Hydrocarbon Resources, a subsidiary of Centrica, has acquired a 45% interest in the UK East Irish Sea Blocks 113/26b and 113/27c (licence P.1482) from Serica Energy.
As part of the deal, Hydrocarbon Resources will cover Serica’s share of exploration costs of about £11m, allowing the company to retain a 20% interest.
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Hydrocarbon Resources has also gained a 15% interest and the operatorship of an adjacent block licence.
Located in the north of Block 113/27c and extending into Block 113/22a, the Doyle gas prospect is ready to drill.
The site survey for the prospect has been completed and planning for the well is underway.
Serica Energy chairman and CEO Tony Craven Walker said: "We are extremely pleased to complete this agreement and look forward to confirming the drilling of the Doyle well in the near future.
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By GlobalData"Successful negotiations with the nearby Walney Extension Wind Farm owners have secured a corridor for a potential gas pipeline to Rhyl.
"In the event of a commercial discovery, Doyle is ideally placed for a fast-track development and early gas production due to available capacity in nearby infrastructure."
Serica has exploration, development and production assets in the UK and Norway, as well as exploration interests in the Atlantic margins offshore Ireland and West Africa.
The company is exploring its licences offshore UK, Ireland, Morocco and Namibia in partnership with other firms.
