Operators offered acreage in the UK's 30th Round could begin drilling their commitment wells as early as next year, writes Rob Watts.

Equinor (formerly Statoil) was involved in nine new awards, eight as operator.

“We believe the UK continental shelf is underexplored and anticipate that there are new discoveries yet to be made,” said Jenny Morris, Equinor vice president for exploration UK.

Statoil has committed to drilling a well on the Lifjellet prospect in the Jaeren High area.

Morris said that after a site survey the well could spud in 2019.

Equinor is already preparing for a three-well exploration campaign off the UK starting in the third quarter.

BP was awarded seven licences, five as operator and two as partner, in the round.

The UK supermajor’s operated licences are the Skua field adjacent to its Marnock field, which is part of the Eastern Trough Area Project (ETAP) hub, a licence adjacent to BP’s Capercaillie and Vorlich discoveries, a licence in the northern North Sea and two licences in Quadrant 208 West of Shetland.

The award includes 26 blocks with commitments to drill one well in the northern North Sea and shoot 3D seismic across the Quadrant 208 area.

Ariel Flores, BP North Sea regional president, said: “BP continues on a path of positive momentum in the North Sea as we bring on major projects, explore at higher levels than in recent times and rapidly develop smaller fields located next to our established hubs."

Private equity-backed company Chrysaor picked up six licences as operator, five in the central North Sea and one in the West of Shetland area.

Chrysaor has committed to drilling a firm well on the licence containing blocks 16/28d and 16/29e and to shooting 3D seismic over the licence containing blocks 22/3, 22/4b, 22/8 and 22/9b, both in the central North Sea, and to shooting seismic over the licence containing Block 205/25 on the Atlantic margin.

Chief executive Phil Kirk said: “These awards represent a boost to our existing portfolio... Subject to consents and well planning, we will drill the first well on the acreage in 2019.”

Another private equity-backed company, Siccar Point Energy, picked up two licences in its West of Shetland heartland, where it gained a presence after acquiring OMV’s interests.

One, in a 50:50 partnership with Shell, comprises blocks 204/8, 204/9c, 204/10c, 204/13, 204/14d & 204/15 and adds to the pair’s acreage position in the Greater Cambo Area, where drilling is currently taking place on a final appraisal well on the Cambo field.

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Drilling may begin next year on UK 30th Round acreage