Statoil drills 2 dry UK wells, makes one discovery

[OSLO] Statoil's exploration campaign off Britain yielded one discovery and two dry wells this year, the company said on Monday.

Results of the Mariner Segment 9 and Jock Scott wells were disappointing, while the third, a sidetrack to Statoil's Verbier well in the outer Moray Firth, proved at least 25 million barrels of oil.

"While the results of the other two exploration wells were disappointing, we are convinced of the remaining, high-value potential on the UK continental shelf," Jenny Morris, Statoil's vice-president for UK exploration, said in a statement.

"The Verbier result certainly gives us the confidence and determination to continue our exploration efforts," she added.

The preliminary results suggest that the Verbier discovery could hold from 25 million to 130 million barrels, but more drilling will be needed to refine the range and potential for commercial development, Statoil said.

Statoil holds 70 per cent in the licence, Jersey Oil and Gas 18 per cent and CIECO Exploration and Production (UK) 12 per cent.

At the dry Mariner well, Statoil's partners were JX Nippon, Siccar Point Energy and Dyas, while the Jock Scott was a partnership with BP.

REUTERS