GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd has awarded a £1.4 million joint study to Xodus Group and Atkins for Concept Select work for the Austen (formerly Jacqui) field in the Central North Sea, with a further option to proceed into the Concept Definition phase.

The studies will identify development and export options for the field. Aberdeen-based Xodus and Atkins will start work immediately with completion scheduled for Q1 2014. The contract follows the successful drilling of an appraisal well by GDF SUEZ E&P UK in 2012 and was bid against competition from other UK and European contractors. It is the start of several workscopes currently being planned by GDF SUEZ E&P UK to support its Central North Sea development portfolio.

GDF SUEZ E&P UK acquired the licence containing the Austen discovery, which is located in block 30/13b in the East Central Graben area, as part of the 26th UK Offshore Licensing Round in 2011. The field comprises of a gas condensate discovery and two oil discoveries and has additional upside potential from several unappraised compartments.

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