Thursday 31 August 2017

An update of the Code of Practice on Access to Upstream Oil and Gas Infrastructure on the UK Continental Shelf (known as the ICoP) is published by Oil & Gas UK today (August 30).

The intention of the code of practice is to encourage companies to conduct timely and constructive negotiations when seeking new capacity in the extensive production and transportation infrastructure underpinning the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).

The project has been delivered by a broad cross section of operators and infrastructure owners, working closely with the OGA and Oil & Gas UK, and demonstrates the industry’s commitment to work collaboratively for the broadest benefit of the UKCS.

Mike Tholen, Oil & Gas UK’s upstream policy director, said:

“The willingness by so many companies to participate in the update of the Infrastructure Code of Practice is a testament to the cultural change that the industry has undergone over the last two years. Companies are aligned in their intent to make the UKCS the most attractive mature basin in the world in which to do business.”

The ICOP guidance will be of particular relevance to commercial, legal, technical and operational staff and consultants working in this field and guidance notes have been published to provide best practice proposals for each stage of negotiations to access UKCS infrastructure.