Culzean, part of Total's acquisition of Maersk's oil and gas portfolio, will eventually produce 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) and provide 5pc of British gas demand. Total estimates Culzean contains 250 to 300 million boe.

"Culzean is going to be delivered in a few days' time, ahead of schedule, under budget," Guiziou told an oil and gas conference in Aberdeen.

Total owns 49.99pc of Culzean and operates it. It had previously guided the field would start this year. BP owns 32pc and JX Nippon 18pc.

Earlier this year Total and partners including China's CNOOC announced a significant new gas discovery off the coast of Britain at the North Sea Glengorm prospect, with recoverable resources estimated at around 250 million boe.

Last year, Total made another major gas discovery on the Glendronach prospect, located off the coast of the Shetland islands in the North Sea.