According to Grete Birgitte Haaland, Senior Vice President for Exploration and Production North, the company aims to boost reserves by an additional 250–550 million barrels. To achieve this, Equinor plans to drill six new exploration wells and maintain ongoing exploration activity in the vicinity of the field.

Since commencing production in late March 2025, Johan Castberg has ramped up to its full capacity of 220,000 barrels per day, increasing total energy deliveries from the Barents Sea by 150%. This positions Johan Castberg as a critical contributor to Europe’s energy security and underscores Norway’s role as a stable energy supplier. It is the third development in the Norwegian Barents Sea, following the Snohvit (2007) and Goliat (2016) projects.

Equinor executives emphasized the strategic importance of Johan Castberg, with Executive Vice President Kjetil Hove calling it a "gamechanger" for the Barents Sea's role in Norway's energy future. The field is expected to operate for at least 30 years, delivering substantial value to Norway’s economy, supporting regional employment, and reinforcing energy partnerships with Europe. Shipments from the field are frequent, with each load valued at approximately half a billion Norwegian kroner.

The Drivis Tubaen discovery lies within the Tubaen formation, 1,769 meters below the seabed, at a water depth of 345 meters. It marks the 14th exploration well in production license 532, awarded in 2009. The well was drilled as a sidetrack from a production well using the Transocean Enabler rig, which will continue further drilling at the site. Equinor has reaffirmed its commitment to the Barents Sea, the least explored section of the Norwegian continental shelf, with plans for one to two exploration wells annually in the areas surrounding Johan Castberg and Goliat.