CAIRN Energy has suffered a drilling disappointment in the Norwegian North Sea with an exploration well it drilled with partners.

The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate noted that a well on the Raudasen prospect found traces of petroleum but had been classified as dry.

Edinburgh-based Cairn has a 25 per cent interest in the licence, which is operated by Aker BP.

Cairn’s chief executive Simon Thomson recently underlined the firm’s belief in the potential to make big finds off Norway and the UK.

The company has enjoyed success with the drill bit off Senegal under his leadership.