Participants in the UK oil and gas industry are struggling to economise on exploration, it has been claimed.

Oil and Gas UK has revealed that energy companies are finding it increasingly difficult to make returns on exploration and production in the UK offshore sector.

According to an annual report from the group, the number of upstream projects under consideration continued to rise in 2009, although actual production levels dipped considerably as subdued oil prices put pressure on bottom lines.

However, in a report earlier this month, the industry body declared that occupational health and safety remains a top priority for UK oil and gas companies, with a multitude of training services provider driving innovation and improving standards in the industry.

In a statement earlier this month, Tom van Leenen, managing director of Maersk Oil, commented: "Companies not only take safety very seriously but they are also proud to acknowledge the commitment from the workforce in ensuring the high standards of safety that we all wish to see maintained all day, every day."

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development