Higher output from new fields and international assets lifted third-quarter production, while exploration and project activity advanced across the Norwegian continental shelf, Namibia, Angola and Canada.
Equinor has raised its forecast for 2026 oil and gas production growth to around 4%, from 3%, after third-quarter equity production increased by 2% year on year to 2.166 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Production on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) was stable compared with the same period last year. New fields, including Halten East and Verdande, and contributions from new wells offset natural decline and unplanned losses at Johan Castberg and Troll. International production rose by 21%, supported by the Adura field in the UK and Bacalhau in Brazil, as well as lower turnaround activity.
Exploration and project developments
Equinor reported exploration activity on 13 wells during the quarter. Six were completed, three of which were commercial. The company also confirmed a commercial discovery from a well completed in the second quarter.
The company entered Namibia through an interest in an exploration licence and reported involvement in new discoveries in Angola. On the NCS, Equinor, Aker BP and Vår Energi established a strategic exploration partnership intended to create opportunities through closer collaboration.
In Canada, Equinor acquired bp’s interest in the Bay du Nord project during the quarter, then sold a 30% interest to Shell in October. Project maturation is continuing towards an investment decision. The update provides no further technical detail on the exploration acreage, discoveries or Bay du Nord’s subsurface evaluation.
