In addition, the company is just over one month into a 10,000km 2D seismic survey being undertaken by the Bergen Surveyor vessel in the same permits.

In a statement, FOGL said the CSEM survey involves operator Offshore Hydrocarbon Mapping acquiring a series of lines over its top 20 prospects and leads using the CS Teneo vessel.

A relatively new industry technique, CSEM uses electromagnetic remote-sensing technology to detect the presence and extent of hydrocarbon accumulations beneath the seabed.

Usually considered a complement to seismic, the technology offers the promise of fewer dry wells, improved ranking of development prospects, and more accurate or reduced appraisal drilling.

Running alongside the CSEM survey, the 2D seismic survey has already resulted in the acquisition of 3000km of data to date and is expected to take a total of five months to complete.

“I am pleased to report that our work program is progressing well, with both the CSEM and infill 2D seismic surveys now underway,” FOGL chief executive Tim Bushell said.

“The results of these surveys will provide better definition of our top 20 prospects and leads and enable us to identify the best prospects and locations for drilling.”

The most promising prospects as identified from the CSEM survey will be further defined with a close-spaced, one square kilometre seismic grid, in order to determine the best drilling locations.

Processing and interpretation of both surveys is expected to take up to six months to complete.