A discovery spanning two blocks in the UK central North Sea has flow-tested at a maximum of 5,350 boe/d, operators said.
The discovery spans GDF Suez-operated Block 30/1f in license P1588 and BP-operated Block 30/1c in license P363, and is referred to as Marconi by GDF Suez and Vorlich by BP PLC.
The Transocean Galaxy II jack up drilled the well under an agreement between the two license groups. The 30/1f-13AZ and subsequent sidetrack 30/1f-13Y encountered hydrocarbons in Paleocene sandstones. The sidetrack confirmed a westerly extension of the discovery.
“This discovery shows exactly what can be achieved in the North Sea if companies work together to maximize the considerable potential of remaining oil and gas reserves,” said UK Business and Energy Minister Matthew Hancock.
Ruud Zoon, managing director of GDF Suez E&P UK Ltd., said, “This is an encouraging exploration discovery in a part of the central North Sea that needs additional volumes of hydrocarbons to open up development options for several stranded discoveries.”
Trevor Garlick, regional president for BP North Sea, said that “finding new ways to collaborate will be critical to realizing remaining potential” as industry seeks to maximize economic recovery from the basin.
“We have used the latest seismic analysis before selecting the ideal drilling position,” said Dirk Schoene, RWE Dea’s managing director in the UK. “This was the basis for the current success.”
In P1588, GDF Suez has 50%, RWE Dea 27.78%, and Maersk Oil North Sea Ltd. 22.22%.
In P363, BP and Total E&P UK Ltd. hold equal interests.
