Dana Petroleum plc in a 50/50 partnership with Sorgenia E&P (UK) Ltd has secured blocks 42/27, 47/2b (split) and 47/3g (split) in the UK Southern North Sea, in the final stage of the 26th round of UK offshore licensing.

Dana will be the operator of the blocks and the work obligations comprise a reprocessing of 3D seismic. The blocks are adjacent to the substantial Tolmount discovery made in October 2011 in which Dana has a 50% interest.

Dana, which already has the second largest acreage position in the North Sea, is planning an extensive drilling programme during 2012.

Dana's UK Managing Director, Paul Griffin said: 'We are pleased to have secured these new blocks in an area that is well known to us and includes our potential Platypus and Tolmount developments. Our drilling programme for 2012 will include six exploration wells in the North Sea and West of Shetland as we seek to further enhance our strong reserves position.'

Tags: Dana Petroleum