The UK’s latest offshore licensing round has attracted 104 applications covering 245 blocks or part-blocks across the main producing areas of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).
The 32nd UK Offshore Licensing Round, which closed on 12 November 2019, offered acreage in the Central North Sea, Northern North Sea, Southern North Sea and the West of Shetlands. Applications were received from 71 companies ranging from multinationals to new country entrants.
As part of its continued commitment to improving access to quality data and insights, the OGA made a significant volume of data available in support of the 32nd Round. The data sets were made available through the UK National Data Repository (NDR) and the OGA website.
Dr Nick Richardson, head of exploration and new ventures at the OGA, said: ‘The response to the round has been very positive, exceeding the interest received for the 30th Offshore Licensing Round which was also in the more mature areas of the UKCS. We look forward to seeing how the data released in support of the round has been used to support the applications submitted.’
The OGA is expected to make awards in Q2 2020. The OGA said that it is now engaging with industry on the timing and nature of the 33rd round, which is unlikely to take place in 2020.
