Serica Energy is hosting a joint delegation from GMB Union and Offshore Energies UK (‘OEUK’) on the Bruce platform today, 2 September.

The visit is a further part of the cooperation between oil and gas companies, their representative bodies OEUK and BRINDEX and the trade unions, aimed at highlighting the vital importance of sustaining oil and gas production in the UK North Sea. The sector is a crucial source of quality jobs and the skills and funding on which the energy transition depends. 

The Bruce platform is located in the UK North Sea, 340 km north‐east of Aberdeen. Nearly 5% of the UK’s gas production is delivered to the domestic market via the Bruce facilities.  

Claire Greer, GMB Scotland Organiser for Energy, said: 
“The transition must be a process, not an event. The risk of a cliff‐edge for any part of our energy mix in a time of economic recovery and geo political volatility would be harmful to jobs, investment, and security of supply. 

Any change must be done with workers and their industries and not to them. The voices of workers must be heard by those in the corridors of power as policy is being set. 

This is why we are engaging with BRINDEX operators, listening to the real‐world concerns of our offshore workers about the future of their industry, and learning from them about how they think the transition should be delivered.” 

David Whitehouse, chief executive of Offshore Energies UK, said: 
“To deliver a homegrown energy future for the UK, we need the skills of our world class offshore workforce. It is vital that we have an industrial strategy that makes full use of their talent, which is why industry should be recognised with a seat at the table in the development of relevant policy. Homegrown energy production safeguards jobs and communities across the UK, and the impact of decisions made by the government today will be felt for decades to come.   

The best way to grow the UK economy, foster UK innovation and support UK energy security is to invest in our homegrown industry and its highly skilled people. Partnership working with government is critical to this success. It’s great to see the Bruce project in detail and the expertise of Serica’s dedicated workforce.”  

Chris Cox, Serica’s CEO, said: 
“Since acquiring its interests in the Bruce Area, Serica Energy has extended projected production via Bruce by about a decade into the mid 2030s, supporting highly skilled jobs, through investment and efficient operations. This has been done while reducing emissions to significantly below the global average, and well below the carbon intensity required to import energy from overseas. This is one of many examples of how independent oil and gas companies are contributing to the UK’s energy sector. Supporting jobs across the UK and energy security, however, depends on future investments in wells and facilities which will not be viable if the tax regime is too harsh. 

Companies like Serica and the trade unions have a common interest in preserving a home‐grown success story. I am very proud of our workforce on Bruce and those based onshore who support all our operations. It’s great to be able to share that pride with our visitors from the GMB and OEUK today.” 

KeyFacts Energy: Serica Energy UK country profile