Dr Andy Samuel, Chief Executive of the Oil and Gas Authority welcomes Shell's announcement today to invest in the Arran field:

“The OGA is very pleased with the decision by Shell and partners, Rockrose and Dyas, to proceed with investment in the Arran field development. Great credit to the new operator and partnership for showing real adaptability and tenacity to drive this project forward for what is Shell’s fourth field development approval this year.

“The Arran field has been on our radar for quite some time as a key component of our Central Graben Area Plan – which takes an area approach to maximising the considerable value across that part of the Central North Sea. Shell’s Fram development, which we approved earlier this year, is another part of our Central Graben Area Plan.

“I look forward to the other elements of this plan, including another operator and field development, coming to fruition in the near future.”