Oil Companies

DnB NOR Global E&P Spending Report: Growth Continues

The 65 oil companies covered in DnB NO’s fifth annual E&P spending report expect a spending increase of 14% in 2011, 8% in 2012 and 7% in 2013. For 2011 we expect activity growth in line with last year; however, service costs are increasing and expected to contribute one third of the total growth rate. We believe that this, combined with fundamentals such as an organic Reserve Replacement Ratio of 87% and increased focus on deepwater and challenging areas, will lend good support to earnings for the oil services industry in the years to come. The fifth annual E&P spending report covers oil and gas companies’ spending on exploration and production (E&P) based on our survey of 65 oil and gas companies worldwide, ranging from oil majors to small-cap independents, providing insight from all the purchasers of oil services into current expectations and how they have changed YOY. The focus is on oil companies exposed to the offshore side of E&P. Our key conclusions are: Based on the companies covered in our report, DnB NOR expects E&P spending to rise by 14% in 2011. All segments are expected to increase their spending. The majors indicate that their spending is expected to increase by 11%, 9%-points higher than in 2010. The small- and large-cap independents expect to raise their spending by 22% and 21%, respectively. The NOCs suggest an increase of 13%.

U.S. Delays Decision On Oil Drilling In California Waters

The U.S. Interior Department's Minerals Management Service (MMS) announced it will delay its decision on whether oil companies can drill for oil and natural gas off California's coast, until August 16, 1999. The MMS was scheduled to decide by June 30 if drilling would be allowed on 40 undeveloped leases off the central coast of California, but said it needs more time to review the oil company requests. The plans to drilling offshore California are receiving opposition from California Gov

Texaco's Profits Drop; ARCO's Surge

Texaco Inc., the nation's fourth largest oil company, reported that second quarter income dropped 13 percent as low refinery profits abroad were only partially offset by stronger crude oil prices. Texaco, which broke off merger discussions with Chevron Corp., slipped past analysts' expectations with second quarter income of $286 million before special items. In the same period last year, Texaco reported income before special items of $335 million.

Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC Appoints CFO

Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC (DFM: GULFNAV) has announced the appointment of Khalid Karim to the position of Chief Financial Officer  Khalid brings to Gulf Navigation over 30 years of experience in major oil & gas and shipping companies in senior finance roles. He joins the company as it enters a new phase in its substantial expansionary plan where he will assist the company in its continuing growth strategy.

MESAB to Retrofit Tankers with BWT Systems

ME Solutions of Tumba Sweden (MESAB) has received an order from Alfa Laval Nordic AS regarding retrofitting two ships with the Pureballast PB500 2.0 system.   The ships are owned by Frederiet AB in Sweden and chartered by the oil company Nynäs AB, which is a subsidiary of the Finnish oil company Neste Oil. The system will be installed in the pump rooms of the ships. All piping will be made of GRE type pipes. Installation is estimated to be completed January 2012

Oil at Libyan Ports May Run Low Due to Political Upheaval

According to a March 1 report from Bloomberg, crude supplies for loading at Libyan ports may start to run low because of disrupted production at oil fields caused by an uprising against leader Muammar Qaddafi, two ship owners said. While six owners of tankers carrying crude, refined oil products and liquefied natural gas reported successful loadings during the past week, at least seven oil companies’ production was disrupted.   

Washington State to Establish Advisory Council

The Washington Legislature adopted Senate Bill 5432 to establish an independent oil spill advisory council, reporting directly to the Governor. The council, consisting of members of environmental organizations, fishing interests, the marine trades, marine labor, and oil companies, among others, will advise the Governor on matters relating to oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response. The legislation now goes to the Governor for signature. (HK Law)

Oil Giants Rally To Landmark Brazil Auction

International oil companies reportedly rallied to Brazil's first-ever oil exploration auction, putting up a surprisingly high $93 million for the right to explore in just four areas on the first morning of a two-day bidding round.

U.S. Backs $1B Loan to Mexico for Oil Drilling

According to a September 11 report from FoxNews.com, despite President Obama's moratorium on U.S. deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. Export-Import Bank intends to guarantee $1b in loans to PEMEX, the Mexican state oil company, to bolster the company's oil drilling in the region. The bank, which is the official American export credit agency, loaned more than $1b to PEMEX in 2009 -- when the company was the bank's largest borrower -- in support of its drilling activities.

FOE and KNOC in Deal for Drillship

According to Rigzone, Fred Olsen Energy ASA (FOE) has entered into an agreement of intent with the Korean state owned oil company, Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) of South Korea, to request proposals for the construction of a jointly owned new-build ultra deepwater drillship. FOE's wholly owned subsidiary, Dolphin Drilling Ltd., will in case of realizing the project, undertake the technical and commercial operation of the drillship