The OGA confirmed on 5 February 2019 that Eni had farmed out 8% in P1620 to Equinor. Eni is currently drilling the Rowallan HPHT NFW 22/19c-7 over P1620 which spudded on 30 December 2018 targeting Middle Jurassic and Triassic sandstones. P1620 covers 76 sq km over Central North Sea part block 22/19c, located 5 km west of Monan field, 6km NW of Mirren, and 8km N of Marnock (all BP-operated). It was awarded to Serica Energy in the 25th Offshore Round with an effective start date of 20 June 2009, and firm commitments to obtain 150 sq km 3D seismic data (including 110 sq km long-offset data), and to drill one well to the shallower of 3,100m or 30m into the chalk. During 2010, Premier Oil farmed-in for 50% operated share in return for paying 100% of drilling costs for the Oates exploration NFW 22/19c-6 (2010, Premier, 3,146m) which encountered no hydrocarbons in the Forties sand and was P&A dry. Premier withdrew from P1620 in May 2012. Serica farmed out 85% operator share to JX Nippon during September 2012 in return for US$ 250,000 and carry of future licence costs including drilling of an exploration well. In May 2014, Eni acquired operatorship and 50% WI from JX Nippon, whilst Eni and JX Nippon each farmed down 10% to Mitsui in July 2016. P1620 participants are Eni UK Ltd (32% + Op), JX Nippon Exploration and Production (UK) Ltd (25%) Mitsui E&P UK Ltd (20%), Serica Energy (UK) Ltd (15%) and Equinor UK Ltd (8%).
United Kingdom, P1620