Newly updated guidance has been published this week to support industry to successfully deliver the next generation of UK oil and gas field developments.

Fifteen new field developments are currently underway across the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), worth approximately £15 billion in capital expenditure and estimated to deliver approx. 1.5 billion boe over the life of the fields.

In addition, around 50 projects are under consideration by the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) which may lead to future development opportunities.

The OGA’s new “Requirements for the planning of and consent to UKCS field developments” guidance has been created with industry’s input in order to help achieve consistent delivery of successful high quality, high value projects.

The guidance puts a strong emphasis on the benefits of early project planning and supply chain collaboration, including the use of Supply Chain Action Plans (SCAPs).

“The development of new oil and gas fields is a vital part of ensuring the maximum economic recovery from UKCS resources which also brings considerable benefits to the economy, supporting skilled jobs and safeguarding the UK’s energy supply,” said Gunther Newcombe, director of operations at the Oil and Gas Authority.

“The new guidance puts a stronger focus on front-end planning, early engagement with the supply chain and making the right choice at the concept select stage. Successful projects don’t happen by chance. They need careful planning, proactive management and strong collaboration,” he added.

Jon Graham, Apache, region vice president North Sea and co-chair of the MER UK Asset Stewardship Taskforce said: 
“This comprehensive updated new field development guidance reflects the sea change in asset stewardship that’s been happening in the UKCS since the OGA came into existence. The regulatory and operating environments have evolved considerably and this guidance provides a clear roadmap for any operator to navigate their way through, and maximise economic recovery from new field developments.”

Chris Claydon, chief executive of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) added: 
“We know the industry must improve how it delivers projects and this latest guidance from the OGA is welcome. The OGA’s guidance complements the ECITB’s work to boost project management competence and drive collaboration. Our Project Collaboration toolkit is designed to help project leaders create the right environment to drive innovation and efficiency in project delivery, helping to reduce unit development costs in the UK Continental Shelf.”

In developing the new guidance, the OGA has incorporated principles established from current stewardship expectations and the “Lessons Learned from UKCS Oil and Gas Projects 2011-2016” report. Again, in consultation with industry through the Asset Stewardship Taskforce, the content has been comprehensively revised to help industry navigate through the process of developing a new field; from discovery to production.