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2025

Feb 2025: Shell (50%, operator) and NEO Energy (50%) restarted production at the Penguins field with a new FPSO in 165 m of water. Production was routed through the Brent Charlie platform which, after discovery in 1974, produced from 2003 to 2021. Peak production is estimated at around 45,000 bblsoe per day. Shell and Equinor plan to combine their UK offshore oil and gas assets.

2024

Dec 2024: Harbour Energy (operator, 67%) and Ithaca Energy (33%) discovered hydrocarbons in the Jocelyn South well in P032, Block 30/07a, Central North Sea. Jocelyn South forms part of the J-Area.

Oct 2024: Shell (operator, 75%) and Deltic (25%) confirmed gas in the 48/8b-3Z discovery well at the Selene prospect in the Southern North Sea, P2437 license area. The well proved a 160-m thick section of Leman Sandstone with gas throughout the interval and into the Carboniferous basement. P50 recoverable resources are estimated to be 3.7 bcm.

May 2024: The NSTA offered 31 licenses for 88 blocks in the Central North, East Irish and Southern North Seas in the final Tranche 3 of the 33rd licensing round. A total of 82 offers to 50 companies have been made attracting 115 bids from 76 companies across 257 blocks and part-blocks.

Jan 2024: The North Sea Transition Authority have offered 17 companies 24 licences in the second tranche of the 33rd Oil and Gas Licensing Round. The 74 blocks and part-blocks are in the Central and Northern North Sea and West of Shetlands. Remaining blocks in the Southern North Sea and East Irish Sea will be offered when environmental evaluations have been finalised.

2023

Nov 2023: An Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill has been introduced to require the NSTA to run annual oil and gas licensing rounds. Rather than importing dirtier fuels the government want to give industry the certainty to invest. However a new government would probably reverse this approach.

Nov 2023: Neptune (operator), BP and Japex started production from the Seagull oil and gas field, a subsea tieback to the CPF of the Eastern Trough Area Project (ETAP) in the central North Sea. A 4-well development, it is the first tieback to ETAP in 20 years. Oil is exported through the Forties Pipeline System to Grangemouth and gas to Teesside via the CAT.  

Oct 2023: The North Sea Transition Authority has awarded 27 licences in the Central and Northern North Sea, and West of Shetland. This is the first batch from 115 applications in the 33rd Offshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round. A recommendation for the remaining 203 blocks will be made later subject to additional environmental checks.

Oct 2023: Dana (KNOC) discovered gas in the Southern North Sea Earn exploration well in Block 42/27, 4 kms west of the Tolmount Main field.in which first gas was achieved in 2022. The Tolmount East well is also completed and suspended for tie-in to the Tolmount platform at the end of 2023.

Sep 2023: Equinor (operator) and Ithaca  will begin Phase 1 of the Rosebank development for US$3.8 bn. The NSTA have granted consent. The Rosebank field is 130 kms NW of the Shetlands in 1000m of water. Recoverable resources are around 300 mm bbls of oil. The field will use subsea wells tied back to an FPSO and shuttle tankers with start-up in 2027.

Jul 2023: Ithaca Energy (operator, 50%) and Dana (50%) made a discovery in the K2 prospect in Block 22/14c in the Central North Sea. The well drilled hydrocarbons in Forties member sandstones with 14m net thickness. Further analysis of the well results will follow plus an appraisal sidetrack.

Jan 2023: The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) announced that over 115 applications have been received for the 33rd Offshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round across 258 blocks and part-blocks, from 76 companies.

Jan 2023: Shell (operator, 65%), Deltic (30%) and ONE-Dyas (5%) have found gas with the 41/05a-2 well (Pensacola) on license P2252. It is a Zechstein reef prospect in the Southern North Sea. Small volumes of oil were also tested.

2022

Dec 2022: Ithaca Energy started production from  the Abigail field (formerly Hurricane) in the Greater Stella area, central Graben. It is a phased subsea development with phase 1 consisting of a single subsea well and tie-back to the FPF-1 facility while phase 2 will include a 2nd production well.

Oct 2022: The NSTA has announced an extra 34 Blocks in the 33rd Licensing Round in the Central and Southern North Sea. The extra acreage is available following consultation with the Ministry of Defence. The Round opened on 7 October and will close on 12 January 2023.

Oct 2022: The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) is inviting applications for the 33rd Offshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round covering licences to explore 898 blocks and part-blocks. The NSTA has identified 4 priority clusters in the SNS close to infrastructure and will license these first. Acreage will be offered in the WoS, NNS, CNS, SNS and East Irish Sea. First licences will be awarded from Q2 2023.

Sep 2022: The country’s remaining P plus P oil and gas reserves totaled 4000 mm bblsoe at the end 2021, 400 mmboe more than at the end of 2020, according to the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA). The NSTA assesses contingent discovered undeveloped resources to be 6400 mm bblsoe. Total reserves and discovered resources are about 70% oil and 30% gas.

Sep 2022: As part of its efforts to boost domestic energy production the UK government has confirmed its support for a new oil and gas licensing round. The round is expected to be launched by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) in early October and include over 100 new licences.

Sep 2022: Tailwind Energy announced first hydrocarbons from the Evelyn field tied back to the Triton FPSO. Evelyn lies in licence P1792 in Block 21/30f of the Central North Sea. Discovered in 1984, it acquired the field from Shell in 2018. The project team also installed a 2nd subsea line from its Gannet-E field which already produces via Triton.

Sep 2022: The Government has ended its moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in response to high gas prices. This move could have a positive benefit for development, appraisal and exploration activities for company’s which have onshore licence interests.

Jun 2022: Shell received approval for development of the Jackdaw field based on the environmental impact assessment. Jackdaw is an ultra-HP/HT gas condensate field. A WH platform is planned in the Central North Sea in 78m of water with 4 production wells and export lines to the Shearwater platform. Gas will then be sent via the Fulmar Gas Line and condensate via the Forties Pipeline System.

May 2022: The UK government announced a windfall tax on oil and gas operators to alleviate the challenges posed by high inflation. It will be in the form of an Energy Profits Levy charged on profits at a rate of 25%.allied to an investment allowance that doubles the relief for companies that invest profits in the UK. The oil & gas sector believes windfall tax will deter investors.

