Sal to transport drilling templates for offshore exploration

SAL was awarded a contract for the transport, loading and discharging of eight drilling templates for the Goliat offshore exploration project in Hammerfest, Norway.

In March 2011, SAL’s new building of type 183, MV "Svenja", loaded the first lot of four drilling templates in Egersund, Norway. The cargo consisted of two units of 311 mtons each, dimensions of 33.40 m x 23.09 m x 16.50 m and another two units of 299 mtons each and dimensions of 33.40 m x 23.09 m x 13.50 m. With its outstanding crane outreach of 38 m, the new building was able to load the oversize cargo.

The second shipment of the remaining four templates has been completed in mid April.
Source: SAL

Dockwise sales mv Explorer

Dockwise Ltd. announces the sale of type IV vessel MV Explorer to optimize the composition of the company's fleet with an increasing focus on value add cargoes. MV Explorer has been sold to an undisclosed buyer, who previously bought MV Enterprise as well. MV Explorer will be delivered to the buyer end of July 2010 following its assignment to the Mediterranean.

The divestment of this type IV vessel followed from a cost-revenue analysis of the vessels' operation in market segments with a relatively low contribution to Dockwise Ltd’s result. For that same reason type IV vessels Enterprise, Dock Express 10 and 12 were sold by Dockwise in 2010 and 2009 respectively. Furthermore with MV Explorer having completed almost 30 years of service, maintenance to meet Dockwise's offshore equipment standards would require disproportionate investment in Life Time Extension. The sale of the vessel is in line with plans previously outlined to enhance the focus of the organization on value adding projects requiring the differentiated service potential of type I, II and III vessels. Like MV Enterprise, MV Explorer will upon delivery to the buyer be transformed into a floating power plant.

The Q1 2011 figures, to be announced on 13 May 2011, will include a (non-cash) loss of USD 4.2 million in order to set back the carrying amount of the MV Explorer as at 31 March 2011. Upon completion of the transaction in Q3 2011, the sales price of USD 2.6mln will be used for repayment of debt.

André Goedée, Chief Executive Officer of Dockwise Ltd, said: "With the sale of Explorer, Dockwise no longer operates type IV vessels. The focus areas of work for Dockwise require types 0, I, II and III vessels which create the highest value for our customers and shareholders. This divestment further optimizes the composition of the Dockwise fleet and increases focus on the premium end of the business, where we are best positioned."
Source: Dockwise

Subsea 7 S.A. awarded contract in the North Sea

Subsea 7 S.A. announced today the award of a SURF contract valued at approximately $70 million from Statoil on the Tordis Area in the North Sea.

This contract is for the engineering, procurement and installation of two 10” 12 km oil production pipelines, together with a pull-in to Gullfaks C and tie-in at the Tordis PLIM. Engineering will commence immediately with offshore operations in 2011 and 2012.
Source: Subsea 7

LUNDIN PETROLEUM AWARDED BARENTS SEA ACREAGE

Lundin Petroleum AB ("Lundin Petroleum") is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary Lundin Norway AS (Lundin Norway) has been awarded a new exploration license interest in the 21st Norwegian Licensing Round. The awarded license, PL609 is located in the Barents Sea.
Lundin Norway will be the operator of PL609 with 40 percent interest. The partnership comprises RWE Dea Norge AS and Idemitsu Petroleum Norge AS, each with 30 percent interest.

PL609 covers an area of 1,180 km2, and is located immediately east of license PL532 where Statoil recently made a significant oil discovery on the Skrugard prospect (7220/8-1).

Lundin Norway AS has a strong acreage position in the area with four operated licenses and one partner-operated license in addition to the new award. Lundin Norway will drill a well on the Skalle prospect, well 7120/3-2, scheduled to be spudded in the second quarter 2011.

Lundin Petroleum is a Swedish independent oil and gas exploration and production company with a well balanced portfolio of world-class assets in Europe, South East Asia, Russia and Africa. The Company is listed at the NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm (ticker "LUPE") and at the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) (ticker “LUP”). Lundin Petroleum has proven and probable reserves of 187 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe).

