Dana Petroleum has made a gas discovery in the Southern North Sea following the drilling of the Pharos exploration well.

Dana drilled 47/5d-6 on the Pharos Prospect in Licence P1566 as Operator and discovered gas in a Rotlegendes reservoir. Detailed evaluation of the discovery will be undertaken in order to determine the volume of gas initially in place (GIIP). This will be subject to a future announcement. Other partners in the licence are Hansa Hydrocarbons Ltd (15%) Dyas Exploration UK Limited (15%), MPX North Sea Limited (15%) and Parkmead (E&P) Limited (20%).

The well was drilled by the Noble Lynda Bossler and the rig has now returned to the Dutch North Sea for further operations with Dana.

Paul Griffin, Dana’s UK Managing Director said "This is the fifth North Sea exploration and appraisal well that Dana has drilled as Operator or in partnership during 2013. Pharos is well located to take advantage of a number of gas export options in the area and we now need to undertake further detailed technical work to evaluate its commercial potential.