Exploration Plan

BOEMRE Calls for Public Comment, New Deepwater EA

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) announced that public comment is invited with respect to an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a supplemental Exploration Plan (EP) submitted by Hess Corporation. This supplemental EP involves deepwater activity in the Gulf of Mexico and will be completed in accordance with new safety and environmental standards implemented since the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.   The Supplemental EP includes three proposed exploratory wells in approximately 4,036 feet water depth, approximately 130 miles offshore Louisiana. Consistent with federal regulations, an EP is deemed “submitted” once all supporting materials and documentation has been provided. Once a plan is deemed submitted, BOEMRE has 30 calendar days to analyze and evaluate it.  For more information on pending plans, go to: http://www.gomr.boemre.gov/homepg/offshore/safety/well_permits.html   As part of its review, the bureau will prepare an EA specific to the proposed exploration activities. Upon completion of the technical and environmental review, BOEMRE must decide whether to approve the plan, require modifications, or disapprove the plan. An exploration plan describes all exploration activities planned by the operator for a specific lease or leases, including the timing of these activities, information concerning drilling vessels, the location of each planned well

Amendments to Pending Exploration Plans

On April 22, BOEMRE called for public comment to inform new deepwater environmental assessment. Statoil, Inc. and BHP Billiton Petroleum Americas have provided amendments to their exploration plans (EP). The amended plans have been deemed submitted on April 28, and the 30-day review of the proposed activities has re-started.   There are currently four deepwater EPs that have been deemed submitted. Shell Offshore, Inc.'s supplemental EP was amended and deemed submitted on April 12, 2011

BOEMRE on Resuming Pre-Approved Activities

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) notified 13 companies whose deepwater drilling activities were suspended by last year’s deepwater drilling moratorium that they may be able to resume those previously-approved activities without the need to submit revised exploration or development plans for supplemental National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews. Before resuming those activities without additional NEPA review, however

BOEM Approves First BP Exploration Plan in GOM

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) approved a supplemental Exploration Plan (EP) submitted by BP for deepwater oil and gas activities. BOEM conducted a site-specific Environmental Assessment (EA) of the activities described in the plan. This is the 44th plan that has been approved following the completion of a site-specific EA since stronger regulations were implemented in June 2010. Prior to any drilling under the plan

Wayward Rig 'Kulluk' Safely Arrives Kiliuda Bay

The 'Kulluk', towed by the 'AHTS Aiviq' has arrived in the safe harbor for assessment of any damage caused by its recent grounding. The Kulluk was refloated from its Ocean Bay position, off Sitkalidak Island, late Jan. 6, and will remain connected to its support vessels while it undergoes assessment in Kiliuda Bay, located about 30 miles north of Ocean Bay. The final location for assessment within the Bay will be determined by environmental conditions, including weather.

MMS Finds No Current Interest In Proposed Sale

MMS received no request to continue the sale process for exploring Norton Basin for oil and gas in its first Call for Information for the area that closed on April 22nd. “We didn’t expect much interest from companies at this time,” said MMS Regional Director John Goll. “This first Call for Information got the idea of a small focused sale out to the companies. I hope that they will consider the area and its needs and how working in Norton Sound might work into upcoming exploration plans.”

BOEMRE Holds Technical Permitting Workshop

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Director Michael R. Bromwich today announced that the bureau has developed and implemented several new tools to help offshore oil and gas operators improve their exploration and development plan and permit applications. These tools will allow offshore operators to better track their submissions and improve the quality and completeness of their applications, which will decrease processing delays.

Santos to Boost Exploration of LNG and Oil Potential

Santos Ltd said it plans to boost its expenditure on exploration to $169.3 million in 2006, from $140.6 million last year, focusing on liquefied natural gas and oil potential in a 25-well high-impact exploration program, Forbes reported. The program reflects the widening geographical nature of its exploration portfolio.17 of the 25 wildcat wells will be drilled outside of Australia, including eight wells in the company's core Indonesian area and two in its emerging Timor-Bonaparte region

ConocoPhillips Announces Management Changes

ConocoPhillips announced the following actions concerning the company's senior management. These changes will be effective September 1, 2007. Exploration & Production Bill Berry, executive vice president, Exploration & Production – Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, has elected to retire after 31 years of service. From September 1 until his retirement in January 2008, Mr. Berry will serve in a transition role.

Houston Exploration Announces Changes, Reorganizations

Houston Exploration announces a corporate realignment to facilitate the Company's operating strategy and growth plans. They have created two operating divisions: Onshore and offshore, which will function as strategic business units for the Company's oil and gas operations. Steve Mueller will join the Company as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Onshore Division, a business unit currently producing 110 Mmcf/d from fields in South Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana