Statoil Exploration Ireland has completed exploratory drilling in the Cong prospect off north-west Ireland without success.
The exploration well has been plugged and abandoned. Drilling was carried out by the Sedco 711 semi-submersible rig on contract from Transocean.
The well data will now be analysed to ascertain whether further exploration of the area would be worthwhile.
The Cong prospect is located in the Slyne basin.
Statoil is operator with a 49.9 per cent interest. The other licensees are Shell E&P Ireland (35.1 per cent) and Murphy Ireland Offshore (15 per cent).