Eni has successfully spudded an exploration well in the Rabat Deep licensing area off the coast of Morrocco.
The Italian operator’s news was confirmed by its drilling partner, Chariot Oil and Gas, which holds a 10% stake.
The Saipem 12000, an ultra-deepwater drillship, is being used for the well,
It comes after the vessel was last month was halted by the Turkish navy as it was on route to Cyprus.
The stoppage was as a result of a border dispute.
The Saipem 12000 is targeting the JP-1 eploration prospect.It is estimated to hold gross estimated mean prospective resources of 768 million barrels of oil.
ENI is operator, holding a 40% stake, while Woodside Energy has a 25% interest.
Drilling operations are expected to take 50 days.