Serica Twice Again a Winner in UK Round 26

Serica Energy has announced that it has been offered the chance to take two further production licences in the 26th round of licencing from the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). 

Serica says it has been offered a 100 per cent interest in Block 110/8b in the East Irish Sea and an interest in Blocks 47/2b (Split), 47/3g (Split), 47/7 (Split) and 47/8d (Part).

Serica would act as operator on Block 110/8b with a work commitment to conduct a 3D seismic reprocessing programme planned to delineate a gas prospect which has been provisionally identified in the block.

The second production licence has been offered to a group operated by Centrica, in which Serica has a 37.5 per cent interest. The licence is split into part blocks, which are adjacent to the Centrica-operated York field. 

"A number of gas prospects have been provisionally identified on the blocks at both the Leman (Permian) and Namurian (Carboniferous) levels," a statement from Centrica says.

Serica, as part of the group, will also have a work obligation on these part blocks, with 3D seismic survey and reprocessing of existing seismic data planned.

Tony Craven Walker, Chairman and Interim CEO of Serica, says that the company is now seeking a partner for Block 110/8b.

"We are delighted to have been offered the award of these two new UK offshore licences.," he said "We intend to seek a partner to join us in East Irish Sea Block 110/8b with a view to extending the exploration programme in this block and have already commenced discussions.

"In the Southern North Sea, the blocks offered for award lie very close to the York field. We expect them to contain additional gas reserves which, if proven, can easily be produced through the York field facilities."