AMEC, the international engineering and project management company, has been appointed by BP to begin conceptual engineering studies to test the potential for further development of the Clair oil and gas field in the North Sea. The work will continue until the end of 2009.

The project will be executed under AMEC’s recently signed global agreement with BP for offshore engineering and project management services. The scope of work includes both conceptual and front-end engineering and design work for a number of fixed platform solutions being considered by BP and partners.

Clair had been one of the largest undeveloped reservoirs on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). The first stage of the development started up in February 2005 and accessed estimated recoverable reserves of 250 million barrels of oil. The potential next stage of development will target the Clair Ridge area of the field, which has been extensively appraised over the past three years.

"The Clair Ridge project is important to the continued growth of BP's global portfolio," said Neil Bruce, Chief Operating Officer of AMEC Natural Resources division. "The project is the most significant development in the UKCS at this present time. This award reflects BP’s confidence not only in AMEC’s technical competence but also in our ability to support its continuing efforts to reach out into more challenging areas to expand production."

Tags: AMEC plc, BP Norge AS