Central European Petroleum (CEP), a Canadian energy firm, has unveiled a major oil and natural gas find in the Baltic Sea. The discovery occurred at the newly drilled Wolin East‑1 (WE1) well, located about 6 km offshore from Świnoujście, in Poland’s exclusive economic zone.
At a depth of 2,715 m, the well revealed a 62‑meter column of hydrocarbons in the Main Dolomite formation. Reservoir tests show high-quality oil and gas properties, with an API gravity of around 33.4.
Massive Resource Potential
CEP reports estimates of 200 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) in recoverable oil, gas, and natural gas liquids from the Wolin East site. But that’s just the start: including upside potential in adjacent formations, the total resource could exceed 400 mmboe.
That makes Wolin East Poland’s largest conventional hydrocarbon field ever discovered and one of Europe’s biggest conventional oil discoveries in the past decade.
National Impact & Policy Significance
Polish state geologist Professor Krzysztof Galoś called it a “breakthrough moment” for Baltic Sea exploration. The find could significantly enhance Poland’s energy independence, reducing reliance on imported oil and gas.
Polish MEP Dariusz Joński noted that the site could contain 20 times the country’s annual oil production and 5 times its annual gas output. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also praised the discovery as a milestone alongside recent national achievements.
Despite encouraging data, regulators must still approve geological documentation before full-scale development begins.
Next Steps: Appraisal & Alliances
CEP is now seeking strategic partners to help appraise and develop the Wolin East field. CEO Rolf Skaar described the discovery as “a foundation for long‑term, responsible development” in cooperation with Poland.
The company is conducting conceptual infrastructure studies—potentially including offshore platforms, pipelines, and onshore facilities—aiming for a swift but environment‑sound rollout.
