While processing of the 2D data will only be completed in April, Bahamas Petroleum said initial findings show larger fold-belt prospects than origin­ally expected with evidence of “giant size structures in the southern licences”.

Chief executive Paul Crevello said the data also shows a Jurassic salt layer, suggesting potential for a sub-salt play in the area.

Crevello’s chairman Alan Burns added: “These structures are exceptional in the size and extent of the four-way closure.