Effective from September 1, 2014, the two-year contract covers the Gullfaks, Gullfaks Satellites, Snorre, Statfjord, Tordis/Vigdis and Visund licences.

The contract also includes exploration drilling on the NCS and has the option to be extended three times, each for two years.

Under the contract, Schlumberger will provide directional drilling, measurement while drilling (MWD), logging while drilling (LWD) and mud logging services.

Additionally, Schlumberger will provide RT data transfer, operations/onshore support, drilling optimization and equipment.

Statoil senior vice president for drilling and well Geir Tungesvik said: "The contract secures supply of services and competent personnel, which ensures cost efficient operations through standardisation and focus on the quality of tools and services.

"It contributes to Statoil’s focus area of safe and efficient drilling."

Norway is said to be the second largest supplier of natural gas to Europe. About three-quarters of the oil produced in the country is exported to European nations.