BP’S NORTH Sea operation continues to be a “hugely significant” part of the energy giant’s global business, a centenary celebration in Aberdeen was told last night.
Bernard Looney, managing director for BP North Sea, told a gathering of more than 100 people at the company’s North Sea headquarters that the company had been in the Granite City for 40 years.
He said BP’s North Sea activity represented a huge capital investment by the company and its partners; an estimated £30billion to date, which has in turn generated more than £70billion in tax for the country. Mr Looney added: “This is a story which will continue for many more years and it is certain that BP’s North Sea business can look forward to more success and further milestones.
“We have plans for continuing high levels of investment in the North Sea managed from this office and this continues to be a hugely significant part of BP’s global business.
“So, as well as celebrating our centenary, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to our many friends and business partners and to the community which has been an integral part of BP’s success in the North Sea for the past 40 years.”
Guests at last night’s event at Dyce were able to see a film made to mark the BP story over the past 100 years.
The company’s first office in Aberdeen opened on the first floor of a building in Bridge Street in 1969 with just 15 employees.
Mr Looney said: “That first office was a more modest affair than this building of course. We moved into our new HQ here 18 months ago, and it is now home to some 1,200 people.”
He said that BP’s 100th “birthday” as a company was April 14 this year.
“Not many individuals make it to 100 and even fewer organisations of BP’s size are able to celebrate a centenary, so we feel privileged to have made it this far.
“This milestone gives us an opportunity to look back and reflect on our success and the challenges we have overcome. And it also gives us the perspective to face the future with confidence.”
BP produces about 320,000 barrels of oil and gas a day from the North Sea.
BP will begin exploratory drilling next year on its onshore and offshore concessions in Libya, the head of its operations in the north African country said yesterday.
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