May 2022: Harbour Energy (operator, 50%) started production from the delayed Tolmount gas field. Discovered in 2011 and sanctioned in 2018, the field is located in Block 42/28d in the SNS. It includes the Tolmount East discovery.The Humber Gathering System will initially deliver gas to the Easington onshore gas terminal.

May 2022: BP intends to invest up to US$22.5 bn in the UK’s energy system by the end of 2030 to help the country boost energy security and reach net zero in addition to BP’s operating spend on oil and gas. In addition to hydrocarbons it will invest, amongst other things, in offshore wind, infrastructure, ports, harbours and shipyards, electric vehicle charging, hydrogen and CCS.

Apr 2022: Ithaca will acquire Siccar Point, the operator of the Cambo oil project, for nearly US$1.5 bn. The portfolio contains interests in the Schiehallion, Mariner and Jade fields plus the Cambo and Rosebank fields; 2 of the largest undeveloped discoveries in the UK. The Cambo project may now go ahead with an FID expected for both fields in 2023.

Apr 2022: Ithaca (100%) has consent for the development of a tie-back (Abigail) to its FPF-1 facility in Block 30/06 with first oil expected in Q3 2022. The Abigail oil and gas field lies in Block 29/10 in the central North Sea. It is a phased development with phase 1 consisting of one subsea well and phase 2 a second well.

Mar 2022: Shell is reported to be reconsidering its decision to pull investment from the Cambo field off the west coast of Shetland. The oil price has been consistently over $100 since it made the decision.

Mar 2022: IOG has confirmed First Gas from Phase 1 of its Saturn Banks Project. The Blythe well was opened up and gas was delivered into Bacton. The Elgood well will follow soon. The entire Saturn Banks offshore system will be unmanned with remote operation from the control room at Bacton.

Mar 2022: Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) will work with the government to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2022. The time period allows industries time to adjust supply chains. OEUK also restated its commitment to net zero emission targets and the plans to accelerate moves to cleaner energies.

2021

Dec 2021: Siccar Point Energy will now suspend development of the Cambo oilfield following Shell’s exit.

Nov 2021: Siccar Point Energy confirmed that Shell, its partner in the Cambo development, will not progress its investment. Siccar intend to continue to engage with the UK Government as cancellation will lead to additional imports of 170 mmboe over 25 years.

Nov 2021: CNOOC (operator, 43.21%), along with Suncor (29.89%), Harbour (21.73%) and ONE-Dyas (5.16%), started production from the Buzzard Phase II development in the Central North Sea in 96m of water. It includes a subsea manifold tied back to the existing facility.Two production wells and 2 water injection wells will reach a peak production of 12,000 bblsoe per day in 2022.

Nov 2021: Serica Energy announced that first production has been achieved from the Columbus field in the Central North Sea. Oil and gas from the C1z development well started flowing into the Arran subsea system from where is will be exported to the Shearwater platform for processing.

Oct 2021: The Shell operated Arran field, a tieback to the Shearwater hub in the Central North Sea, has achieved first gas/condensate production.

Oct 2021: NEO Energy achieved first gas/condensate from the Finlaggan field in the Central North Sea, Block 21/5c. NEO took over Zennor Petroleum in July 2021. Finlaggan is a 2-well tie back to Britannia with gas exported to SAGE and liquids to the Forties FPS. Britannia also processes hydrocarbons from the Britannia, Brodgar, Callanish, Enochdhu, and Alder fields.

Sep 2021: Ithaca Energy discovered oil with its exploration well on the Fotla prospect in the Central North Sea. Resources are assessed at 21 mmboe which could be enough for a tie-in to the Alba field infrastructure. Ithaca partnered TotalEnergies in 2020’s Isabella discovery in the same region.

Jun 2021: Siccar Point applied to the OGA for consent to develop the Cambo oil field in blocks 204/4a, 204/5a, 204/9a and 204/10a at a water depth of 1,100m within the Faroe-Shetland Channel. An FPSO, 2 drill centres and 8 new wells are proposed plus an appraisal well in 2018. Oil will be exported via shuttle tanker and gas sent to the West of Shetland Pipeline System. First oil should be in 2025.

Apr 2021: Ithaca (operator, 85%) and Dana (15%) sanctioned the Captain EOR Stage 2 project in the Central North Sea. designed to increase recovery by injecting polymerised water into the reservoir through additional subsea wells. The Captain field was discovered in 1977, in Block 13/22a on the edge of the outer Moray Firth. It achieved 1st production in 1997.

2020

Nov 2020: BP (66%) and Ithaca Energy (34%, production operator) started production from the Vorlich field in the Central North Sea through 2 subsea wells. Peak production is expected at 20,000 bbls per day through the FPF-1 floating production facility. Capex is around US$306 mm.

Oct 2020: Premier Oil and Chrysaor proposed an all share merger which would create the largest independent oil and gas company on the London Stock Exchange with combined production of over 250,000 bbls of oil equivalent per day. Premier will absorb Chrysaor through a reverse takeover.

Sep 2020: The OGA offered 113 licence areas over 259 blocks to 65 companies in the 32nd Offshore Licensing Round. The government is also launching a review into the licensing regime (to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050) and will not run a licence round for 2020/21. The awarded areas are in the Northern, Central, and Southern North Sea and the West of Shetlands.

May 2020: Premier Oil has delayed first gas from the Tolmount project in the Southern North Sea to Q2 2021 due to COVID-19. The project consists of 4 wells, a platform and a pipeline into the Humber Gathering System. The platform construction yard in Italy has been in lockdown.

Mar 2020: Siccar Point (operator, 70%) and Shell (30%) will defer sanction for the Cambo project to 2021. The field lies NW of the Shetland in a water depth of 1,100 m. Discovered in 2002, it has 5 appraisals, the last drilled in 2018. .An FPSO and 2 drill centres are planned with oil exported via shuttle tanker. Gas will go via a pipeline tied to the West of Shetland Pipeline (WOSPS).

Mar 2020: Repsol Sinopec has submitted an environmental statement for development of the Tain field in the Central North Sea, block 13/23b (P983). It lies NW of the Blake Flank field. A 2-well tieback to FPSO Bleo Holm on the Ross field is planned. Drilling could start in 2022.

