GDF Suez and BP have made a new oil discovery in the UK Central North Sea.
The new exploration well, located in block 30/1c, was flow tested at a maximum rate of 5,350 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
The discovery, dubbed ‘Vorlich’ by BP and ‘Marconi’ by GDF Suez, is a landmark find according to regional president of BP North Sea Trevor Garlick.
He said: “As BP marks its 50th year in the North Sea and as the industry looks to maximise economic recovery from the basin, increasing exploration activity and finding new ways to collaborate will be critical to realising remaining potential.
“This discovery is a great example of both.”
BP is the operator of block 30/1c. However, GDF Suez, which used the Transocean Galaxy II jack-up rig, is the official operator of the well.
Ruud Zoon, managing director of GDF Suez, 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. The discovery is our third successful well this year and demonstrates a continuing commitment by GDF SUEZ to an active exploration and appraisal drilling programme on the UK Continental Shelf.”
Business and Energy Minister Matthew Hancock added: “We are determined to have set the right fiscal and regulatory regimes to make sure we can get the maximum possible economic extraction of oil and gas from the North Sea.”
“This discovery shows exactly what can be achieved in the North Sea if companies work together to maximise the considerable potential of remaining oil and gas reserves.”
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