CNOOC Limited Announces Wang Yilin as New Chairman

The Board of Directors ("the Board") of CNOOC Limited (the "Company", NYSE: CEO, SEHK: 0883) announced today that, Mr. Fu Chengyu has resigned as Chairman of the Board and non-executive director of the Company. Mr. Wang Yilin has been appointed as new Chairman of the Board and non-executive director of the Company. The aforementioned changes become effective from today.

Mr. Wang Yilin, the newly appointed Chairman of the Company commented, "With joint efforts of the Board, the management team and the entire staff, CNOOC Limited has grown into an outstanding company. In this new role, I will fulfill my duty with my best endeavor, to enhance the company's capability of value creation and sustainable growth. Meanwhile, on behalf the Board, I would like to thank Mr. Fu for his exceptional contribution to the development of CNOOC Limited."

Mr. Yang Hua, the Vice Chairman and CEO of the Company said, "Mr. Wang Yilin has abundant experiences in the oil and gas industry in China. With his leadership we will work more closely together to bring more value to our shareholders."

Wang Yilin

Born in 1956, Mr. Wang is a professor-level senior engineer. He graduated from ChinaUniversity of Petroleummajoring in petroleum geology and exploration and received a doctorate degree. He has nearly 30 years of working experience in China's oil and gas industry. From June 1996 to September 1999, Mr. Wang served as the deputy director and chief exploration geologist of Xinjiang Petroleum Administration Bureau. From September 1999 to May 2004, he served as the general manager of Xinjiang Oilfield Company. From June 2001 to May 2004, he served as the senior executive of Xinjiang Petroleum Administration Bureau. From July to December 2003, he served as the Assistant to General Manager of China National Petroleum Corporation ("CNPC"). From December 2003 to April 2011, he served as the Deputy General Manager of CNPC. From July 2004 to July 2007, he also served as the safety director of CNPC. From November 2005 to 14 April 2011, he served as a Director of PetroChina Company Limited, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and Shanghai Stock Exchange respectively. Since 8 April 2011, Mr. Wang serves as Chairman of China National Offshore Oil Corporation. Mr. Wang was appointed as Chairman and Non-executive Director of the Company with effect from 15 April 2011.
Source: PRNewswire

Nido to Drill Commitment Well in SC63

Highlights:
- Nido Board approves the Company’s entry into the next Sub-Phase of its SC 63 exploration program.
- This Sub-Phase includes the drilling of a commitment well with Joint Venture partner, PNOC Exploration Corporation.

Nido Petroleum Limited (ASX: NDO), on behalf of the SC 63 Joint Venture, is pleased to announce Board approval to enter into the next Sub-Phase of the SC 63 exploration program.

Sub-Phase 2b of SC 63, commencing on 24 May 2011, carries a one well commitment to be drilled not later than 24 November 2012 and represents the next prospect in Nido’s five well exploration program. Nido’s Joint Venture partner in the block is PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC). The Joint Venture will now finalise the selection of a drilling target, seek to confirm rig contracts and plan a drilling schedule. At this stage, the current drilling window identified by the Joint Venture is between December 2011 and March 2012.

SC 63 is located at the north-east end of the Tertiary-aged offshore fold and thrust belt, which is a prolific hydrocarbon province. The belt extends from Brunei through Sabah, Malaysia and into the southern Palawan basin, Philippines.

Nido holds a 50% working interest in the SC 63 block. During the previous Sub-Phase, subsurface work in SC 63 focused on the acquisition, processing and interpretation of the 754 sq km ‘Kawayan’ 3D seismic survey located over the southern sector of the block, around the Aboabo A-1X gas discovery (Phillips 1980).

The 'Kawayan' 3D seismic has substantially improved seismic image quality and greatly mitigated structural risk which is considered a key subsurface risk in the block. Consequently, numerous play types and structures are emerging from the 3D data set in a distinct subsurface fairway in water depths between 70 metres to 500 metres. Work is now focussed on maturing the top five Leads to Prospect status from which the drilling candidate can be selected during the year.

