STAVANGER, Norway, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Norwegian energy company Statoil said it may export oil from its Johan Sverdrup field in the North Sea from Mongstad, home of Norway's largest port.
Arne Sigve Nylund, head of Statoil's onshore operations, said the decision to ship oil from Mongstad was the best possible option for the development of the Johan Sverdrup field.
"The recommendation has been made on the basis of what is the best solution for the Johan Sverdrup field," he said in a statement Monday. "It is therefore not a decision regarding where the oil is to be refined."
Statoil, as well as international energy companies, operates an oil refinery at Mongstad.
The Norwegian energy company said the export plans call for a 175-mile pipeline from the North Sea field and onshore terminal modifications at Mongstad. Statoil said the decision is subject "to final concept solution for Johan Sverdrup."
Development and financial decisions for the pipeline are expected later this year. Statoil said no investment decisions have been made at this time.
Last year, Statoil estimated there were 900 million to 1.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil equivalent in Johan Sverdrup.
