Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) has surpassed $8bn this year in a clear sign that confidence is gradually returning to the basin, says Oil & Gas UK’s newly launched Market Insight.
The new Insight – which gives the most recent overview of the current business environment as well as operational trends and performance on the UKCS – says that the recent increase in M&A activity in the basin should help to attract new investment over the next couple of years.
There are also signs that a number of significant projects could secure approval in the new year, offering a more positive outlook for the whole industry in 2018.
Mike Tholen, Oil and Gas UK’s Upstream Policy Director, said: “This year has been a very busy one for M&A activity which must be seen as a sign that confidence is returning the basin. Now with Transferable Tax History (TTH) in play, we expect that M&A activity will continue into 2018 as established players can more easily divest their non-core assets to companies better suited to invest in them and extend field life.
“Analysis shows that when an asset changes operatorship, average field life extension of nearly five years is achieved, and I am confident that trend will continue to shape the future of the UKCS.”
Although larger discoveries are still being made in the UK – with the basin’s technical exploration success topping 300 million barrels of oil equivalent for a second consecutive year – the Market Insight, which has a special section on wells, notes that challenges do still exist within the drilling and wells area of the industry.
The low level of development drilling during 2017 is of particular concern, with just 63 wells drilled during the first three quarters of the year.
Mr Tholen added: “Oil and Gas UK’s Wells Forum is working with the industry on a basin-wide performance improvement strategy which will help to make well construction a more efficient and cost-effective process.
“Success in our wells strategy will create a virtuous circle to help unlock more opportunities on the UKCS.”
Oil & Gas UK plans to release a Market Insight Report every six months, with each issue featuring a different area of focus.
Read the first Market Insight Report 2017 here.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Oil & Gas UK’s Market Intelligence Manager Adam Davey is available for interview. To arrange, contact Communications Manager Jennifer Phillips 01224 577279 / [email protected], Communications Adviser Lucy Gordon 01224 577331 / [email protected] or Communications Adviser Natalie Coupar 01224 577343 / [email protected].
Oil & Gas UK is the leading representative organisation for the UK offshore oil and gas industry. Its membership comprises oil and gas producers and contractor companies.
Share this article