Oilex in deal to buy stakes in East Irish Sea discoveries
Australian firm Oilex has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Koru Energy to buy up to a 50% of the Knox and Lowry, and Whitbeck gas discoveries in the East Irish Sea.
UKCS
Reacting fast to a growing skills shortage
Investing in technology and boasting a wealth of highly competent inspectors and technicians, Bilfinger Salamis UK’s inspection department delivers quality services to clients across north-west Europe.
Predictive maintenance the key to UKCS life extension
Industry buzz continues to grow around predictive maintenance (PdM), which is seen as a significant contributor to improving efficiency in the oil and gas sector.
Exploro opens base in Aberdeen
A Norwegian geological and geophysical market leader has underlined its commitment to the future exploration of the North Sea by opening an office in Aberdeen to serve its existing and new clients on the UKCS.
We need to look ahead
As many prepare to head across to Houston for 50 years of OTC, it’s worth noting that, while there will be a Golden Anniversary Gala Dinner to mark that milestone, the opening session of the conference is about the next 50 years for our industry.
Where does the UKCS go from here?
It’s 2035.
Prof Kemp raises North Sea production forecast by 4bn barrels in ‘bullish’ new report
Aberdeen University researchers have predicted a huge improvement in the UK North Sea’s prospects in a new report.
OGA to give explorers another jolt with data packs
The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has unveiled its latest initiatives to boost exploration activity in the North Sea.
Neptune boss on North Sea recovery: ‘I didn’t expect to be back so quickly’
Jim House, CEO of Neptune Energy, said today at Oil and Gas UK’s Business Outlook breakfast that he “didn’t expect to be back so quickly”; a sign that a North Sea oil recovery is in full swing.
M&A exceeds $8billion for 2017 as confidence returns to North Sea
The merger and acquisition (M&A) activity within the North Sea has surpassed $8billion in 2017, an indication that confidence is gradually returning to the North Sea.
Step Change: Celebrating 20 years of bringing safety to the North Sea
By the mid-1990s post Piper Alpha safety standards had started to plateau.
OGA releases fresh set of data ahead of 30th Offshore Licencing Round
The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has once again released new data in an effort to attract and incentivise North Sea exploration.
Opinion: Kemp – Mergers and asset transactions on the rise in oil and gas sector
Over the last year or so there has been increased activity in mergers and asset transactions in the oil and gas sector. This certainly includes the UK Continental Shelf. With respect to asset transactions, in the immediate aftermath of the oil price collapse, there was little activity. Both potential sellers and buyers had to assess the effects of the price fall on the value of assets. Cost reductions and valuation of their effects were a priority. Also, there was great uncertainty regarding future price behaviour which made agreement valuations more difficult.
29th licensing round attracts 17 companies to new frontier areas; See who and where
A total of 17 oil and gas operators have been awarded licences in the 29th 'frontier' offshore Licensing Round.
Woodmac predicts North Sea M&A extravaganza in 2017
Energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie (Woodmac) has predicted a bonanza of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity on the UK continental shelf in 2017.
Opinion: Innovation, diversification and transformation
Innovation, diversification and transformation are three words which I make no apologies for repeating. All will be the bedrock upon which Aberdeen’s future is built.
Premier Oil receives monthly deferral on financial covenants
Premier Oil said it has received a monthly deferral in respect of the test of its financial covenants.
Autumn Statement 2016: Shell says government has shown support for sector
Oil major Shell said the reaffirmed measures in the Autumn Statement would continue to help deliver a "strong and sustainable" future for the North Sea.
OGUK decommissioning report forecasts steady rise in work
A groundbreaking new report predicts a steady rise in decommissioning work in the UK and Norway over the coming decade.
UKCS oil industry ‘unlikely’ to hit production efficiency target for 2016, OGA says
The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) said yesterday that the 2016 target for production efficiency on the UK continental shelf (UKCS) was “unlikely” to be met.
Xcite Energy shares sink after company warns of bond dilemma
Xcite Energy shares dived yesterday after the company said bondholders would pursue enforcement action over their loans unless a restructuring of the financial terms hands them near-100% ownership.
Opinion: A technology strategy for our times
Technology innovation is going to play a critical role in the next chapter of oil and gas recovery from the UK continental shelf (UKCS) and in driving export growth in our UK-based supply chain.
Video: Incredible animation of BP’s Clair Ridge project
Oil major BP has revealed fresh footage of its Clair Ridge project in the North Sea.
Oil & Gas UK says North Sea ‘open for business’ in letter to committee
The chief executive of industry body Oil and Gas UK has said the sector is “very much” open for business in a letter to the Energy and Climate Change Committee.
UKCS: Green shoots of summer success
Towards the end of August, three wells, comprising two exploration and one appraisal, were active, but with no new spuds since our last report.