On 27 September 2019 Cairn Energy spudded exploration well 3/17a-3 targeting the Chimera prospect in block 3/17a (P2312). The well targeted the Paleocene Heimdal turbidites with a secondary objective of Eocene turbidites. Cairn estimated Chimera to hold 154 MMboe recoverable resources (>1 Bboe in place). The well was drilled with the âStena Donâ (S/S). On 17 October 2019 it was reported that the well was drilled to a TD of 1,830 m and terminated in the Paleocene Lista Formation with no hydrocarbons being encountered. As of 22 October 2019 abandonment operations were ongoing.   Licence P2312 was awarded in the 29th Frontier Licensing Round in 2016. The licence covers an area of approximately 220 sq km. The nearest discovery is 3/17-2 (Tryfan) located roughly 3 km to the east. Chimera had an amplitude and AVO supported trap comprising a 3-way dip closure with up-dip stratigraphic pinch-out. If successful the prospect could have been developed via a standalone FPSO. Suncor completed the farm-in taking a 40% interest in the licence in December 2018. In September 2019 it was confirmed that DNO has acquired a 15% interest in the licence.  Pending completion of a deal between Cairn and DNO interest in the licence will be held by Cairn subsidiary Nautical Petroleum Limited (45% + operator), Suncor Energy UK Limited (40%) and DNO (15%).
United Kingdom, P2312