The company is drilling the well about one kilometer to the south west of the 9/02-1a discovery well to further appraise the core area of the field and establish a commercial flow rate.

Initially a pilot well will be drilled, cored and logged, and this will be followed by a horizontal sidetrack of up to 600m.

According to the company, a logging whilst drilling suite will be run over the horizontal section to provide further understanding of the reservoir quality and distribution.

The horizontal sidetrack will be completed with a gravel pack and tested using an electric submersible pump.

Upon completion of the drilling program, the well will be suspended to be used as a future development well.

Nautical holds a 50% interest in the North Sea Block 9/2b and is its operator, while Celtic Oil and Canamens Energy North Sea hold 30% and 20% interests, respectively.