BP has officially brought the Murlach oil and gas field online in the UK North Sea, marking its sixth major project launch this year. The move is part of the energy giant’s aggressive upstream strategy to activate ten new oil and gas fields by 2027.
Murlach: Breathing New Life into a Legacy Field
Located within the Eastern Trough Area Project (ETAP) hub in the central North Sea, Murlach is expected to contribute around 15,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) at peak production. ETAP itself has been a cornerstone of BP’s North Sea operations for nearly three decades.
The Murlach field isn’t new—it was originally active in the early 2000s. BP acquired the license after the previous operator relinquished it, and secured regulatory approval in 2023 to redevelop the site.
A Year of Momentum
With six projects now online in 2025, BP has added a combined peak net production of 150,000 boed. These developments are key to reaching the company’s goal of 250,000 boed in additional output by 2027.
“These projects reflect BP's strength in safely increasing production to meet global energy demand, while maintaining a relentless focus on shareholder returns,” said Ewan Drummond, BP’s senior VP of projects. He also noted that four of the six projects started ahead of schedule.
Efficiency Through Infrastructure
BP’s North Sea strategy emphasizes leveraging existing infrastructure to extend the life and productivity of established hubs. “We’re focused on identifying opportunities that can be developed efficiently,” said Doris Reiter, senior VP of BP North Sea.
Strategic Shift: Back to Oil and Gas
Earlier this year, BP announced a major pivot—reducing its investments in renewables to refocus on oil and gas production. The shift comes amid investor pressure to prioritize returns.
Under this new strategy, BP plans to launch 10 major upstream projects by 2027 and another 8–10 by 2030. The company expects production to reach 2.3–2.5 million boed by 2030, with further growth potential into 2035.
Global Expansion: Gulf of Mexico Next
Just last week, BP greenlit its $5 billion Tiber-Guadalupe project in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The initiative is part of BP’s broader plan to boost U.S. output to over 1 million boed by 2030.
BP’s upstream resurgence signals a decisive turn toward traditional energy sources, with Murlach standing as a symbol of both legacy and renewal. As the company races toward its 2027 goals, the North Sea remains a vital piece of its global energy puzzle.