Thursday 24 July 2003

UKOOA Welcomes New Entrant

Paladin Resources plc, one of the new wave of independent North Sea oil and gas operators, has joined the UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), the representative body for exploration and production companies in the UK continental shelf (UKCS).

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

UKOOAs membership is changing, reflecting the increasing diversity of oil and gas companies now operating in offshore Britain. UKOOAs recent reorganisation acknowledges the changes taking place and repositions the Association in preparation for the demands of our members in the next phase of the North Seas life.

Roy Franklin, chief executive of Paladin Resources plc, said:

Following the recent acquisitions from BP and Amerada Hess, Paladin now operates the Arbroath, Montrose and Arkwright oil fields in the central sector of the North Sea. We are delighted to be joining UKOOA at this stage in the companys development and look forward to making an active contribution to the Association.

UKOOA has 29 members. Bruce Dingwall of Venture Production plc is currently president of the UKOOA council.

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