Offshore energy exploration and production firm ATP Oil and Gas has successfully tested the Kilmar K3 well in the southern gas basin of the UK North Sea.

The company said that the well tested at a restricted rate of 45MMcf per day from carboniferous sandstones below 11,000 feet and should soon expand production at the Tors field to 60-80MMcfe per day. Located in 180 feet of water, K3 is the third well at Kilmar and the fourth well in the larger Tors development.

Further drilling is being evaluated for the possibility of 2-3 new wells to capture additional reserves currently not included in ATP’s year-end 2006 reserve report.

Paul Bulmahn, chairman and president, said: ATP continues to deliver on our low risk business model and strategic hub development strategy. The success of the Tors project enhances our company portfolio. With the additional production from the K3 well, ATP has become one of the top five independent natural gas producers in the UK Sector of the North Sea.