The Norwegian energy major had planned to start up Johan Castberg during the fourth quarter of this year but said operations will now come on stream in January or February next year. The Johan Castberg field in the Barents Sea holds estimated recoverable resources of 450 million to 650 million barrels of oil equivalent and is expected to produce for 30 years.

The operational lifespan of the field, situated approximately 100km north of the Snøhvit field, is projected 30 years.