ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Ireland (Offshore) Limited, an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation, together with co-venturers has started exploration drilling on the Dunquin 44/23-1 deepwater exploration well off the southwest coast of Ireland.

Well 44/23-1 is located in the Frontier Exploration Licence 3/04, 150 kilometers offshore in water depth of 1,600 meters. The well is being drilled by the fifth-generation semi-submersible rig Eirik Raude. Drilling operations are expected to take several months.

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"With this well, ExxonMobil brings years of experience as a world leader in deepwater exploration to Ireland," said Kevin Biddle, ExxonMobil's European exploration director. "Success in frontier areas such as the southern Porcupine Basin is far from guaranteed, but a positive outcome has the potential to deliver significant industrial, social and economic benefits to Ireland."

(CD/MH)