Mar 2020: Due to low prices EnQuest will not to re-start production at the Heather and Thistle/Deveron fields (shut-in in Oct 2019) due to technical problems. EnQuest had planned to restore production in 2020.

Mar 2020: Total (operator, 30%), Neptune (50%), Ithaca (10%) and Euroil (10%) have made a discovery with the Isabella 30/12d-11 well in 80m of water on P1820 in the Central North Sea. It lies 40 kms south of the Elgin-Franklin field and is also HP/HT. The well drilled 64m net pay of gas, condensate and light oil in Upper Jurassic and Triassic sandstone reservoirs.

Feb 2020: Wintershall Noordzee (a joint venture of Wintershall and Gazprom) started gas production from the Sillimanite field in the Southern North Sea. Discovered in 2015, the unitized field is in UK and Dutch waters. The former P14-A and E18-A platform is being used for the 3rd time.

Feb 2020: BP (operator, 50%) and Shell (50%) announced early production (since late December) from the 20mm bbl Alligin field 140 kms west of Shetland in a water depth of 475 m. It is part of the Greater Schiehallion Area, developed as a 2-well subsea tieback to the Schiehallion, Glen Lyon FPSO.

2019

Dec 2019: Angus Energy has submitted a Field Development Plan to the OGA for the Saltfleetby gas field with reconnection to the National Gas Transmission Grid planned for 2020. Saltfleetby was once the UK’s largest onshore gas field.

Dec 2019: The 32nd Offshore Licensing Round attracted 104 applications covering 245 blocks or part-blocks across the UKCS from 71 companies. The OGA is evaluating the applications, with a view to making awards in 2Q 2020.

Dec 2019: Equinor (operator, 44.34%), Esso (21.37%) and Spirit (34.3%) began production from the Barnacle field. At plateau it is estimated at 4,000 bbls of oil per day through one extended reach well tied back to the Statfjord B platform in Norway. The field is under 2 kms from the border.

Dec 2019: Hurricane and Spirit Energy confirmed a discovery in well 204/30b-4 (Warwick West). The well intersected a 931m horizontal section of fractured basement reservoir and flowed 1,300 bbls of 43°API oil per day. This was the third well in the Greater Warwick Area (after Lincoln Crestal and Warwick Deep).

Sep 2019: Shell (operator, 92.52%) and Ithaca (7.48%) have taken an FID on the Pierce Depressurization Project in the Central North Sea. The FPSO (Haewene Brim) will be modified, a gas export line installed to the SEGAL pipeline and 2 wells drilled. It is planned to produce 1.75 bcm of gas a year at peak.

Sep 2019: Equinor started production from the Utgard gas and condensate field, spanning the Norwegian-UK border in the North Sea. The development consists of 2 subsea wells tied back to the Sleipner field on the Norwegian side of the border, with one well on each side.

Sep 2019: UKOG (85.635%) has received planning consent for 25 years of production at up to 3,500 bbls of oil per day from 6 six wells within the Portland and Kimmeridge at the Horse Hill oil field near Gatwick. It is operated by subsidiary, Horse Hill Developments (HHDL). The first horizontal well (HH-2/2z will begin drilling before the end of September.

Aug 2019: Equinor (operator, 65.11%), with Nippon (20%), Siccar Point (8.89%) and One-Dyas (6%), achieved first oil from the US$7.7bn Mariner field on the East Shetland Platform. It should produce over 300 mm bbls peaking at 70,000 bbls per day. The field has a PDQ platform exporting to an FSU and then tankers. It will eventually have 100 wells drilled by the PDQ and a jackup.

Aug 2019: The OGA launched a restricted Out of Round offer of 2 blocks (3/24c & 3/29c),near the Northern North Sea Rhum gas field. It will close on October 30th, 2019. The Rhum field, in block 3/29a, is a subsea development tied back to the Bruce platform.

Jul 2019: The OGA offered 768 blocks or part-blocks in the 32nd Offshore Licensing Round covering areas in the Central, Northern and Southern North Sea and West of Shetlands. The Round closes in November with awards in Q2 2020. Companies may also propose adjacent blocks if substantial work programs are planned.

Jun 2019: Total (operator, 49.99%), with BP (32%) and JX Nippon (18.01%), started production from the Culzean gas/condensate field on Block 22/25a in the Central Graben. The field contains up to 300 mm bbls of oil equivalent and will have 6 wells, 3 platforms and an FSO unit. Gas is exported via the CATS pipeline and oil by shuttle tanker.

Jun 2019: The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has offered for award 37 licence areas over 141 blocks or part-blocks to 30 companies in the 31st Offshore Licensing Round. Data from the 2016 Government-funded 19,000 km seismic programme was available for the frontier round. The 32nd (mature) Round is scheduled for summer 2019.

May 2019: Hurricane Energy has started up the Lancaster field west of the Shetland’s on the Rona Ridge. Hurricane expects the field to produce at a plateau of 17,000 bbls of oil per day through an EPS and 3-well tieback to the Aoka Mizu FPSO. Lancaster is the first fractured basin field in production in the UK.

Apr 2019: Decipher (operator) announced commencement of production from the Orlando field, Tarbert Formation of the Brent Group, in P1606, Block 3/3b. A subsea well has been tied back to the Ninian Central Platform from where oil will be transported to Sullom Voe.

Mar 2019: Neptune (operator, 35%), with BP (50%) and Japex (15%), submitted an FID for the Seagull field, an HP/HT development in the Central North Sea, licence P1622, Block 22/29C. It will have up to 4 subsea wells tied to the Heron pipeline system and the ETAP CPF through the  Egret manifold. First oil is expected in 2021.

Mar 2019: Oil and gas production increased by over 4% in 2018 mostly through growth in oil output as gas production declined. In 2018 oil production rose to 1.09 mm bbls per day, up 8.9% on 2017 and the highest since 2011. Meanwhile gas production fell by 3.5% whilst (OPEX) rose slightly and CAPEX fell significantly.

Feb 2019: Cuadrilla announced that the drilling, hydraulic fracturing and flow testing of the first horizontal well in the Bowland Shale beneath Preston New Road (PNR) confirms that there is a reservoir of recoverable natural gas present. Cuadrilla has shut in the well and will monitor build-up as it assesses the results.

