The oil has been discovered at exploration well 30/1f-13AZ located in a Palaeocene sandstone reservoir in block 30/1c (licence P363 operated by BP) and a subsequent side-track into block 30/1f (licence P1588 operated by Gdf Suez).
Gdf Suez E&P UK managing director Ruud Zoon said: "This is an encouraging exploration discovery in a part of the Central North Sea that needs additional volumes of hydrocarbons to open up development options for several stranded discoveries.
"The discovery is our third successful well this year and demonstrates a continuing commitment by GDF SUEZ to an active exploration and appraisal drilling programme on the UK Continental Shelf."
The exploration well was flow tested at a maximum rate of 5,350 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Gdf Suez as operator drilled the well using the Transocean Galaxy II jack- up rig under a joint well agreement between the two license groups.
UK Business and Energy Minister Matthew Hancock said: "This discovery shows exactly what can be achieved in the North Sea if companies work together to maximise the considerable potential of remaining oil and gas reserves."
