Hurricane Exploration has discovered light oil at its Lancaster basement prospect in Block 205/21a, West of Shetlands. Hurricane has a 100% interest in the licence block. Although the discovery is potentially very significant, data gathered during drilling, logging and production testing requires further analysis before estimates of potential reserves and productivity can be determined.

This is the first time a basement reservoir has been planned and drilled as an exploration target in the UKCS and it demonstrates the validity of Hurricane’s geological model and view that basement reservoirs are a target for oil exploration in the UK. It is also believed to be the first confirmation of significant volumes of light oil in the West of Shetlands.

The Lancaster operation was successfully completed to the highest standards of health, safety and environmental protection which is testament to the professionalism and successful team work undertaken by Hurricane, Senergy (drilling services) and Dolphin Drilling (rig operator).

Highlights: • Light oil (34-39.2° API) • Oil flowed to surface during operations over reservoir section under its own energy • Hurricane’s geological model for basement reservoirs demonstrated as valid • Target basement reservoir zones fractured and permeable • Hydrocarbons encountered below originally-mapped structural closure • First time a basement reservoir targeted as an exploration well in the UKCS • Basement drilling undertaken within budget and confirmed as technically viable • Basement drilling extended by 225m (vertical depth) due to positive drilling data • Well suspended for further testing and/or appraisal

Unfortunately, efforts to carry out a comprehensive production test were curtailed due to malfunctioning test equipment and inclement weather.

Hurricane is however in the process of embarking on a thorough evaluation of the wealth of data gathered during the drilling, logging and incomplete testing operations of this well. The preliminary results are extremely encouraging and Hurricane intends to return to the Lancaster prospect in 2010 either to: • re-enter the Lancaster well to undertake an extended well test; or • drill an appraisal well

Dr. Robert Trice, Chief Executive and Exploration Director of Hurricane Exploration plc commented, “We are delighted that the Lancaster discovery has validated our geological model regarding this prospect. The existence of light oil in the Lancaster reservoir not only significantly de-risks our other basement prospects but is also extremely positive news for West of Shetlands exploration. We have clearly taken huge strides forward with this well but further testing and/or drilling operations will be required before we can confirm the discovery’s true commercial potential.”

Tags: Hurricane Exploration plc., Hurricane Exploration plc.