Jan 2019: The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) launched the Supplementary 31st Offshore Licensing Round in the Greater Buchan Area. in the Outer Moray Firth of the North Sea.

Jan 2019: CNOOC (operator, 50%) with Total (25%) and Euroil (25%) announced a significant gas and condensate discovery at the Glengorm Prospect in the Central North Sea, Licence P2215 with a water depth of 86m. The licence comprises Blocks 22/21c, 22b and 26d.

2018

Dec 2018: Apache (operator, 100%) has initiated production from its Garten development on Block 9/18a Area-W is tied back, 6 kms north, to the Beryl Alpha Platform. The recoverable resource is expected to exceed 10 mmbbls of light oil plus associated natural gas.

Nov 2018: BP (operator), Shell, Chevron and ConocoPhillips announced first oil production from the Clair Ridge project in the West of Shetland region. It is the second phase of development of the Clair field with 2 new, bridge-linked platforms (total 36 slots) and export pipelines to Sullom Voe designed to recover an 640 mm bbls of oil at a plateau level of 120,000 bbls per day.

Nov 2018: Azinor Catalyst (operator, 25%) announced an oil discovery at its 9/14a-17B well and associated side-track on the Agar-Plantain Prospect. Catalyst believes the discovery holds recoverable resources of between 15 and 50 mm bbls oil equivalent. Partners are Nautical Petroleum (50%) and Faroe Petroleum (25%).

Nov 2018: The OGA announced the 31st Offshore Licensing Round has attracted 36 applications covering 164 blocks in frontier areas of the UKCS. Applications were received from 35 companies. It intends to offer awards to successful applicants during Q2 2019.

Oct 2018: Horse Hill Developments (HHDL), a UKOG subsidiary, considers the Portland oil field in the Weald Basin to be commercially viable after an extended well test. HHDL targets start up of oil production in 2019 with the first planned horizontal producer attaining rates of 720-1,080 bbls of oil per day.

Oct 2018: RockRose announced acquisition of a 30.43% interest in Blocks 23/11a, 23/16b and 23/16c which contain the Arran gas/condensate field in the Central North Sea. An FID has been made by the partners to develop the field and Shell has become operator. Four development wells will be drilled tied back to the Shearwater platform.

Sep 2018: Total (operator, 60%) announced a gas discovery on the Glendronach prospect,on Block 206/04a in a water depth of 300m, West of Shetland. The well drilled a gas column of 42m in a Lower Cretaceous reservoir. Recoverable resources are estimated at 28 bcm. The discovery can be tied back to infrastructure around the Edradour field. Partners are Ineos (20%) and SSE (20%).

Aug 2018: Premier Oil (operator, 50%) and Dana (50%) announced the sanction of Tolmount Main gas field in the Southern North Sea. It is expected to produce around 3 bcm of gas a year at peak from an unmanned platform exporting to shore via a new pipeline. Capex is estimated at US$120 mm with first gas targeted for Q4 2020.

Jul 2018: The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) launched the 31st Offshore Licensing Round offering blocks in frontier areas of the UKCS. A total of 1766 blocks of open acreage is now available. The OGA is also asking companies to propose additional blocks in mature areas. Companies have until 7th November 2018 to apply.

Jun 2018: Shell (operator, 32%) and Esso (68%) have made an FID for the Fram gas/condensate field which is expected to produce around 0.44 bcm a year and 5,300 bbls per day of condensate. Two wells will be drilled with production transported via a subsea pipeline to the Starling field and then on to the Shearwater platform.  

May 2018: The OGA announced that it has offered 123 licenses, over 229 blocks or part-blocks, to 61 companies in the 30th Offshore Licensing Round. The OGA plans to launch the 31st Licensing Round in mid-2018.

Mar 2018: Apache (operator, 100%) announced discovery of the Garten oil field on Block 9/18a Area-W, 6 kms south of the Beryl Alpha Platform. The well encountered more than 200m of net oil pay in stacked Jurassic sandstone reservoirs and will be suspended as a future producer tied back to Beryl. First production is anticipated in Q1 2019.

Mar 2018: Drilling in the North Sea was at its lowest level since 1973, with only 94 wells drilled in 2017. However, the amount of oil estimated to have been discovered was its highest since 2008 at 350 mm bbls.

Jan 2018: BP announced the Capercaillie discovery (100%) in Block 29/4e in the Central North Sea and the Achmelvich discovery ((operator, 52.6%) with Shell (28%) and Chevron (19.4%)) in Block 206/9b west of Shetland. Capercaillie encountered light oil and gas-condensate in Paleocene and Cretaceous reservoirs. Achmelvich encountered oil in Mesozoic reservoirs.

2017

Dec 2017: Premier Oil (operator, 50%) achieved first oil from Catcher in the North Sea, made up of he Catcher, Varadero and Burgman fields discovered between 2010 and 2013. Partners are Cairn (20%), MOL (20%) and Dyas (10%). The fields have 22 subsea wells (14 producers and 8 water injectors) tied back to the BW Catcher FPSO.

Nov 2017: The 30th Offshore Licensing Round has drawn 96 applications across 239 blocks according to the Oil & Gas Authority (OGA). Sixty-eight companies applied. The 31st Round is due to open in mid-2018.

Nov 2017: Dana (subsidiary of KNOC, operator, 77%) and Cieco (23%) announced first oil from the Western Isles development. The Harris and Barra fields lie in the Northern North Sea and include production and water injection wells tied back to a cylindrical FPSO with oil export using shuttle tankers. Capacity is 44,000 bbls of oil per day.

Sep 2017: BP started oil production from the Arundel field,15 kms north of the Andrew platform in the central North Sea, The field was discovered in 2000 with appraisal wells drilled in 2008 and 2009. A single horizontal well is being used with a subsea tie-in via the Kinnoull pipeline to Andrew.  

Aug 2017: Total (operator, 60%), DONG (20%) and SSE (20%) have started production from the Edradour & Glenlivet gas/condensate fields in 300 to 435m of water in the West of Shetland area. The development comprises a 35 km tie-back of 3 subsea wells to the Laggan-Tormore production system which includes a 143 km pipeline to the onshore Shetland Gas Plant.

