Tullow Oil said it was awarded nine exploration blocks in the North Sea under the Britain's 22nd offshore licensing round.
The licences will allow Tullow to develop seven blocks in its core area of the Southern North Sea and two blocks in the North Viking Graben.
Tullow, as operator of these awarded areas, will start evaluating the potentials of the acreage in early 2005.
Chief executive Mr Aidan Heavey said: "Tullow is committed to developing and expanding its business in the North Sea and the award of these operated blocks is further evidence of our progress."
