Trondheim, 2010-04-12

Det norske - drilling status

Det norske is currently participating in four ongoing exploration wells
in the North Sea. The company is operator for two of the wells, and a
partner in the other two. Results from several of these operations are
expected shortly.

Operator Talisman Energy is appraising the Grevling discovery and has
commenced drilling operations on well 15/12-23, less than a year after
the discovery was made in 2009. The objective is to identify the
oil-water contact and to provide information that can help narrow down
the estimated volume range. Det norske holds a 30 percent ownership
interest in the license.

Operator Talisman Energy has also commenced drilling operations on
wildcat 2/2-6, targeting the Optimus prospect in PL 332, located
southeast of the Gyda field. This well was originally scheduled for
drilling in the second half this year, but has been pushed forward in
time. Det norske holds 40 percent in the license.

The semi submersible drilling unit Aker Barents is on well location in
PL 460, and has resumed drilling operations on the Storklakken prospect,
where Det norske is operator and holds 100 percent.

Semi submersible Songa Delta is continuing the work on appraisal well
16/1-11 in PL 001B. A production test will be carried out on the
discovery and the license has also decided to drill a sidetrack, aiming
at identifying the oil-water contact level. Det norske is operator in PL
001B and holds a 35 percent ownership interest.

Head of Corporate Communication Torgeir Anda: +47 99 11 22 03

Det norske oljeselskap ASA has interests in a total of 77 licenses, with
37 operatorships.

Det norske is the second-largest operating company on the Norwegian
Continental Shelf both considering number of operatotships and
exploration activity. I 2009 the company operated nine exploration wells
or on behalf of other operators. The high activity will continue in
2010. Det norske runs its activities in a safe and responsible manner in
close cooperation with the authorities.

Det norske currently employs a staff of 180. The company`s registered
office is located in Trondheim. The company also has offices in Oslo,
Harstad, and Stavanger. Det norske is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange
(DETNOR).
More information: www.detnor.no