The company said the licensing round proved extremely competitive, with the highest number of applications in 35 years. Some 104 companies including 17 new North Sea entrants made successful applications for the 150 new licences awarded.
Block 21/16b is in the North West Central Graben area immediately south of the Dauntless and Durward oil fields.
Four prospects in the Upper Jurassic Fulmar sands have been identified in the block.
Following formal award, interest holders in the licence will be operator Elixir Petroleum with 40%, DNO UK (40%) and Sosina Exploration, with 20%.
