Citation and Commencement

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Petroleum Licensing (Exploration and Production) (Seaward and Landward Areas) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 and shall come into force on 13th April 2006.

Interpretation

2. In these Regulations “the Principal Regulations” means the Petroleum Licensing (Exploration and Production) (Seaward and Landward Areas) Regulations 2004( 2 ).

Amendment of the Principal Regulations

3. —(1) The Principal Regulations shall be amended as follows.

(2) In—

(a) paragraph 16(6) of Schedule 2;

(b) paragraph 17(6) of Schedule 3;

(c) paragraph 15(6) of Schedule 4; and

(d) paragraph 15(6) of Schedule 6,

for “Subject to paragraph (7)”, substitute “Subject to paragraphs (7) and (7A)”.

(3) After—

(a) paragraph 16(7) of Schedule 2;

(b) paragraph 17(7) of Schedule 3;

(c) paragraph 15(7) of Schedule 4; and

(d) paragraph 15(7) of Schedule 6,

insert the following—

“ (7A) Where the Minister revokes this licence, any Well drilled by the Licensee pursuant to this licence shall—

(a) be plugged and sealed in accordance with paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) of this clause, as soon as reasonably practicable; or

(b) if the Minister so directs at the time of revocation, be left in good order and fit for further working together with all casings and any Well head fixtures the removal whereof would cause damage to such Wells. ” .

(4) For—

(a) paragraph 16(9) of Schedule 2;

(b) paragraph 17(9) of Schedule 3;

(c) paragraph 15(9) of Schedule 4; and

(d) paragraph 15(9) of Schedule 6,

substitute the following—

“ (9) All casings and fixtures forming part of a Well and left in position at the expiry or determination (whether by revocation or otherwise) of the Licensee’s rights in respect of the area or part thereof in which that Well is drilled, or at the completion of any works required of the Licensee under paragraph (7A) of this clause (whichever is the later), shall be the property of the Minister. ” .

(5) At the beginning of—

(a) paragraphs 20(2)(c), (d) and (e) of Schedule 1;

(b) paragraphs 38(2)(c), (d) and (e) of Schedule 2;

(c) paragraphs 39(2)(c), (d) and (e) of Schedule 3;

(d) paragraphs 37(2)(c), (d) and (e) of Schedule 4; and

(e) paragraphs 36(2)(c), (d) and (e) of Schedule 6,

insert the words “in Great Britain,”.

(6) In—

(a) paragraph 20(2)(c) of Schedule 1;

(b) paragraph 38(2)(c) of Schedule 2;

(c) paragraph 39(2)(c) of Schedule 3;

(d) paragraph 37(2)(c) of Schedule 4; and

(e) paragraph 36(2)(c) of Schedule 6,

after the word “bankruptcy”, insert the words “or sequestration”.

(7) After—

(a) paragraph 20(2)(e) of Schedule 1;

(b) paragraph 38(2)(e) of Schedule 2;

(c) paragraph 39(2)(e) of Schedule 3;

(d) paragraph 37(2)(e) of Schedule 4; and

(e) paragraph 36(2)(e) of Schedule 6,

insert the following—

“ (ee) in a jurisdiction other than Great Britain, the commencement of any procedure or the making of any arrangement or appointment substantially corresponding to any of those mentioned in sub-paragraphs (c) to (e) of this paragraph; ” .