Croatian oil company INA has confirmed new natural gas reserves in the Northern Adriatic development area, a discovery that could significantly strengthen Croatia’s domestic gas output. The find follows the drilling of the first of two planned development wells from the existing IKA-A production platform, using CROSCO’s Labin jack-up rig.
Drilling of the IKA A-1 R DIR well has been completed, with testing beginning in early December. During this phase, hydrodynamic measurements will determine the well’s actual production capability. Pilot production started two months ahead of schedule, delivering around 120,000 cubic meters of gas per day, making IKA A-1 R DIR one of INA’s most productive gas wells in the country. Gas extracted during the test period is already flowing into the national energy system via the current offshore infrastructure.
The newly confirmed reserves are estimated at roughly 220 million cubic meters of natural gas, equivalent to about 1.3 million barrels of oil. INA’s Executive Director for Exploration and Production, Josip Bubnic, emphasized that the Northern Adriatic drilling program is a strategically important project for reinforcing Croatia’s domestic energy supply. He noted that investing in local resources is increasingly vital given global shifts in energy markets, reflecting INA’s broader efforts to expand national production capacity.
Work is now progressing on the second well, IKA A-4 R DIR, scheduled for completion and possible startup in the first quarter of 2026. The drilling operations for both wells involve abandoning channels from depleted reservoirs and cutting into new zones that have not previously been developed. Once technical adjustments are completed, the wells will be integrated into the IKA-A platform’s production network.
Together, the IKA A-1 R DIR and IKA A-4 R DIR wells mark the beginning of INA’s new investment cycle aimed at further boosting offshore domestic gas production. Additional drilling is planned for 2026, and successful results could play a key role in strengthening Croatia’s long-term energy security.
