Clair field development

has been appointed by

to begin conceptual engineering studies to test the potential for further development of the Clair oil and gas field in the North Sea.

The 12-month project will be executed under AMEC's recently signed global agreement with BP for offshore engineering and project management services.

The scope of work includes conceptual and front-end engineering and design work for a number of fixed platforms being considered by BP.

According to AMEC, Clair had been one of the largest undeveloped reservoirs on the UK Continental Shelf. The first stage of the development started in February 2005 and accessed estimated recoverable reserves of 250 million barrels of oil.

The potential next stage of development will target the Clair Ridge area of the field, which has been extensively appraised over the past three years.