Plans to develop the Cormorant East field in the northern North Sea have been approved by the UK Government.
Operator Taqa Bratani is to tie the oilfield, previously know as Contender, back to its North Cormorant platform, partner Antrim Energy said today.
The project is expected to be completed and produce first oil by the end of the year.
Partners in the field are Taqa, with 60% ownership, Dana Petroleum (E&P) 20%, First Oil Expro 7.6%, Bridge Energy 4% and Antrim 8.4%.
Completion and tie-in of Cormorant East’s Contender well is already underway.
Antrim’s share of drilling, completion and tie-in costs are funded by Taqa, which will recover them from production revenue.
Antrim also said drilling has now started on the central North Sea Cyclone prospect, operated and 70%-owned by Premier Oil.
Cyclone, 30% owned by Antrim, is being drilled using the Awilco WilPhoenix semi-submersible rig.