GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd and BP today announced a new exploration discovery in the UK Central North Sea. The discovery, which spans GDF SUEZ operated block 30/1f (license P1588) and BP operated block 30/1c (license P363) was flow tested at a maximum rate of 5,350 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The discovery, referred to as 'Marconi' by GDF SUEZ and 'Vorlich' by BP, is located in the Central North Sea.
Left: Location map of Marconi/Vorlich CNS discovery
Ruud Zoon, Managing Director of GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd 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 program on the UK Continental Shelf."
Trevor Garlick, Regional President of BP North Sea said: "As BP marks its 50th year in the North Sea and as the industry looks to maximize economic recovery from the basin, increasing exploration activity and finding new ways to collaborate will be critical to realizing remaining potential. This discovery is a great example of both."
The well was drilled by GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd as operator, with the Transocean Galaxy II jack-up rig under a joint well agreement between the two license groups.
Business and Energy Minister Matthew Hancock said: "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."
Transocean Galaxy II drill rig
"This discovery shows exactly what can be achieved in the North Sea if companies work together to maximize the considerable potential of remaining oil and gas reserves."
Exploration well 30/1f-13AZ encountered hydrocarbons in a Palaeocene sandstone reservoir in block 30/1c (license P363 operated by BP) and a subsequent side-track into block 30/1f (license P1588 operated by GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd) confirmed the westerly extension of the discovery.
Equity interests in the P1588 license are operator GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd (50.00%) and partners RWE DEA UK SNS Limited (27.78%) and Maersk Oil North Sea Limited (22.22%).
Equity interests in the P363 license are operator BP Operating Company Ltd (50.00%) and partner Total E&P UK Ltd (50.00%).
GDF SUEZ E&P activities in the UK
GDF SUEZ, through its subsidiary GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd is an increasingly significant player in oil and gas exploration and production in the UK Continental Shelf. Since entering the region in 1997, the company has built up a substantial portfolio of assets in the Central and Southern North Sea, and West of Shetland, comprising more than 50 licenses, 20 as operator*. The company entered the UK onshore market in October 2013 when it agreed to acquire a 25% share in 13 licenses located in Cheshire and the East Midlands from Dart Energy, which is operator of the licenses.
GDF SUEZ E&P UK is the operator of the Cygnus development, one of the most significant undeveloped gas fields in the North Sea and employs more than 300 staff and contractors in offices in London and Aberdeen. Cygnus is located in the Southern North Sea, 150 kilometers off the coast of Lincolnshire. It has gross 2P (proved and probable) reserves of approximately 18 billion cubic meters. First gas is targeted for late 2015.
*As awarded by DECC