Jon Pattillo, Head of Exploration, commented: “The complex geological nature of the block has required Nido and partner PNOC-EC to spend considerable time and effort on the processing of the 3D seismic data in order to maximise seismic image quality. We have been able to achieve this important objective and it is paying dividends in terms of the potential prospectivity emerging as we progress our detailed subsurface interpretations”.

Nido intends to fund its 50% share of the campaign through its existing cash reserves and positive cashflow generation from Galoc production. Furthermore, the high equity interests that the Company owns in its other permits present significant farm-out opportunities.

Jocot de Dios, President and CEO, said: “SC 63 is an important block in our NW Palawan exploration strategy. The block features two of the prospects in our current five well program. Drilling will commence at our first prospect, Gindara-1, in the adjacent SC 54B, in May 2011. SC 63 covers highly-prospective acreage which is significantly under-explored and is located in close proximity to multiple commercial discoveries. We are excited to be drilling our well in SC63 with partner PNOC-EC. They have worked closely with our Company to mature the different prospects and leads in this block”.

Source: NIDO

SBM OFFSHORE SIGNS LOI WITH ENI FOR NEW LEASE CONTRACT FOR FPSO

SBM Offshore pleased to announce that on behalf of its Joint Venture companies with Sonangol it has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) for twelve year lease and operate contracts from ENI Angola SpA for the block 15/06 development, offshore Angola.

The development plan involves relocation of the existing FPSO Xikomba, which has been operating under contract for ExxonMobil in Angola since 2003. Following the notice of termination of the current contract by ExxonMobil the unit is scheduled to stop operation in the first half of 2011. The unit will then undergo a major upgrade in order to meet the new project specific requirements. Part of that work will be performed in the PAENAL yard in Angola.

The LOI covers the early phase of the project and allows SBM Offshore to commence engineering and procurement work. The full scope lease and operate contracts are expected to be signed in the coming months.
Source: SBM Offshore

Leading Global Energy Player Picks EMAS AMC

EMAS, leading integrated support and marine services provider in the offshore oil and gas (O&G) sector and operating brand for Ezra Holdings Limited, has secured new subsea and offshore services contracts.

The project from Noble Energy is estimated at approximately US$88 million. Under this contract, EMAS' deepwater subsea services division (EMAS AMC) will install approximately 330km of umbilicals and subsea equipment, as well as deliver subsea suction piles and jumpers, for the Tamar development in the Mediterranean Sea (Tamar Project). The Tamar Project is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2012 (2Q12).

The umbilicals and subsea distribution equipment for the Tamar Project are being manufactured by the Aker Solutions Group at its well-equipped and modern plant in Mobile, Alabama in the United States. Ezra and Aker Solutions AS have entered into a five-year cooperation agreement in connection with the acquisition of Aker Marine Contractors AS (completed on 1 March 2011) and the Tamar Project is an example of a bundled solution for subsea equipment.

Mr Lionel Lee, the Managing Director of EMAS said:
'The Tamar Project positions us as a key contender in the global subsea and offshoreEMAS, leading integrated support and marine services provider in the offshore oil and gas (O&G) sector and operating brand for Ezra Holdings Limited secures new subsea and offshore services contracts from the world's top energy companies.
Source: EZRA

Statoil: New opportunities in the Barents Sea

Holdings in 11 new production licences have been awarded to Statoil in the 21st licensing round on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS), which was announced by the government today, 15 April.

The Polar Pioneer drilling rig at Skrugard in the Barents Sea. (Photo: Harald Pettersen)

The group received eight new operatorships, with four of these in the Barents Sea and four in the Norwegian Sea.

“We are very pleased with the award of new acreage in the Barents and Norwegian Seas,” says Gro Gunleiksrud Haatvedt, senior vice president for exploration on the NCS.

Gro Gunleiksrud Haatvedt, senior vice president for exploration on the NCS

“I’d particularly highlight the operatorship/acreage in the Hoop area. Future exploration there is important for us with an eye to the total potential of this Barents Sea province.”

