Energy giant BP has today delivered a huge boost to North Sea industry by announcing first oil from its Clair Ridge mega-project.
It is one of the biggest developments in the history of the basin, requiring investment of nearly £5 billion in new platforms and pipelines in harsh waters west of Shetland.
The project’s huge potential means it will keep future generations of oil workers in employment beyond 2050.
BP bosses said the first oil was the culmination of “decades of persistence” and that the feat highlighted the firm’s commitment to the UK North Sea.
