Licence awards for 25 of the 68 tranches on offer in the 17th Seaward Licensing Round were announced today by Junior Energy Minister Richard Page. The majority of the tranches awarded, covering 76 blocks, are west of the Hebrides. A further seven tranches, covering 28 blocks, are north of Shetland and four other tranches, covering ten blocks, are in the southern North Sea. The 25 tranches awarded are shared among 14 operators and a total of 22 partners. Each of the applications was assessed against criteria set out in the Official Journal of the European Communities. One organisation applied to undertake work that does not require a Petroleum Production Licence. This did not represent a valid application and its application fee is being returned. 17th ROUND AWARDS
Notes for editors 1. The 17th Round of offshore licensing was first announced on 22 November 1994 (DTI Press Notice P/94/701). The 691 blocks on offer in the Round were announced by Mr Page on 21 November 1995 (DTI Press Notice P/95/816) 2. Licences awarded in the 17th Round will have a three year initial term during which an agreed programme of exploration work has to be carried out. Companies may extend the licence for a further six years providing that additional exploration work is undertaken. 3. The licence awards are conditional on the licensee confirrning acceptance of a work programme agreed with the DTI; and acceptance also of special conditions to protect environmental sensitivities and the interests of users of the sea. 4. Offshore production licences are issued under the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934, as extended by the Continental Shelf Act 1964, and the Regulations made thereunder. The 17th Round licences are awarded under the Petroleum (Production) (Seaward Areas) Regulations 1988 as amended. Tranches are contiguous blocks grouped together in the early phases of exploration to ensure appraisal by licensees covers the widest possible area. 5. Press copies of maps showing the blocks offered and a list of licences awarded are available from DTI Press Office.
Press Enqiries: 0171-215-6403/5962/5377
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