Energy Minister Charles Hendry has announced two major new projects in the UK Continental Shelf, the underwater reserve of oil and gas owned by the UK. Chevron and BP have both secured approval to add to their existing North Sea sites.
Chevron got the go ahead for the Aberlour well, its third deepwater exporation well off the Shetland coast, which will use the hi-tech drilling ship the Stena Carron. BP can now exploit the oil reservoir it found at Kinnoull in 2008, which will be connected to the company’s Andrew platform and is expected to produce up to 45,000 barrels of oil a day.
Addressing the Offshore Europe Conference in Aberdeen, the Minister said that “the UK oil and gas sector continues to thrive.” Mr Hendry added: “Since we started exploring and producing in UK waters, we have been at the leading edge of a worldwide industry. And we still are. This year is shaping up to be our best year for new developments in at least a decade.”
Other Charles Hendry stories:
New oil well safety device unveiled
Charles Hendry to discuss future of UK market at The Energy Event