Aug 2017: The UK Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has expanded the 30th Licensing Round offer with seven more blocks. They are 110/5; 110/10; 110/16; 110/18; 113/24; 113/29 and  113/30 which were not initially on offer pending clarification of boundary lines.

Jul 2017: The UK Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has launched the 30th Offshore Licensing Round with 813 blocks or part blocks on offer in mature areas of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). Blocks are on offer in the Southern, Central and Northern North Sea, the West of Shetland and the East Irish Sea. The Round is open for 120 days until 21 November 2017.

Jul 2017: The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) offered for award 12 licenses to 11 companies in the 2016 Supplementary Offshore Licensing Round. Fourteen blocks were originally on offer in response to industry nominations of areas outside of those covered by the 2016 frontier 29th Licensing Round. The round offered blocks under flexible terms.

Jun 2017: First gas has been delivered from the Cayley field, part of the redevelopment of the Montrose Area in the Central North Sea operated by Repsol Sinopec (58.97%) with Godwin and Shaw. The project incorporates a new bridge-linked production platform  connected to Montrose Alpha.

Jun 2017: EnQuest has confirmed that first oil from the offshore Kraken heavy oil development has been achieved. Thirteen wells that have been drilled comprising 7 producers and 6 injectors. These will be brought online in phases to maximise recovery.

Jun 2017: Centrica will permanently close operations at the Rough natural gas storage facility following completion of a testing program. It will produce all recoverable cushion gas from the field, estimated at just over 5 bcm.

May 2017: BP has announced first oil from the redeveloped Schiehallion Area following completion of the Quad 204 project in the west of Shetland region. An estimated additional 450 mm barrels of resources has been developed. The project is expected to ramp up to a plateau level of 130,000 bbls of oil per day. Production from the new Clair Ridge project nearby is expected in 2018.

May 2017: Centrica will drill a new US$45mm production well at the Chestnut field aiming to increase production from the Hummingbird Spirit FPSO from under 4,000 bbls of oil per day to nearly 14,000 bbls per day. The field came onstream in 2008 and has produced significantly more than forecast.

May 2017: First oil has begun to flow from the Shaw field, part of the redevelopment of the Montrose/Arbroath Area in the Central North Sea operated by Repsol Sinopec (58.97%). The project incorporates the development of 3 new fields (Godwin, Cayley and Shaw).

Mar 2017: Hurricane announced that the Halifax well (205/23-3A) is an oil discovery and linked to the Lancaster field. The reservoir is fractured with a 1000m column of oil with similar properties to Lancaster. The field is believed to be the largest undeveloped discovery on the UKCS.The well has been suspended for further testing and/or deepening to establish an oil water contact.

Mar 2017: Maersk (operator, 65.941% and 6.255%) began oil production from the Flyndre field tied back to the Clyde platform. The field is in Blocks 30/13 and 30/14 (UK) and Block 1/5 (Norway). It was discovered in 1974 and straddles the boundary. Partners are Repsol Sinopec (22.739% and 4.24%), Statoil Petroleum (0.471%) and Petoro (0.354%).

Mar 2017: The OGA has offered for award 25 licences for 111 blocks or part blocks to 17 companies in the 29th Offshore Licensing Award for frontier areas. Two areas, Rockall and the Mid-North Sea High, were the focus of Government funded seismic acquisition in 2015. The 30th Offshore Licensing Round will focus on mature areas and will be announced later in 2017.

Feb 2017: Ithaca announced start-up of the Stella field on Block 30/6 in the Central Graben through a shuttle tanker. Ramp-up will begin when gas processing facilities are complete. The field includes the Andrew sandstone containing oil and gas/condensate and the Ekofisk sandstone containing oil.

2016

Dec 2016: First gas has flowed from the Cygnus field, set to be the largest producing gas field in the UK in 2017 Cygnus was discovered in 1988 around 150 kms off the coast of Lincolnshire, England. The Cygnus complex has 4 platforms, 10 wells and two subsea structures. The field is operated by Engie (38.75%), with Centrica (48.75%) and Bayerngas (12.5%).

Dec 2016: The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) said that companies can apply for 14 new blocks in the Offshore 2016 Supplementary Round outside of the 29th Oil and Gas Licensing Round offer area. Companies have until March 2017 to apply.

Nov 2016: Enquest (operator, 50%) and MOL (50%) announced first oil from the Scolty/Crathes development in the Central North Sea. Estimated to contain up to 15 mm bbls of oil, Scolty was discovered in 2007 and Crathes in 2011. The development consists of 2 horizontal wells tied to the Kittiwake platform with oil exported via the Forties System.

Nov 2016: Chevron began production at its HP/HT Alder gas and condensate field discovered in 1975 in the Central North Sea. A single subsea well is tied back to the Britannia platform.

Oct 2016: The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has attracted 29 applications from 24 companies covering 113 blocks in the 29th Frontier Licensing Round which targeted under-explored areas. Some of the proposed work programmes include firm well commitments. The upcoming 30th Offshore Licensing Round will cover mature areas of the UKCS.

Sep 2016: Hurricane announced a significant hydrocarbon column in appraisal well 205/21a-7 in the West of Shetlands, Lancaster field yielding a flow rate of up to 11,000 bbls of oil per day using an an electrical submersible pump from its fractured basement reservoir. A 7Z horizontal sidetrack well will now be drilled.

Aug 2016: Premier (operator) has discovered heavy oil in the Bagpuss well, 13/25-1, on the Halibut Horst in the Outer Moray Firth, drilled with the Ocean Valiant semi-sub. Partners are Maersk, EnCounter, Groliffe and North Sea Energy. The well has been plugged and abandoned.

Jul 2016: The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has launched the 29th Offshore Licensing Round with more than 1200 blocks on offer. The Round marks the launch of the Innovate Licence concept allowing licensees to design an optimal work programme. Companies have until 26th October 2016 to apply.

Apr 2016: Premier Oil announced that first oil has been achieved from the Solan field. The first producer well is being naturally flowed at a deliberately restricted initial rate after which the ESP will be turned on. A planned shut down will allow commissioning of the water injection plant, tie-in of a second injection well and tie-in of a second producer well by mid-year.

