Total and partners including China’s CNOOC have made a significant new gas discovery off the coast of Scotland at the North Sea Glengorm prospect about 118 miles east of Aberdeen.

Kevin Swann, senior analyst at Wood Mackenzie, said that at 250 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe), Glengorm could be the largest gas discovery in the UK North Sea since Culzean in 2008.

“This was third time lucky for CNOOC at Glengorm,” said Swann.

“Technical problems saw it try and fail to drill the prospect twice in 2017, so persistence has paid off.

“This is a good start to what could prove to be a pivotal year for UK exploration with several high impact wells in the plan,” Swann said.

Oil & Gas UK’s market intelligence manager, Ross Dornan, said: “This is a major find and a great example of partner companies, CNOOC International, Total E&P and Edison working together to explore and unlock the potential of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS.)

“Glengorm was a challenging prospect to drill, however the combined determination and perseverance of the partners has paid off.

“The location of the discovery, in the central North Sea, also provides a valuable opportunity to make use of the UKCS’ extensive infrastructure network.

“Coming so soon after the Glendronach discovery in September, Glengorm is a major milestone towards adding another generation of productive life to the UK North Sea and realising the ambition of Vision 2035.”