UKCS offshore activity

This interactive map has been produced by the NSTA to assist companies and members of the public with information that will help them understand offshore activities in the UK’s Territorial Sea and its designated Continental Shelf (“the offshore area”). This includes those areas already under licence and those areas that are on offer in NSTA’s licensing Rounds. Licences that are awarded by NSTA may contain conditions to protect environmental interests, and the interests of other sea users. In addition, activities carried out under the licences will be subject to a range of legislation which is designed to protect the marine environment, including regulations which apply the Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Directives to offshore oil and gas activities. The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) is the unit within DESNZ responsible for ensuring that the economic exploitation of offshore energy resources takes full account of environmental and social objectives.