State-controlled Norwegian player Equinor is soon due to start a planned three-well exploration drilling programme off the UK using the semi-submersible West Phoenix.

The rig is being moved to the UK continental shelf to drill the Equinor-operated Bigfoot prospect, located south of the Mariner field on licence P2314. It will then move on to the nearby Pip prospect, located in the Fladen Ground Spur area in licence P2318.

These licences were awarded in the 29 licensing round in 2017, with Equinor as operator and UK supermajor BP as partner, each holding stakes of 50%. West Phoenix will then move to drill an appraisal of the Verbier discovery, the third well in the programme.

The purpose of the planned appraisal well is to determine the potential volume range in the discovery, as initial estimates of gross recoverable resources are between 25 million and 130 million barrels of oil equivalent, with an estimated mean of 69 million boe.

Equinor operates the licence with a 70% share, with Jersey Oil & Gas holding 18% and Cieco Exploration & Production on 12%.