Oil has been found in Suncor’s high pressure high temperature Romeo prospect but more work is needed to assess its potential, according to partners on the well.
Noreco, which has a 21.9% stake in the central North Sea prospect, said oil had been found at three different stratigraphic levels, jointly forming a 200ft oil column.
But it said the reservoir quality was poor and that “further studies are required before the potential of the discovery can be evaluated”.
Partner Trapoil said the oil was similar to the nearby Fulmar field, but that it thought an additional well needed to be drilled on the northern side of Romeo.
Drilling, which had fallen behind schedule due to “severe weather” and operational problems, had been carried out using the WilHunter semi-submersible rig and in partnership with Total, which owns 100% in a neighbouring block. The well will now be plugged and abandoned.
Noreco recently agreed a deal to sell 11.9% of its stake for £2.4million and share of its drilling costs.
The other partners on Romeo are Suncor, as operator with 50.6% equity, Trap Oil with 12.5% and First Oil and Gas with 15%.