Energy Minister Charles Hendry will give the go- ahead today to Apache North Sea’s plans to add a new platform to be bridge-linked to its Forties Alpha installation.
The firm is already close to completing the building of the platform, which was tendered out to Offshore Group Newcastle, based at the old Hadrian Yard, in 2010.
The 6,000-tonne structure is due to be loaded out in summer with commissioning in autumn.
The new platform will provide 18 well slots to further extend the life of the field plus additional power-generation, gas-lift and water capability for the entire field.
Mr Hendry, will be speaking at energy industry body NOF Energy’s annual conference in Newcastle. He said more than 90% of Apache’s satellite development was from the UK supply chain.