Newsletters | Request Trial | Log in | Advertise | Digital Issue   |   Search
  • Upstream
  • Midstream & Downstream
  • Gas & LNG
  • Trading & Markets
  • Corporate & Finance
  • Geopolitics
  • Podcasts
Search
Related Articles
Serica faces ‘aggressive’ questioning on Tailwind deal
The UK-focused producer is finding shareholders disgruntled by its latest proposed M&A
International firms compete for Uruguayan blocks
The country’s frontier upstream continues to attract interest
Chevron gets back to work in Venezuela
But Washington’s apparent detente with Caracas is unlikely to bolster global crude supplies significantly any time soon
North Eigg scrambles Serica’s share price
One of the North Sea’s most anticipated exploration wells comes up short
Permian set for growth slowdown
A range of obstacles will hobble further output increases in the Lower 48’s most productive basin heading into 2023
Mozambique upstream progress defies unrest
The east African country continues to attract investment in oil and gas projects, but concerns over security are still impeding developments in the gas-rich north
Energy costs hit European refining
Margins narrowed considerably in the third quarter but still remain elevated for the time of year, as the continent continues to adapt following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
QatarEnergy’s INOC paradox
The state-owned LNG heavyweight is adamant that it is a purely commercial enterprise, but the evidence is conflicting
International investors court Congo-Brazzaville
The West African country’s energy resources are once again attracting foreign attention, but the positive outlook for gas contrasts with that for oil
Woodside sees long-term future for LNG
CEO Meg O’Neill is positive about the prospects for gas as the energy transition gathers pace
North Sea Serica BP Shell Chevron
Ian Lewis
12 March 2018
Follow @PetroleumEcon
Forward article link
Share PDF with colleagues

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
Explainer: What do Russia’s oil giants own overseas?
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
Letter from Saudi Arabia: US-Saudi energy ties enter a new phase
Opinion
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
Letter from London: Oil’s golden triangle
Opinion
2 December 2025
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
Libya’s upstream caught between hope and caution
1 December 2025
The North African producer’s first bidding round in almost two decades is an important milestone but the recent extension suggests a degree of trepidation

Share PDF with colleagues

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

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