The company said its review – consisting of reservoir engineering, petrophysics and seismic studies – of Windermere-1 indicated there was good potential to achieve commercial flow rates given careful well design, modern drilling techniques and possible use of horizontal drilling.

BSOC is also in discussions with a potential technical expert partner that would contribute drilling and completion techniques, and also earn equity in the field by funding a portion of costs.

Windermere-1 had produced 32 barrels of 41-degree API oil from an open-hole test of the Heathfield sandstone member.

Subsequent tests were unsuccessful though they may have been adversely affected by formation damage during drilling and completion operations.

A follow-up well at Windermere-2 also failed to record any hydrocarbons, though it was separated from the discovery well by a fault.

Structural control for the field is provided by a grid of 2D seismic lines that are being reprocessed.

BSOC added that based on existing seismic data, Windermere may have recoverable proved and probable oil reserves of about 2.3 million barrels.