Workforce Report 2019

WORKFORCE REPORT 2019

4.3 Workforce and Industry Activity

Drilling Activity Drilling activity increased for the first time in five years in 2018, with 101 wells (84 development wells, 8 exploration, 9 appraisal) spudded, compared with 91 wells in 2017. Momentum around exploration activity is increasing, with more opportunities being progressed and the largest discoveries of the last decade made in the last year: Glendronach and Glengorm. A number of E&P companies have also been reinstating drilling packages on platforms in anticipation of further increases in activity levels, and OGUK expects drilling levels to increase further in 2019. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the number of wells being decommissioned, reflecting the maturity of the basin and relatively lower rig rates.

This is reflected in the number of drillers working offshore — with an increase of 18 per cent in 2018 compared with 2017, or 3,568 compared with 3,032.

Figure 9: Number of Drilling Personnel Versus Drilling and Decommissioning Activity

Decommissioned

Development

Exploration

1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 5,000

350

300

250

200

150

100

Number of Drilling Personnel

50

0 500

Number of Wells Drilled and Decommissioned

0

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: Vantage POB, OGUK

20