The UK Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has launched the preparatory phase of the 30th licensing round for offshore oil and gas exploration in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). 813 blocks or part blocks are offered in mature areas of the Southern, Central and Northern North Seas as well the West Shetlands and the East Irish Sea with a total acreage of 114,426 km2. The round is open till 21 November 2017 and the chosen companies will likely be announced in Q2 2018. This round will be followed by the 31st Offshore Licensing Round in 2018, which is expected to focus once again on frontier areas of the UKCS.
The 30th licensing round covers mostly mature areas, unlike the previous round which focused solely on frontier and under-explored areas. In March 2017, the OGA awarded 25 licences for 111 blocks or part blocks to 17 companies for frontier areas of the UKCS under the framework of the 29th offshore licensing round. Before the bid closing date in October 2016, up to 24 companies have applied for 113 blocks.
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