Serica Energy plc has commenced drilling the Columbus prospect in UK Block 23/16f and is now drilling two North Sea exploration wells simultaneously.

Located in the Central North Sea, exploration well 23/16f-11 was spudded on 28 October, 2006. Drilling operations on the Columbus prospect are scheduled to take about 30 days using the GSF 140 drilling rig. Serica is the operator of the Block and has a 50% interest.

Earlier this month, Serica commenced operations on the Oak prospect in Block 54/1b using the ENSCO 92 drilling rig, and well 54/1b-6 is currently drilling the 12 1/4" hole section below 5,000 feet.

Paul Ellis, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Serica is drilling the Columbus prospect very soon after the award of the Block 23/16f licence largely due to the efforts of our technical team, which has completed the detailed studies required to select a drilling location, secured a drilling rig in a tight market and commenced drilling, all within the space of a year."