Drilling has started on the Premier Oil-operated East Fyne appraisal well in the UK central North Sea, according to partner Antrim Energy.

Well 21/28a-11 is being drilled on the eastern part of the Fyne field in block 21/28a. This is an Eocene Tay oil accumulation southwest of and on trend with the producing NW Guillemot oil field.

Antrim's share of the drilling costs is carried by Premier under the terms of an earn-in agreement for the joint development of the Greater Fyne Area.

The latest well is 3 km (1.8 mi) from the recently announced Erne Eocene Tay discoveries. Assuming a favorable result, Antrim expects the well to be incorporated into a development plan for the Fyne field and an overall strategy for the Greater Fyne Area.