Narwhal Exploration, LLC, Narwhal Unit, West Harrison Bay Campaign, Unit Plan of Operations

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Narwhal Exploration, LLC, Narwhal Unit, West Harrison Bay Campaign, Unit Plan of Operations

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas (Division) received a Unit Plan of Operations application on September 24, 2026, from Narwhal Exploration, LLC (Narwhal) requesting authorization to drill up to three exploratory wells in the nearshore waters of West Harrison Bay in the Beaufort Sea. The proposed project will be adjudicated under AS 38.05 and 11 AAC 83.346. The Division provides public notice and an opportunity to comment.

Applicant: Narwhal (see application for contact information)
Project ID: LONS 26-002
Location: approximately 40 miles northwest of Nuiqsut (see application for MTRS)

Project Description:

Narwhal is requesting authorization to drill three exploration wells in nearshore waters of West Harrison Bay in the Beaufort Sea in support of developing the Narwhal Unit (NRU). The exploration wells would be drilled from bottom-founded temporary ice pads. Portions of support infrastructure, such as camps and equipment storage, would be staged onshore within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPRA). Narwhal would utilize a coastal sea ice trail from Oliktok Point for access to the project area as well as an ice airstrip located within the NPRA. Narwhal anticipates that construction of camps and support operations would begin in November of 2026, ice pads would be completed by mid-December of 2026, the first well would be drilled in January of 2027, and demobilization would begin around mid-May of 2027.

The application package is available for review at the Division's Permitting Section, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1100, Anchorage, AK 99501, or online at http://dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Newsroom. Please send comments to [email protected] or to the Division address above. All comments must be in writing. A copy of the final decision will be sent to any person who provides written comments. An eligible person affected by this decision may appeal or request the commissioner's reconsideration in accordance with 11 AAC 02.

All comments must be received by the comment deadline: 4:30 pm, Alaska Daylight Time, October 30, 2026

The Department of Natural Resources complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This notice will be made available in alternative communication formats upon request. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services, or special modifications to participate may contact the address above or call 907-269-8411.

Posted: September 30, 2026

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