Newsletters | Request Trial | Log in | Advertise | Digital Issue   |   Search
  • Upstream
  • Midstream & Downstream
  • Gas & LNG
  • Trading & Markets
  • Corporate & Finance
  • Geopolitics
  • Podcasts
Search
Related Articles
Bleak times for UK North Sea
Government consultations on the windfall tax and the exploration licence ban are positive steps, but it is unclear how long it will take for them to yield tangible outcomes
The death knell for UK energy security
The end of Grangemouth and Lindsey oil refineries marks a worrying trend across Europe amid cost and transition pressures
EU and UK look to security beyond gas
The scars of the Russia crisis have accelerated Europe’s push to wean itself off gas dependence as the growing globalisation of LNG becomes a double-edged sword
Can the UK take its foot off the gas?
While the government might complain about the vicissitudes of the international gas market, the UK's transition away from the fuel is fraught with challenges
Hydrocarbon Processing Refining Databook 2025: Europe, Russia & CIS
EU net-zero polices have shifted refining investment among member states, while across the region countries and companies continue to adjust to changes in trade flows caused by the war in Ukraine
Outlook 2025: UK offers upstream opportunity as transition and policy evolve
The importance of the oil and gas sector to the UK and the value of its assets mean 2025 could offer new opportunities and a recovery in activity
Outlook 2025: A new era – how the UK offshore sector can lead in a competitive market
The government must take the opportunity to harness the sector’s immense potential to support the long-term development of the UK’s low-carbon sector
Outlook 2025: Navigating the windfall tax and the future of UK energy
Policymakers and stakeholders must work together to develop a stable and predictable fiscal regime that prioritises the country’s energy security and economy
Letter from London: Beware false prophets
The oil and gas sector’s renewed upstream activity stands in marked contrast to just a few years ago, highlighting that the market does indeed cycle
UK-listed Pharos to ramp up Egyptian activities
Cairo’s currency problems have hindered investment, but Pharos sees considerable potential as Egypt emerges from crisis
North Sea UK BP Chevron Shell
Ian Lewis
Aberdeen
19 July 2018
Follow @PetroleumEcon
Forward article link
Share PDF with colleagues

Extending the life of the North Sea

Oil and gas production is likely to sag in the coming years, but the industry won’t go without a fight

UK oil and gas production rose to 1.63m barrels of oil equivalent a day in 2017, the highest level since 2011. It would have been higher still but for the unplanned closure of the Forties Pipeline System for repair in December 2017. There's more upside to come. Consultancy Wood Mackenzie estimates the UK will produce 1.74m barrels a day in 2018, as fresh production more than offsets declines in maturing fields. The roster of developments making progress has been growing, too. The green light was recently given to the redevelopment of the Alligin and Vorlich fields by BP, and Chevron has re-tendered for the floating production and storage vessel for its Rosebank field, northwest of Shetland.

Also in this section
Countdown to Mozambique LNG restart
25 July 2025
Mozambique’s insurgency continues, but the security situation near the LNG site has significantly improved, with TotalEnergies aiming to lift its force majeure within months
China creates two-tier oil dynamic
25 July 2025
There is a bifurcation in the global oil market as China’s stockpiling contrasts with reduced inventories elsewhere
Trump’s Russia threat rings hollow
24 July 2025
The reaction to proposed sanctions on Russian oil buyers has been muted, suggesting trader fatigue with Trump’s frequent bold and erratic threats
US oil sector faces complicated path
24 July 2025
Trump energy policies and changing consumer trends to upend oil supply and demand

Share PDF with colleagues

Rich Text Editor, message-text
Editor toolbarsBasic Styles Bold ItalicParagraph Insert/Remove Numbered List Insert/Remove Bulleted List Decrease Indent Increase IndentLinks Link Unlinkabout About CKEditor
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: PDF sharing is permitted internally for Petroleum Economist Gold Members only. Usage of this PDF is restricted by <%= If(IsLoggedIn, User.CompanyName, "")%>’s agreement with Petroleum Economist – exceeding the terms of your licence by forwarding outside of the company or placing on any external network is considered a breach of copyright. Such instances are punishable by fines of up to US$1,500 per infringement
Send

Forward article Link

Rich Text Editor, txt-link-message
Editor toolbarsBasic Styles Bold ItalicParagraph Insert/Remove Numbered List Insert/Remove Bulleted List Decrease Indent Increase IndentLinks Link Unlinkabout About CKEditor
Send
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Project Data
Maps
Podcasts
Social Links
Featured Video
Home
  • About us
  • Subscribe
  • Reaching your audience
  • PE Store
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact us
  • Privacy statement
  • Cookies
  • Sitemap
All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws © 2025 The Petroleum Economist Ltd
Cookie Settings
;

Search

  • Upstream
  • Midstream & Downstream
  • Gas & LNG
  • Trading & Markets
  • Corporate & Finance
  • Geopolitics
  • Podcasts
Search