Wells

Use the Well Data Search Tool to find basic information about wells on the UK Continental Shelf, and read about the approval process for well operations. 

This section also offers access to data on drilling activity by year and by basin, and stratiography and lithology data released four years in arrears.   
 

• Well Data Search Tool 
• Stratigraphy and lithology data
   

Fields and field development

Information and data about field development on the UK Continental Shelf, covering the legislative framework and field determination process, guidance and documents for operators creating a field development plan, and information about trans-boundary oil and gas fields. 

You'll also find a list of all DECC field partners and details of their equity holding, and a tool to search through information about all fields licensed in the UK. 
 

• UKCS Field Information Tool 
• Process for oil and gas field development plans 

Taxation

All you need to know about taxation of oil and gas exploration and production, including downloadable guidance on the New Field Allowance and the UK Upstream Oil and Gas Tax Regime.  
 

• Guidance on the New Field
  Allowance 
• The UK Upstream Oil and Gas Tax Regime  

Operatorship

Here you will find advice and guidance for both onshore and offshore operator applicants, including checklists detailing the required documentation.  
 

• Onshore operators
• Offshore operators

Onshore

Operators looking to relinquish their licence must provide a minimum notice and complete a relinquishment report. There are two ways a licensee can give up acreage, but also two restrictions on their right to relinquish.  

Information and guidance related to onshore exploration and production, including a map displaying onshore licence coordinates and corresponding quadrants, and updates on the latest licensing round.
 

• Mapping
• Licensing and regulation

Pipelines

Downloadable guidance documents to assist pipeline promoters on issues relating to legislation, decommissioning, disused pipelines, flaring and venting, and pipelines work authorisations.
 

You can also download a spreadsheet detailing the length, diameter, operator, starting and ending locations, and commission date for all UK pipelines.
 

• Guidance related to pipelines

Decommissioning

Decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations and pipelines is regulated by DECC utilising legislation under the Petroleum Act 1998.

Here you will find an overview of the role DECC plays in decommissioning, including information and guidance on the process and the role and content of a decommissioning programme.
 

• Information about decommissioning

Infrastructure

Access to information and guidance on the legislation in place with regard to oil and gas installation infrastructure.

This includes advice for resolving access disputes as well as the final text of the UK/Norway Framework Agreement.
 

• Guidance on infrastructure 
   

Measurement of petroleum

DECC is responsible for ensuring UK licensees follow good oilfield practice in the measurement of all petroleum won and saved from licensed areas and on the UKCS
 

• More information about the measurement of petroleum
• DECC's Measurement guidelines