Post hydraulic reservoir fracturing flow testing has been completed on the Ottoland 1 side track during a 14 day period. Without artificial lift, the well flowed oil and water at improved rates to the July 2007 tests, proving the fracturing programme to be a success.

These results will be analysed to establish the final parameters of the production installations which could include downhole pumping at possibly higher flow rates, depending upon a cost effective resolution of water disposal requirements

Northern has now completed well workovers for production and hydraulic fracturing of the reservoir at the Brakel and Wijk en Aalburg gas fields as well as the Ottoland oil field. Similar operations are scheduled for the Geesbrug and Grolloo gas field in the near future in preparation for placing all these five fields into production.

In accordance with the AIM Rules – Guidance for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies, the information contained in this announcement has been reviewed and signed off by the Exploration and Technical Director of Northern, Mr Graham Heard CGeol FGS, who has over 30 years experience as a petroleum geologist.

For further information please contact:

Northern Petroleum Plc
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 2900
Derek Musgrove, Managing Director
Chris Foss, Finance Director
Graham Heard, Exploration & Technical Director

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