Mar 2016: Statoil (operator, 81.625%) and Shell (18.375%) will postpone the Bressay project due to low oil prices. Statoil also operates the Mariner field set for first oil in the second half of 2018. Bressay stretches over 4 licences and has reserves of 100-300 mm bbls of oil.

Mar 2016: UK Oil & Gas announced that oil flows in excess of 900 bbls per day have been achieved from a second zone at the Horse Hill-1 discovery in the Weald basin without pumping. The combined average output from the Upper and Lower Kimmeridge limestones is now over 1,360 bbls per day.

Feb 2016: Total (operator, 60%)  started production from the Laggan and Tormore gas and condensate fields in 600m of water in the West of Shetland area. The project is a 140 km tie-back of 4 subsea wells to the new onshore Shetland Gas Plant. They have no offshore surface infrastructure.  Partners  are DONG (20%) and SSE (20%).

2015

Dec 2015: TAQA (operator, 64.5%) announced first oil from the Cladhan field in the North Sea in a water depth of 150m. It is developed as a subsea tie-back (2 producer wells and 1 injection well) to the Tern Alpha platform and straddles blocks 210/29a and 210/30a. Partners are  Sterling (2%) and MOL (33.5%).

Dec 2015: - The Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) announced that 159 onshore blocks under the 14th Onshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round are being offered to successful applicants, incorporated into 93 onshore licenses. Around 75% of the blocks relate to unconventional shale oil or gas.

Dec 2015: EnQuest has approval for development plan for the Scolty/Crathes fields in the central North Sea at a  cost of US$125mm. Single horizontal wells  will be drilled on each field tied back to the Kittiwake platform. First oil is  due in 2017.

Oct 2015: EnQuest (operator, 65%) announced first oil from the Alma/Galia development in Blocks 30/24c and 30/25c in the Central North Sea. The company continues to open up wells with full production rates expected from 2016. Production is via the EnQuest Producer FPSO.

Oct 2015: Statoil announced that commencement of production from the Mariner field will be delayed from 2017 to the second half of 2018. The cost increase is just above 10% compared to the original plan.

Aug 2015: The Culzean gas/condensate HPHT field, the largest sanctioned in the UK since 1990, has been approved for a $4.6bn development. The field was discovered in 2008 and production is expected to start in 2019. Maersk is the operator.

Aug 2015: The Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) announced that 27 blocks from the 14th Onshore Licensing Round will be offered. A second group of 132 blocks will have further environmental assessment. The Round, launched in July 2014, received 95 applications from 47 companies.

Jul 2015: The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) announced remaining winners from the 28th Offshore Licensing Round. The 41 new licences in addition to 134 in late 2014 makes it one of the largest rounds since the first in 1964 – a total of 175 licences over 353 blocks from 173 applications.

Apr 2015: BP has started drilling on the Loyal field marking the start of a 7-year drilling campaign west of Shetlands. Drilling will be carried out on the Schiehallion and Loyal fields as part of the Quad 204 development by a new dual derrick semisub. Five wells are planned prior to first oil from the new Glen Lyon FPSO at the end of 2016.

Apr 2015: Horse Hill Developments Ltd (HHDL) (operator, 65%) with Magellan (35%) announced that the Horse Hill-1 (HH-1) well in PEDL 137 in the Weald Basin may have significant oil reserves primarily in the the Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge mudstone sequence. The hope is that it can be produced using conventional horizontal drilling techniques.  

Mar 2015: LNG imports in 2014 were 20% higher than 2013 whereas pipeline imports were 19% lower driven by the fall in LNG prices. All gas imports were lower by 10% as demand fell 9% due to warmer temperatures. There was a small increase in gas use for electricity generation.

Mar 2015: GDF Suez (operator, 30%) announced the Dalziel oil discovery (22/16-6 - PL1799) in the Central North Sea which flowed at 8,000 bbls of oil equiv. per day. The well is being side-tracked for appraisal. Partners are RWE DEA (25%), JX Nippon (25%) and Total (20%).

Jan 2015: Total has started gas/condensate production from West Franklin Phase 2 in the Central Graben, supplying 40,000 bbls of oil equivalent per day to the Elgin/Franklin hub.It includes 3 new wells and 2 new platforms. Total is operator (46.2%) with Eni (21.9%), BG (14.1%), E.ON (5.2%), ExxonMobil (4.3%), Chevron (3.9%), Summit (2.2%) and Dyas (2.2%).

Jan 2015: According to Wood Mackenzie, E & P investment in 2014 was US$19bn despite rising costs, poor exploration results and falling oil prices squeezing project economics. A third of the spend was on 5 assets (Mariner, Schiehallion, Laggan, Clair and Golden Eagle) but 12 new fields may start production in 2015.

2014

Dec 2014: BP has started producing oil from the Kinnoull field in the central North Sea into BP's existing Andrew platform with hydrocarbons being  transported to the mainland via the Forties oil pipeline and the CATS gas pipeline.

Dec 2014: Statoil has awarded the contract for drilling and well services on the Mariner field to Schlumberger commencing in Jan 2015 initially for 4 years. The Mariner field is located 150 kms east of the Shetland Isles and is the largest development on the UKCS in more than a decade. Drilling of up to 130 wells is planned to start in 2016 with production in 2017.

Nov 2014: DECC announced the offer of awards for Licenses in the 28th Seaward Licensing Round. An initial tranche of offers  have been made of 134 production licences covering 252 blocks. A further group of applications will be decided after environmental assessments.

Nov 2014: The Golden Eagle Area Development (GEAD), comprising the Golden Eagle, Peregrine and Solitaire fields ,has begun oil production. GEAD is in blocks 20/1S, 20/1N and 14/26a at a water depth from 89-139m. It is expected to reach a peak rate of 70,000 bbls per day in 2015. Nexen (CNOOC) is operator (36.54%) with Maersk (31.56%), Suncor (26.69%) and Edinburgh Oil and Gas (5.21%).

Oct 2014: Total (operator, 80%) and Dong Energy have opted for a joint development of the Edradour and Glenlivet fields, tieing-in to the Laggan and Tormore pipeline to Sullom Voe. Production start-up is planned for 2018. Glenlivet, in 435m of water, will be developed with 2 wells and Edradour, at a water depth of 300m, will have a  single well.

