Side track extends North Sea Erne oil potential

Offshore staff

CALGARY, Canada -- Antrim Energy has discovered further oil in the Erne structure in the UK northern North Sea.

Sidetrack 21/29d-11Z was drilled up-dip of the discovery location in the Eocene Tay formation to a TD of 5,142 ft (1,567 m).

It encountered around 24 ft (7.3 m) of net oil pay and 14 ft (4.3 m) of net gas pay in a good-quality sandstone reservoir. Initial analysis suggests the side track penetrated a separate accumulation from that in the discovery well.

The side track is being suspended for possible re-entry and use in development of Erne, situated between the Fyne field and the West and Northwest Guillemot fields.

An appraisal well will shortly spud on East Fyne, 3 km (1.8 mi) from Erne.

12/27/2011