Xcite Energy Limited says that the 9/3b-6z horizontal well section on the Bentley field has commenced the test phase and is progressing on plan. The Company will provide further information when it becomes available.

XER are 100% owner and operator of Block 9/3b, licence P.1078, containing the Bentley Field in its entirety. The block, which was awarded to XER in 2003 as part of the 21st UK Offshore Licensing Round, is located 160 km east of the Shetland Isles in 113 m of water.

In January 2008, XER successfully operated the drilling and testing of the 9/3b-5 well in the central area of the field. The well achieved its primary objectives of (i) sampling the Bentley oil by way of a drill stem test (DST), (ii) confirming the excellent reservoir characteristics and continuity of the Bentley reservoir, and (iii) enabling potential flow rates under development conditions to be established through modelling and by analogy to the nearby Bressay field, 6 km to the northwest. The Bressay field achieved stabilised, vertical well flow rates in excess of 3,100 bopd from similar reservoir and oil type.

Tags: Xcite Energy