Oil companies have asked the U.K. Department of Trade and Industry for permission to approve over 118 field developments and modifications so far this year, judging by recent regulator numbers.

The number is down from over 150 by this time in 2006.

The count includes applications to build pipelines, workover wells, begin production and start new developments. Thus far in May, seven permits have been sought, and at least one appears to have been denied.

Apache Petroleum, Chevron and Nautical Petroleum have all applied to develop new fields or modify existing ones in the past week. Apache has sought permission to do a workover of well 22/6a-E21z at the Forties Echo field.

Chevron will perform a well intervention at well 3/4a-M15z of the Strathspey field, while newcomer Nautical will seek to appraisal drill at Kraken in Block 9/2.

ws@oilgas24.com