Oct 2014: GDF Suez and BP announced an oil discovery in the Central North Sea spanning blocks 30/1f (P1588) and 30/1c (P363). The well was drilled with a jack-up rig under a joint agreement between the two licence groups and was tested at a rate of 5,350 bbls of oil equivalent per day. The discovery is called Marconi by GDF SUEZ and Vorlich by BP.

Sep 2014: Centrica (operator, 55%) has discovered gas at the Pegasus West well in block 43/14b in the Southern Gas Basin in waters 30m deep. The well lies near to the producing Cavendish Field. Third Energy Offshore (35%) and Atlantic Petroleum (10%) are partners.

Aug 2014: The Laggan-Tormore gas condensate fields will start production in 2015, not 2014 due to delays in construction of the gas treatment plant inthe Shetland Islands. Total (operator, 80%), along with Dong (20%), is developing the fields at a cost of US$5.5 bn.

Jul 2014: Premier reports that the  offshore installation of the Solan field, west of the Shetland Islands, will begin in August 2014 with total project cost to first oil estimated at US$1.4 bn. The field will include 4 subsea wells tied back to an unmanned processing deck. It is expected to produce a total of 40 mm bbls of oil with an initial production rate of 24,000 bbls per day starting in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Jul 2014: Total will develop the Edradour gas field in the West of Shetlands after buying a 60% stake in the neighbouring Glenlivet field. Total holds 75% of Edradour with Dong (25%). Total now holds 60% of Glenlivet with Dong retaining 20%, Faroe Petroleum (10%) and First Oil (10%).

Jun 2014: Premier has approval of its Catcher area development plan in the Central North Sea tol produce 96 mm bbls of oil equivalent at a peak rate of 50,000 bbls per day. The project will entail 22 subsea wells on the Catcher, Varadero and Burgman fields tied back to an FPSO. The oil will be offloaded by tankers with gas exported through the SEGAL facilities. First oil is targeted for mid-2017.

May 2014: The Cepheus 44/12a-6 well has discovered gas within the Lower Leman Sandstone in the Southern Gas Basin. It was deviated from a top hole location in block 44/12a to the target in block 44/12b (Licence P1731). The discovery is near to the Cygnus development. The P1731 licence operator is GDF Suez (34.48%) with Centrica  (48.28%) and Bayerngas (17.24%).

May 2014: The Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) reports that the 28th Offshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round has received 173 applications for 370 blocks. The department aims to start awarding acreage in the autumn. This compares with 2012 when DECC received applications for 418 blocks and 2010 when 378 blocks were awarded, the highest number since licensing began in 1964.

May 2014: Dana has completed the first oil production well and drilled 3 further wells in the Western Isles Development Project. All 4 subsea trees have been installed on the seabed by the drilling rig Ocean Nomad. The project, operated by Dana (77%) with CIECO (23%), is a development of the Harris and Barra fields in the Northern North Sea with 5 production and 4  injection wells tied back to an FPSO.

Apr 2014: Taqa (operator) and Sterling Resources announced that first production from the Cladhan field in the North Sea is expected at the end of the first quarter of 2015. Development drilling will resume this month and installation of pipelines and tie-back to the Tern Alpha platform will begin in mid 2014. Initial production will be 17,000 bbls per day.

Feb 2014: Production at the Murchison field have ceased by operator CNR. The field, discovered in 1975, supplied 150,383 bbls  per day at peak. Almost 400 mm bbls of oil have been produced from 98 development wells. Infrastructure will be completely removed by 2019.

Jan 2014: The UK launched its 28th round of offshore licensing. The previous 27th round saw a record number of licences awarded. In 2013, 36 offshore projects, with a capex of over UK£9 bn, were approved. Companies have until 25th Apr to submit applications.

Jan 2014: Wood Mackenzie estimates capital investment in 2013 was the highest since the 1970s. However, only 13 new fields were brought onstream, lower than the 21 expected, and capital investment is unlikely to be sustained at current high levels beyond 2015. Exploration success has been poor since the beginning of 2011 with just 52 exploratory wells spudded in 2013.

Jan 2014: Chevron has received approval to develop the Alder field in Block 15/29a in the Central North Sea. First production is expected in 2016. Discovered in 1975, Alder has a HP/HT gas condensate reservoir and will be developed via a single subsea well tied back to the Britannia Platform. Chevron is operator with 73.684% along with ConocoPhillips (26.316%).

Jan 2014: GDF SUEZ has announced first gas from the West well of the Juliet field in Block 47/14b on the west flank of the Southern Gas Basin. A second well (Juliet East) will come onstream within 3 months. At plateau, the 2 wells will produce 0.8 bcm per year with gas transported by pipeline to Pickerill A platform and then via its pipeline to Theddlethorpe terminal.

2013

Dec 2013: TAQA has approval for development of the Morrone field in Block 9/23b in the Northern North Sea. An extended reach well will be drilled from the Harding platform, 5 kms to the north in the same block. Morrone is expected to produce 3,000 bbls of oil per day from 3Q 2014. TAQA took over operatorship from BP in June 2013 and has 70%, along with Maersk (30%).

Nov 2013: The Government awarded a further 52 oil and gas licences, bringing the total number of offers of awards in the 27th Round to 219. The offers included licenses being awarded to 21 smaller independents that are new entrants to the market.

Nov 2013: Dana has made an oil discovery in the Moray Firth in the Lower Cretaceous Captain Sandstone reservoir at the Liberator 13/23d-8 well in Licence P1987. Dana owns 100% of the licence. This is Dana’s fifth discovery in the last 3 years.

Nov 2013: Chevron has suspended its Rosebank project in the west of Shetlands area, blaming poor economics,

Nov 2013: Production from the HP/HT Jasmine gas-condensate field in Blocks 30/6 and 30/07a has commenced; the largest field onstream in the North Sea since Buzzard in 2007. The development comprises a 24-slot WH platform with bridge-linked accommodation 9 kms west of Judy. Partners are ConocoPhillips (operator 36.5%, BG (30.5%) and Eni (33%).

