Then high-risk, high-reward well, which is expected to take about 16 days to drill and evaluate, will primarily target the Jurassic-aged Rona Sandstone, while secondary potential also exists in the Triassic Otterbank Sandstone.

The Bredford Dolphin semi-submersible drilling rig arrived at the well site late last week, after it was held up several times due to operational considerations and extended testing at the previous well.

Wellington is described as a conventional target with a potentially large hydrocarbon trap, which was recognised from existing seismic data.

Wellington-1, to be drilled in 168m of water, is about 65km southwest of the giant Clair field, which is currently producing about 23,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd), and 45km southeast of the 58,000bopd Foinaven field.

The nearest onshore oil facilities are located in the Shetland Islands at Sullom Voe, some 140km to the east.

Sunshine Gas is working in equal partnership with its UK-based partner and operator Hurricane Exploration.