The distribution of licences has allowed Elixir to consolidate its position in the central North Sea and secure its first licence interests in the gas basin of the southern North Sea, said managing director Russel Langusch.

In addition to acquiring two licences in the northern North Sea, the company has also taken interests in four licences in the central and southern North Sea, to be operated by its alliance partner, Granby Oil & Gas. Under its agreement, half of Granby’s interest will be assigned to Elixir following formal licence awards.

Elixir is the sole operator with 100% interest in the traditional licence Block 211/18b, while sharing the promote part of the licence with Sosina Exploration, which has a 20% stake.

Langusch said the two licences offered from applications made on the company’s own behalf, would build its position in Block 211/22b, in which the Jaguar prospect had been farmed-out to DNO and an exploration well scheduled to be drilled in the first half of 2006.

Elixir now holds 50% interests in Blocks14/8 and 14/9 and 33% interests in Blocks 43/7 and 44/27b.