Nov 2013: The Kraken oil field has been approved for development by DECC. Discovered in 1985, Kraken is a heavy oil accumulation in the North Sea with reserves estimated at 137 mm bbls. The field may come onstream in 2017 with peak production expected at 50,000 bbls per day. Partners are EnQuest (operator, 60%), Cairn (25%) and First Oil (15%).

Oct 2013: CNOOC announced that production from the Rochelle gas-condensate field in Blocks 15/26b, 15/26c and 15/27 has begun. The field has 2 subsea wells and a pipeline to the Scott platform. Initial production is from West Rochelle with East Rochelle on-line soon. Nexen, owned by CNOOC, is operator with 41% with Endeavour (44%) and Premier (15%).

Oct 2013: The number of wells drilled fell in the third quarter. Only 11 exploration and appraisal wells were started, 35% lower than the same period in 2012. The pick-up in production forecast for 2014 is also expected to be delayed. However, a recovery in drilling in the fourth quarter is likely since some of the current fall is due to rig availability issues.

Oct 2013: The UK is unlikely to expand shale gas production quickly. It has a small onshore oil and gas industry, no private ownership of mineral rights, high population density, strict environmental regulations and local opposition. Just a few companies have expressed interest and fears that fracking will cause damage from earthquakes and to ground waters deter investors.

Sep 2013: Gas output from the Rhum field in the Central North Sea, owned by BP and the NIOC, has been suspended since 2010 due to sanctions against Iran but negotiations are underway to bring it back into production. Discovered in 1977 and onstream in 2005, the field lies 390km northeast of Aberdeen in 109m of water. It has a high-pressure, high temperature reservoir.

Sep 2013: Statoil is on track with the Mariner field project, the largest offshore development in the UK in a decade, expecting to start production in 2017 with a rate of  55,000 bbls of oil per day over the plateau period to 2020. The field will be developed with a 50 slot steel platform and an FSU of 850,000 bbls capacity. A jack-up rig will be used to assist drilling for the first 5 years.

Aug 2013: The Tolmount field has been reported to be one of the largest gas finds in the Southern North Sea for a decade after an appraisal well was completed. Tolmount lies near gas infrastructure 50 kms off the coast, northeast of Dimlington in block 42/28d. EON is operator with 50% along with Dana Petroleum (also 50%).

Jul 2013: Conoco has encountered gas in the 23/22b-6Z exploration well (Lacewing Prospect) on the eastern margins of the Central North Sea at a total depth of 4,380m. Post well evaluation work will ascertain whether commerciality can be established. The partners in the block Conoco (47.3%, operator), Premier (20.2%) and BG (32.5%). The well was a HP/HT Triassic test.

Jul 2013: DONG Energy has announced the results from two exploration wells that were drilled in the West of Shetlands at the end of 2012 and early 2013. Cragganmore, in 673m of water, is a gas discovery and Glenrothes, in 1,169m, was dry. DONG is operator with 40% along with Dana Petroleum (30%) and GDF SUEZ (30%).

Jul 2013: Production from the Huntington oil field is increasing as commissioning of the gas facilities on the FPSO proceeds. Production levels are 24,000 bbls per day of oil and 0.2 bcm per year of gas. With full gas compression capability levels will be ramped up to 30,000 bbls per day. The partners are EON (25%, operator), Premier (40%), Noreco  (20%) and Iona Energy (15%).

May 2013: Companies including Cuadrilla Resources,  IGas, Celtic, Dart Energy, Egdon Resources, Third Energy, Reach, Europa, Aurora and Rathlin plan to drill 20 to 40 exploration wells over the next 3 years to test the production potential of shale gas resources. Some of these will be hydraulically fractured. A year-long ban on drilling has been lifted after the government imposed more stringent rules on fracking to reduce any risk of earthquakes.

Apr 2013: Apache announced that its Tonto oil field commenced production from one well, drilled deviated from the Forties Bravo platform, at an initial rate of 10,346 bbls of oil per day. Apache holds 100%. Drilling of another development well is planned by year-end 2013. Tonto follows Maule and Bacchus as the 3rd oil field brought online by Apache in the Forties area within the last 3 years.

Apr 2013: TAQA’s development plan for the Cladhan field in blocks 210/29a and 210/30a of the northern North Sea has been approved. The first phase will consist of two producer wells and one injection well tied back to the Tern Alpha platform with first oil expected in 2015. Assuming current asset deals occur the TAQA will own 52.7%, Sterling 13.8% and Wintershall 33.5%.

Jan 2013: The UK government expects around 28 new oil and gas fields on the Continental Shelf to get approval in 2013. In 2012, 29 projects were approved with capital expenditure of US$17.3 bn. In 2011 eighteen projects with a total value of US$20.5 bn were approved. The level of investment in projects in 2011 was over 10 times the amount of 2009. A total of 167 new licences to explore were awarded to 13 operators in the 27th licensing round covering 330 blocks.

2012

Dec 2012: Statoil is to invest more than US$7 bn to develop the heavy oil Mariner field; the largest UK offshore development in more than a decade. It is estimated that the field will produce for 30 years from 2019 and will reach a plateau of 55,000 barrels a day. Reserves are estimated to be more than 250 mm bbls. Statoil expects to make a final investment decision on the Bressay heavy oil field in 2013.

Oct 2012: The government has approved a project to extend the life of 6 North Sea fields and develop two more. The MonArb Area Redevelopment Project will involve US$2.56 bn of investment by Talisman, with first production expected in 2016. The project will lead to a further 100 mm bbls of oil equivalent being extracted from the existing Montrose, Arbroath, Brechin, Arkwright, Carnoustie and Wood fields plus the undeveloped Cayley and Shaw fields.

Oct 2012: BP has produced first gas from the Devenick field, discovered in 1983 in the central North Sea. It is expected to reach peak daily output of around 1 bcm per year in 2013. Advances in subsea technology has made development economic. The project had seen investment of around $806 mm with gas and condensate tied into Marathon’s East Brae platform 34 kms away.

May 2012: The government received a record number of applications for its 27th licensing round, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced. A total of 224 applications were submitted covering 418 blocks of the UKCS. This is the largest number since offshore licensing began in 1964 and is 37 more than the previous high total in the 26th licensing round.

Northwestern Europe

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