GDF SUEZ has started production from the Juliet gas field in the North Sea in what the French energy firm said was a landmark for its UK exploration and production business.

Jean-Marie Dauger, head of GDF SUEZ's global gas business, said: "Start of commercial production from Juliet is an important and exciting milestone as GDF SUEZ E&P UK becomes a fully fledged North Sea production operator. Juliet demonstrates our commitment to continuously developing the potential of the UK Continental Shelf."

With offices in Aberdeen, GDF SUEZ E&P UK has interests in more than 50 UK licenses. It discovered the Juliet field, off the Lincolnshire coast, in 2008.