North Sea strike threatens UK oil supply as Apache workers walk out
160 workers stage 24-hour stoppage across seven platforms, risking disruption to Forties Pipeline System’s 600,000 bpd.
Around 160 offshore workers employed by US energy company Apache will begin a 24-hour strike across seven North Sea platforms at 6 am on Wednesday, October 21. The industrial action, organised by union Unite, could disrupt the Forties Pipeline System (FPS), a critical network handling oil and gas liquids from over 80 offshore fields.
The walkout will affect Apache’s Forties Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo platforms, as well as Beryl Alpha and Beryl Bravo. Unite has warned that shutting down the Forties Charlie platform, a central hub in the FPS, could cause pipeline pressure to drop, potentially forcing the entire Ineos-operated system offline. This would impact production from other operators in the region.
Strike targets key North Sea infrastructure
The FPS has a nominal capacity exceeding 600,000 barrels per day and also transports gas from the St Fergus terminal. However, Apache has dismissed concerns about widespread disruption, stating that contingency plans include keeping experienced staff on Forties Charlie to support third-party production. The company compared any potential pressure reduction to a routine maintenance shutdown.
The strike follows a breakdown in pay negotiations, with Unite accusing Apache of offering a real-terms pay cut. The union claims the proposed deal includes pay freezes and below-inflation increases for many workers, alongside threats to withhold back pay. Apache, however, described its offer as fair, highlighting a 4% pay increase and a competitive overall remuneration package.
The dispute takes place as Apache prepares to leave the UK North Sea by the end of 2029, with plans to decommission seven platforms and around 260 wells in the Forties and Beryl fields. Meanwhile, the company’s parent firm, APA Corporation, reported $1.7 billion in operating cash flow and $738 million in free cash flow for the second quarter of this year, alongside $1.4 billion in after-tax profits on $9.2 billion in revenue last year.
Pay dispute escalates as Apache prepares North Sea exit
Talks mediated by conciliation service Acas on October 20 failed to yield progress, prompting Unite to confirm a second 24-hour strike for November 4. The union has criticised Apache’s stance, arguing the company could resolve the dispute without significant financial impact. However, Unite has faced scrutiny for delaying the confirmation of strike dates for nearly three weeks after workers overwhelmingly rejected the pay offer on October 1.
The strike has drawn attention to broader tensions in the sector, as workers demand fair treatment amid corporate profits and an uncertain future for North Sea operations.
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