GDF Suez E&P UK Ltd. and BP have made a new exploration discovery in the U.K. Central North Sea. The discovery, which spans GDF Suez-operated Block 30/1f (License P1588) and BP-operated Block 30/1c (License P363) was flow-tested at a maximum rate of 5,350 boe/d. The discovery, referred to as Marconi by GDF Suez and Vorlich by BP, is located in the Central North Sea.

Exploration well 30/1f-13AZ encountered hydrocarbons in a Palaeocene sandstone reservoir in Block 30/1c (License P363 operated by BP) and a subsequent side -track into Block 30/1f (License P1588 operated by GDF Suez) confirmed the westerly extension of the discovery.

Equity interests in the P1588 license are operator GDF Suez (50.00%) and partners RWE DEA UK SNS Ltd. (27.78%) and Maersk Oil North Sea Ltd. (22.22%).

Equity interests in the P363 license are operator BP Operating Co. Ltd. (50.00%) and partner Total E&P UK Ltd. (50.00%).