The group was awarded the operatorship for production licences (PL) 614 and 615 in the Hoop area, which lies about 200 kilometres north-east of the Skrugard discovery. This was its first priority in the 21st round.

Statoil has also secured the operatorship for PL 608 and a stake in PL 605, both close to the promising Skrugard/Sverdrup discovery.

The group is also very satisfied with the award of deepwater acreage in the Norwegian Sea, with PLs 602, 603 and 604 close to the Luva area. They could contribute important extra resources.

Haatvedt says that the awards strengthen Statoil’s ambition to intensify exploration activity in these parts of the NCS.

She also emphasises that the government’s allocations through ordinary licence rounds every other year and the annual awards in predefined areas (APA) process are important for activity.

“The oil companies need access to good exploration acreage in order to make new discoveries,” Haatvedt observes. “We depend on this predictable government licensing policy.”
Source: Statoil

HHI RECEIVES ORDER OF A NEW ULTRA-DEEPWATER DRILLSHIP

A wholly owned subsidiary of Fred. Olsen Energy ASA has entered into a turnkey contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. for the building of a new ultra-deepwater drillship with scheduled  delivery in 3rd quarter 2013. Total project cost is estimated to USD 615 million (including spare parts, owner furnished equipment and project team). The contract includes an option from Hyundai for the purchase of a similar second drillship exercisable within October 2011. 

This DP drillship will be designed for water depth capacity up to 12,000 feet, have a seven ram BOP (Blow Out Preventer), dual activity capability, five mud pumps, a 165 ton capacity heave compensated crane, a maximum hook-load capacity of 1,250 tons and an accommodation module housing up to 210 people.
Source: Fred. Olsen Energy

EMAS to take delivery of one of Vietnam’s largest FPSOs from Keppel Shipyard

EMAS Production is set to take delivery of one of Vietnam's largest Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels from Keppel Shipyard Limited (Keppel Shipyard), on behalf of owner PV Keez Pte. Ltd (PV Keez).

To be managed and operated by EMAS Production, FPSO Lewek EMAS has been chartered by Premier Oil Vietnam Offshore B.V. for the development of the Chim Sáo field off southern Vietnam for six years, with a further option to extend the charter by another six years. The FPSO charter contract is one of only seven signed worldwide in 2009, and is worth approximately US$1 billion.

The project to convert the 168,000 dwt Suezmax tanker into an FPSO was awarded to Keppel Shipyard in December 2009. To date, Keppel Shipyard has achieved a good safety record of over 4.1 million incident-free man-hours for its conversion.

Speaking at the vessel's naming ceremony today, Mr Lionel Lee, Group Managing Director of EMAS said, "Lewek EMAS is our second FPSO project with Keppel Shipyard with whom we have established a win-win partnership. This FPSO underscores EMAS' ability to deliver a diverse range of customised marine and offshore support solutions, from design and engineering to maintenance and offshore installation. The addition of Lewek EMAS to our fleet propels EMAS Production to be one of Asia's leading FPSO operators."

Mr Nelson Yeo, Managing Director of Keppel Shipyard said, "Keppel Shipyard is pleased to support the conversion of Lewek EMAS. We provided a broad spectrum of FPSO conversion services on this project, including the engineering and fabrication of topsides modules.

"In spite of the tight schedule, the project teams for this conversion have worked hard to upkeep the highest standards of quality and safety of our people and workplace. The successful conversion of Lewek EMAS further enhances Keppel as the choice provider of reliable and value-added services."

Lewek EMAS is on track for delivery in the second quarter of 2011, and is expected to begin production in July this year.

