Apache Corporation today marks the 50th anniversary of the Forties Field – the first major oil field discovery in the North Sea and a symbol of engineering excellence, resilience, and energy innovation.
Inaugurated on November 3, 1975, by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II from bp’s Aberdeen headquarters, the Forties Field heralded a new era for U.K. energy. Under Apache’s stewardship since 2003, the Forties continue to play a vital role in powering the nation. Over five decades, the Forties Field, comprising 133 platform wells, six subsea wells, six topside platforms, and more than 270 km of pipeline, has produced approximately 2.86 billion barrels of oil. Today, it stands as a testament to Scottish grit, industrial excellence, and enduring human spirit.
“When Apache entered the North Sea in 2003, we quickly earned a reputation as bold, fearless, and forward-thinking – a company unafraid to challenge convention and invest ambitiously in the future,” said Greg McDaniel, senior vice president, International Assets.
Today, the Forties Field continues to produce, standing as a lasting symbol of endurance and innovation. It is a true privilege to be part of the Forties story and to celebrate this remarkable 50-year milestone.
The field’s longevity is a tribute not only to the outstanding engineering of its time but also to the dedication and ingenuity of generations of people who have sustained it. Then, as now, our people are the driving force behind our success. We have the best team in the business, and we are all deeply honoured to be custodians of the Forties legacy.” Greg McDaniel, Senior Vice President, International Assets
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