Centrica has started drilling the first of three wells in its Butch prospect in licences PL405 and 405BS in the Norwegian North Sea.
The company is drilling the well, which is located 7km east of the Ula field and 10km north-east of the Tambar field, using the Maersk Guardian drilling rig.
The work will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Centrica holds a 40% operating stake in the Butch prospect, Suncor has 30% and Faroe and Spring Energy Norway each hold 15%.
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