The UK Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has offered 768 blocks or part-blocks across the main producing areas of the UK Continental Shelf.

The offer is part of the OGA’s 32nd Offshore Licensing Round, and the acreage covers areas in the Central North Sea, Northern North Sea, Southern North Sea, and the West of Shetlands.

“Government forecasts show that oil and gas will remain an important part of our energy mix for the foreseeable future, therefore maximizing economic recovery from the UKCS is vital to meet our energy demands and reduce reliance on imports,” OGA said.

The 32nd Offshore Licensing Round is open for 120 days until the application closing date on November 12, 2019 (14:00 GMT). Decisions are expected to be made in the second quarter of 2020.

The OGA has also offered companies the opportunity to propose additional blocks in adjacent areas, for possible inclusion where applicants intend to commit to a substantial firm work program. Deadline for this is July 19, 2019.