Hurricane Energy has confirmed it has struck oil at its Lincoln Crestal well in the West of Shetland.
The company issued an announcement in response to “speculation” regarding the flare on the Transocean Leader drilling rig.
The firm said a drill stem test on the well has produced oil to surface, resulting in a flare.
Yesterday afternoon the well was shut-in to enable a planned pressure build up test. The firm said it will give an update on the flow rates and oil type once the testing phase is complete.
Hurricane spudded Lincoln Crestal on July 12, which is being considered as a tie-back candidate for its nearby Lancaster field.
According to Hurricane’s website, Lincoln’s contingent resources range from 150million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) to 604million in the mid-case and 1.5billion in the less likely case.
Drilling at Lincoln Crestal started after the nearby Warwick Deep well was proved non-commercial, although chief executive Robert Trice said it has “no negative read-across” to Lancaster or Lincoln.
Earlier this month Hurricane said Lancaster had “promising” early results since starting production in June, despite flowline constraints.
Lincoln lies in the Greater Warwick Area around 60miles West of Shetland, which is 50% owned by Spirit Energy.