North Sea—life in the old dog
There's still plenty more value to be eked out of the maturing basin, according to one of the region's most experienced operators
Serica Energy wasn't a name on many people's lips until last November, when the UK-based minnow revealed a deal to acquire a cluster of BP's North Sea assets. The proposed purchase of controlling interests in the Bruce, Keith and Rhum (BKR) fields would turn the company into a significant regional player at a stroke—but this isn't a role that daunts Tony Craven Walker, Serica's co-founder and executive chairman, who has done it all before. Craven Walker's involvement with the region's oil and gas industry dates back to the 1970s, when he worked for BP and the North Sea's glory days still lay ahead. Since then, he has been a prominent figure in the independent oil sector, founding Charterhous
Also in this section
16 January 2026
The country’s global energy importance and domestic political fate are interlocked, highlighting its outsized oil and gas powers, and the heightened fallout risk
16 January 2026
The global maritime oil transport sector enters 2026 facing a rare convergence of crude oversupply, record newbuild deliveries and the potential easing of several geopolitical disruptions that have shaped trade flows since 2022
15 January 2026
Rebuilding industry, energy dominance and lower energy costs are key goals that remain at odds in 2026
14 January 2026
Chavez’s socialist reforms boosted state control but pushed knowledge and capital out of the sector, opening the way for the US shale revolution