A joint venture between Ezra Holdings Limited, PetroVietnam Transportation Corporation, EOC Limited and KSI Production Pte Ltd, PV Keez is the first overseas company to secure an offshore Vietnam loan in order to finance the FPSO's conversion.
Source: Keppel Shipyard

PETROGRAND AB HAS BEEN GRANTED MUROMSKIJ-2

Petrogrand AB has through its Russian subsidiary Petrogrand Invest LLC, free of charge been granted the rights to, during a 5 year period, perform geological surveys on the license area Muromskij-2, in the Tomsk-region. Petrogrand will, after test drillings and when the oil reserve is confirmed, apply for a 20 year exploration and oil production license.

According to data from the State Committee for Natural Resources, the reserves have been determined as 39.4 million tons, (295 million barrels)according to the Russian classification.

 When the application period expired on 4 February, one additional application had been submitted. The reason for the delays is that Petrogrand informed the authorities of that the other applicant missed a proper company registration. The following investigation by the authorities showed that this was correct and the application failed.

Petrogrand will immediately check the status and quality of earlier surveys on the license area. We will also soonest intensify our work to update and finalize the survey, in order to safe guard that test drillings can be started in the license area during the winter 2011/2012, says Maks Grinfeld, CEO Petrogrand.

Petrogrand will continuously keep the market informed about the work progress in the license area.

Petrogrand'sbusiness concept is to carry on oil production via acquired Russian oil companies and oil licenses. Petrogrand will also manage, enhance and sell Russian oil assets.
Source: Petrogrand

Protesters told to stay away from oil survey vessel

New Zealand police on Tuesday issued environmental protestors notices to ensure their boats do not get too close to an oil and gas survey ship or its support vessel off North Island's East Cape.
[Read More]
Source: People's Daily

Niko, Centrica to invest $70 mln in Trinidad project

Canada's Niko Resources (NKO.TO) and Britain's Centrica (CNA.L) will invest $70 million in three offshore exploration wells this year in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean's leading oil and natural gas producer, officials said on Wednesday.
[Read More]
Source: Reuters

AMINEX: NYUNI EXTENSION GRANTED

Aminex PLC (‘Aminex’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it has received a formal extension of 6 months to the Nyuni East Songo-Songo Productions Sharing Agreement (‘Nyuni PSA’) from the Tanzanian Ministry of Energy and Minerals. This extension is to cover the likely eventuality that the Nyuni-2 well, due to be spudded in the next few weeks, will not be completed within the life of the existing Nyuni PSA which expires this year.

As announced on 12 April, the Minister of Energy and Minerals has now signed a 25-year Development Licence for the Kiliwani North Gas Field. This licence area has been carved out from the Nyuni PSA.

Terms for a new and expanded PSA to replace the expiring Nyuni PSA have been negotiated and agreed and are expected to be formally concluded in due course.

Aminex chairman Brian Hall commented: “we are very grateful for the co-operation we have received from the Tanzanian authorities in facilitating completion of our current drilling programme and we are looking forward to continuing activity in this interesting part of the East African coastal margin”.

The Nyuni PSA is held as follows:
Ndovu Resources Ltd. 65% (operator)
RAK Gas Commission 25%
Bounty Oil  5%
Key Petroleum 5
Source: Aminex

Ukraine, Vanco Reach Black Sea Oil Settlement, Interfax Reports

Ukraine and Vanco Prykerchenska Ltd. have reached a settlement on Black Sea oil exploration, Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported, citing Justice Minister Oleksandr Lavrynovych.
[Read More]
Source: Bloomberg

Shtokman partners insist gas to flow in 2016

Gazprom (GAZP.MM), Total (TOTF.PA) and Statoil (STL.OL), the partners in Shtokman Development, confirmed they would start pumping gas from the Barents Sea field in 2016 but delayed an investment decision.
[Read More]
Source: Reuters

Marine Well Containment Company Welcomes Statoil

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Marine Well Containment Company (MWCC) announced today that Statoil has joined as a member.

“We welcome Statoil as a member of the Marine Well Containment Company. As part of MWCC, Statoil joins our effort to improve the containment and response capability in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and be continuously ready to respond in the event of a future deepwater well control incident.”

Marty Massey, MWCC chief executive officer, said, “We welcome Statoil as a member of the Marine Well Containment Company. As part of MWCC, Statoil joins our effort to improve the containment and response capability in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and be continuously ready to respond in the event of a future deepwater well control incident.”

