The Norwegian offshore safety authority has given Lundin Petroleum permission for exploration drilling in the Barents Sea.
The well will be drilled by Leiv Eiriksson, which is a semi-submersible drilling facility of the SS Trosvik Bingo 9000 type.
The licence covers block 7220/6 which is around 190 km from Bjornoya.
According to the safety authority drilling will begin next month, and will last about 34 days – depending on whether a discovery is made.
The facility is owned by Ocean Rig and operated by Rig Management Norway.