BP has agreed to sell a package of its interests in the Bruce assets in the North Sea to Serica Energy plc. BP currently operates the assets, which comprise the Bruce, Keith and Rhum fields, three bridge-linked platforms and associated subsea infrastructure.

Under the terms of the agreement, Serica will pay BP an upfront payment of GBP 12.8 million, a share of cash flows over the next four years, a consideration equivalent to 30% of BP’s post-tax decommissioning costs and several contingent payments dependent on future asset performance and product prices. Overall, BP expects to receive payments of around GBP 300 million, the majority of which will be received over the next four years.

Bernard Looney, BP chief executive, Upstream, says, “This is an example of BP’s Upstream strategy in action – refreshing our portfolio and focusing our activity on assets which will add most value over the long-term. We remain committed to the North Sea and continue to invest. We expect our production there to double to around 200,000 barrels equivalent a day by 2020 through new projects like Quad 204 and Clair Ridge. While the Bruce assets are no longer core to BP, we are confident that Serica is the right owner and operator to maximise their continuing value for both companies and for the UK.”

Tags: BP, Serica Energy plc