Central European Petroleum strikes major oil discovery at Wolin East offshore Poland
Central European Petroleum Sp. z o.o. (CEP) has announced a landmark conventional hydrocarbon discovery at its Wolin East 1 (WE1) well, located approximately 6 km offshore from Świnoujście, in Poland’s exclusive economic zone of the Baltic Sea.
In brief
Central European Petroleum announced the largest oil and gas discovery in Poland's history, confirmed by the Wolin East 1 well about 6 kilometres north of Świnoujście. The well was drilled from a jack-up rig in water 9.5 metres deep and reached 2,715 metres, confirming a 62-metre hydrocarbon column in the Main Dolomite. Central European Petroleum estimates the discovery's resources at an average of 200 million barrels of oil equivalent, and the total potential of the Wolin concession at more than 400 mmboe. Chief National Geologist Prof. Krzysztof Galos said development of the field could enhance Poland's energy security.
A record-breaking find in Polish waters
The WE1 well was drilled using a jack-up rig in 9.5 meters of water and reached a total vertical depth of 2715 meters. Drilling confirmed a 62-meter hydrocarbon column within the Main Dolomite formation, with excellent reservoir quality for both oil and gas production. The discovered oil has an API gravity of 33.4°.
Initial estimates put recoverable volumes at 200 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) in the form of crude oil, sales gas, and natural gas liquids — making it the largest conventional oil and gas discovery in Poland’s history, and among the most significant in Europe in the last decade.
Over 400 million barrels of potential
In addition to the confirmed find, CEP has identified substantial low-risk exploration, appraisal, and secondary recovery potential in both the Main Dolomite and the deeper Rotliegend formation. Taking this into account, the total recoverable resource potential within the Wolin license is estimated at more than 400 mmboe.
A milestone for Poland’s energy landscape
- This is a historic moment for both CEP and the Polish energy sector, said Rolf G. Skaar, CEO of Central European Petroleum. - Wolin East is not just a high-potential discovery – it’s a strategic opportunity to unlock the broader geological and energy potential of the Baltic Sea. Our long-term commitment is to develop this resource responsibly and in close alignment with Poland’s energy priorities.
The discovery has also drawn attention from Polish authorities.
Prof. Krzysztof Galos, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Climate and Environment and chief national geologist, commented:
- While the deposit still requires geological documentation and official confirmation, the discovery at Wolin East could mark a turning point in Poland’s hydrocarbon exploration history — especially in underexplored offshore areas like the Baltic. If fully confirmed and developed, this could become Poland’s largest oil and associated gas field to date. The site has the potential to significantly strengthen national energy security and reduce dependency on external suppliers, provided all regulatory conditions are met.
Infrastructure development underway
CEP is currently advancing conceptual infrastructure studies for offshore production, leveraging cutting-edge technologies. “We are moving forward swiftly with technical preparations to ensure the development is efficient, secure, and aligned with Poland’s long-term energy strategy,” Skaar added.
CEP: a strong operator with international backing
Central European Petroleum Ltd., based in Calgary, Canada, is primarily backed by Norwegian investors. Its Polish subsidiary, CEP Central European Petroleum Sp. z o.o., holds and operates the 100% owned Wolin license, awarded in 2017 through a competitive tender process launched by the Polish Ministry of Environment under EU Directive 94/22/EC.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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