The Darwin area includes the southern end of Block 211/27a with an extension into Block 211/27e and lies about 130km northeast of the Shetland Islands.
The well is being drilled from Fairfield operating Ocean Nomad rig and the drilling campaign follows a multi-year program of subsurface work comprising new 3D seismic and static/dynamic modeling which has resulted in the identification of significant in-place volumes.
Fairfield Energy CEO Chris Wright said the the exploration and appraisal program is a very exciting event in the history of the company.
"The multi-well programme is testing a significant opportunity which has the potential to be a material North Sea field."
Fairfield holds a 50% interest in both blocks following a 50% farm-out to TAQA Bratani earlier this year.
