Xodus Group and Atkins have been awarded a £1.4 million joint study by GDF Suez for concept work on the Austen field in the North Sea.
The Aberdeen-based Xodus and Atkins will begin work on identifying development and export options for the field, which is aimed to complete work in the first quarter of 2014.
The deal, which includes a further option to proceed to a concept definition phase, follows successful drilling of an appraisal well by GDF Suez last year.
“This contract marks a significant milestone in our progress since we acquired the licence in 2011,” said GDF Suez E&P UK’s managing director Jean-Claude Perdigues.
“The Central North Sea is one of our three core development areas and Austen is an important part of our plans as we move towards our goal of being a successful development operator in the region.”
It is the start of several workscopes currently being planned by GDF Suez E&P UK to support its Central North Sea development portfolio.