Bill Maloney, Statoil executive vice president, North America development and production, said, “Our membership underpins Statoil’s continued and strong commitment to the Gulf of Mexico. The equipment and capabilities developed by MWCC are important to build confidence and ensure safe deepwater operations as we resume drilling in the area. Statoil plans to actively contribute to the further development of the MWCC and its well containment solutions.”

Other MWCC members include ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Shell, BP, Apache, Anadarko and BHP Billiton.

System equipment and services is available to members and non-members. Non-members will be able to enter into agreements for access to the MWCC system on a per well fee basis.

The company’s interim well containment system is ready for deployment today and is capable of operating in a water depth of up to 8,000 feet and processing up to 60,000 barrels of fluid per day. Work is also under way to expand the system to operate in a water depth of up to 10,000 feet and process up to 100,000 barrels of fluid per day for delivery in 2012.
Source: Business Wire

BP and Rosneft Extend Share Swap Deadline

BP announced today that it has agreed with Rosneft to extend the deadline for completing the share swap agreement (previously announced on 14 January) to 16 May 2011. The agreement between the two companies followed the 8 April decision of the arbitral tribunal to allow them to discuss extension of the deadline. This means that the share swap agreement will now not terminate on 14 April 2011.

The share swap agreement, between BP and Rosneft, together with the related Arctic Opportunity, were originally announced on 14 January 2011. Both the share swap agreement and the Arctic Opportunity remain subject to an interim injunction. 

BP intends to continue with the arbitration process to obtain a final award on all outstanding issues, including whether or not the interim injunction should continue. 

BP remains fully committed to TNK-BP as its primary business vehicle in Russia and fully supports its strategy and investment programme, which should ensure its success for decades to come. BP also owns a 1.3% interest in Rosneft and has been exploring offshore Sakhalin for over a decade and engaging in Arctic studies.
Source: BP

Statoil finds oil near Peregrino

A new oil find has been made by Statoil immediately adjacent the Peregrino field in the Campos Basin offshore Brazil.

The Peregrino A wellhead platform

An exploration well drilled in the Peregrino South structure a few kilometres south of Peregrino has encountered oil in sandstones of the Carapebus geological formation.

A significant gross oil column of 130 metres has been proven in the well and further work will be performed to confirm the volumes. 

The drilling operation is still ongoing to penetrate deeper reservoir units and explore additional upside potential below the main reservoir unit.

Significant upside

“The results confirm the significant potential in the Peregrino area and underline the beliefs we have had in the upside,” says Tim Dodson, executive vice president for Exploration in Statoil.

“The well verifies the upside potential and will together with the Peregrino Southwest discovery from 2007 play an important role in further development of the Peregrino area.”

Tim Dodson, executive vice president for Exploration in Statoil

“The results will indeed be implemented into our plans for further development of the field,” says Kjetil Hove, head of Statoil’s Brazil activities and vice president in the company’s Development and Production International business area.

Following the completion of the Peregrino South well, one additional appraisal well in the Peregrino Southwest structure will be drilled to conclude the overall size of the new development.

Peregrino start-up

Oil production from the Peregrino field started last week and will gradually ramp up to a plateau of 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, making Statoil an important long-term operator and partner in Brazil’s growing oil and gas industry.

Kjetil Hove, head of Statoil’s Brazil activities

The initial development of the field is estimated to contain 300 to 600 recoverable million barrels of oil equivalents, and the new discovery will add additional volumes going forward.

Drilling of the well is being carried out by the Blackford Dolphin rig at a water depth of 120 metres.

Operated by Statoil, the Peregrino field is 85 kilometres off the Brazilian coast from Rio de Janeiro. In May 2010 Statoil sold a 40% stake of the Peregrino field to the Sinochem Group. Statoil holds 60% ownership and the operatorship of the field and Sinochem the remaining 40%. The closing of the transaction is pending governmental approvals.
Source: Statoil