Conoco discovers gas in U.K. North Sea

Conoco announced a natural gas discovery on the E-Plus prospect located in block 49/17 in the U.K. sector of the North Sea, approximately 80 miles east of the coast of Lincolnshire, England.
Discovery well 49/17-13 was drilled in 110 feet of water by the Glomar Adriatic VI jack-up drilling rig. Drilling began on April 3.
The well was drilled to a depth of 10,160 feet into the Rotliegendes sandstone. It encountered hydrocarbon-bearing sections of 350 to 370 net feet. Further studies are planned to determine the extent of the discovery.
"This could be an important addition to our existing interests in the southern North Sea where Conoco already operates significant gas gathering and transportation systems," said Dr. George Watkins, chairman and managing director of Conoco (U.K.). "It adds to our gas business opportunities in the U.K. and Europe, which are major gas markets for us."

Options being considered for the development of the discovery include the provision of a normally-unmanned, minimum facilities platform tied back to either the Lincolnshire Offshore Gas Gathering System (LOGGS) or Viking Transportation System (VTS), both of which carry gas to the Conoco-operated terminal at Theddlethorpe in Lincolnshire.

Conoco (U.K.), the U.K. exploration and production subsidiary of Conoco, is operator and holds a 50 % interest; BP holds the other 50 %.
Conoco is a major, integrated energy company based in Houston and active in 40 countries.