Which offshore oil field became Norway’s first producing field?

The Ekofisk field became Norway’s first producing offshore oil field.

Ekofisk was discovered in 1969 in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, and production began in 1971. The field lies in the southern North Sea and became the foundation of Norway’s offshore petroleum industry.

Its reservoir is unusual because much of the oil is held in chalk, a soft carbonate rock. Production causes pressure reduction and compaction in the reservoir, a phenomenon known as subsidence. Engineers responded by injecting water to maintain pressure and help control the seabed’s downward movement.

Ekofisk is not Norway’s largest field; Troll is associated with enormous gas reserves, while other fields have played major roles in oil output. Ekofisk’s importance comes from its pioneering status and long production history.