BP Drills New North Sea Prospect

BP said December 5 it has begun drilling on a potential carboniferous gas play in the UK southern North Sea block 43/26a that “if successful could open up a new phase of development in the region.” The well will test the potential of a deep carboniferous age horizon several hundred metres beneath the mature reservoirs produced by the Ravenspurn ST2 platform, added BP.

Mark Thomas, BP North Sea regional president, said: “This play warrants further exploration as we know the reservoir sands exist. What we don’t know is whether, if gas is found, long-term production can be proven economic from this deeply buried reservoir horizon. We’re looking forward to working with Perenco and Premier to test this concept and better understand its potential.” BP holds an 85% stake in the prospect, while Perenco has 10% and Premier Oil 5%.

Drilling of a deep carboniferous gas horizon hundreds of metres beneath the Ravenspurn field (Photo credit: BP)

During the drilling and testing phase Perenco – as operator of the existing producing Ravenspurn field – will act as substitute operator on behalf of BP and the other licence owners. 

Over the next 18 months, BP plans to participate in up to 5 exploration wells in addition to potentially drilling about 50 development wells in the North Sea over the next 3 to 4 years. 

Mark Smedley