Energy giant BP is celebrating 60 years since it was awarded its first licence to explore in the North Sea.
Last year alone, the firm added £12bn to the UK GDP, employing more than 16,000 people in the UK while indirectly supporting around 81,000 jobs.
After receiving its first licence to explore in the North Sea in September 1964, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II pressed a symbolic button in BP's control centres in Aberdeen, officially beginning production from the Forties Field.
Since then, the energy company has invested heavily in the energy transition, including forming a joint venture with Aberdeen City Council to develop the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub.
Doris Reiter, BP's Senior Vice President North Sea, said: "On this day 60 years ago, bp received a letter from the UK government - our first licence to explore in the North Sea.
"You could say that was the first page in our compelling story of pioneering, innovating and evolving.
"A story that has been written because of the exceptional people, projects and collaboration over the past 60 years that has stretched far and wide across the globe – with bp contributing billions of pounds to the UK economy and helping to meet the energy needs of millions
"The North Sea’s roots are deep, and its will to endure is strong – even through the most forceful of headwinds, many of which we are seeing today.
"And that will to endure, is down to the skilled, talented and dedicated people working across the sector, who believe passionately that it is fundamental to providing the foundations for a successful transition."