UK’s 31st offshore licensing round unveiled

The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) 31st Offshore Licensing Round offers frontier areas of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), supported by government-funded data to stimulate interest in these under-explored basins and assist companies in their activities.

A total of 1,766 blocks of open acreage is now available across the West of Scotland, the East Shetland Platform, the Mid North Sea High, South West Britain and parts of the English Channel, covered by over 80,000 km of high-quality, publicly-available seismic data generated through the 2015 and 2016 government seismic programmes. The new seismic data, together with supporting datasets and reports, were released in advance of the round.

As a result of high levels of industry interest following the 30th Round, the OGA is also offering companies the opportunity to propose additional blocks in more mature areas, for possible inclusion where applicants intend to commit to a substantial firm work programme. Submissions should be made to the OGA in writing before 18 July 2019, with the OGA reserving the right to instead offer nominated blocks in a subsequent licence offering.

According to Dr Andy Samuel, Chief Executive of the OGA, the licensing strategy is an important step in unlocking new opportunities and maximising value from the UK’s resources.

Companies have until 14:00 on 7 November 2018 to apply for blocks on offer in the 31^st Round. Decisions are expected to be made as early as possible in 1H2019. The 32nd Offshore Licensing Round is planned to open in summer 2019, and will focus on mature areas of the UKCS.