Thursday 18 September 2003

APACHE JOINS UKOOA RANKS

Apache North Sea Limited, which first entered the North Sea in April this year with its acquisition of the giant Forties field from BP, has joined the UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), the representative body for exploration and production companies in the UK continental shelf (UKCS).

Welcoming Apache as a new member, Steve Harris, UKOOA acting director general, said:

We are delighted that Apache has joined UKOOA. Apache will add to the growing number of voices within the organisation who represent the new wave of companies now moving into the UKCS. These companies will play an important role in helping to maximise recovery of UK oil and gas reserves, and their contribution to the UKOOA agenda in the coming years will be valuable.

The combination of incomers like Apache and the continuing commitment and investment from the likes of BP, Shell and ExxonMobil will provide us with the diversity that we need to maximise recovery.

The crucial debates that will shape the future of the UKCS will take place inside UKOOA and it is good to know that new entrants appreciate that.

John Crum, managing director of Apache North Sea Limited, said: Apache established a new core area in the UKCS because we believe the UK North Sea has significant potential for growth.

We are pleased to have the opportunity to join our industry colleagues who are working to encourage further profitable investment in the UK North Sea exploration and production business.

 

UKOOA now has 30 members. Paladin Resources plc, another recent UKCS entrant, joined the Association in July. Bruce Dingwall, chief executive of Venture Production plc, is currently president of the UKOOA council.

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