The Forties Field came onstream in 1975 but shows no signs of slowing down just yet.

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Introduction: Forties at 40

When Queen Elizabeth II pushed a gold-plated button on Nov. 3, 1975, at BP’s Dyce headquarters near Aberdeen, Scotland, to start production from the Forties Field, few foresaw just how long-lasting both she and the U.K.’s largest ever oil field would be.

Exploration: Reawakening the Slumbering Giant

Apache took over a world-famous mature giant of a field with declining production levels and gave it a whole new lease on life, making oilfield history in the process.

The Drilling Challenges: Technological Innovation Key to Enhancing Forties Field Drilling

From a wooden guide shoe to rotary steerable systems and gravel packing from a supply vessel, Apache has used a myriad of ‘little pieces’ of technology to revitalize the Forties Field.

Editor’s note: Part II of the Forties Field special report appeared in January’s E&P issue as well as online at epmag.com/special-report-part-ii-big-4-0-833526#p=full.