i3 Energy PLC said operations for the drilling of the Serenity appraisal well on P.2358, Block 13/23c in the North Sea have now started.
The Stena Don semi-submersible drilling unit is now on contract to i3 and preparing for the spudding of the well, which is expected to occur later this week, said the statement.
Drilling is expected to last approximately 30 days.
Majid Shafiq, i3 Energy’s chief executive, added: “The well is designed to prove the extension of the reservoir to the west of the discovery well 13/23c-10 and so prove up additional hydrocarbon volumes in place.
“This will enable optimisation of any necessary further appraisal and a development plan for the field.”
i3 holds a 75% working interest in the field. with Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) PLC owning the remaining 25%.
Simon Oddie, Europa’s CEO, said: "Serenity is a late-stage appraisal and development asset that provides our shareholders with exposure to a very exciting asset that could deliver significant value to our shareholders.”