The imperative for a holistic United States maritime strategy has never been greater. The National Strategy for the Marine Transportation System was published in July 2008, by the previous administration. The White House, the Congress, and…
Regulatory update. OE asked, “How will the US Coast Guard’s new rules on offshore cranes affect businesses in the Gulf?” The proposed rule’s incorporation of API’s robust industry standards will ensure that businesses are using safe and proven technologies to design…
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) will be issuing new requirements for the blowout preventers (BOP) by the end of the year, according to agency director Brian M. Salerno. BOPs are large, high-pressure valves used…
Atwood Oceanics, Inc. has agreed to sell its standard jackup drilling unit, The Vicksburg, to Gulf Drilling International Ltd (Q.S.C.) for US$55.4 million. The sale is expected to close in early 2014 following the completion of the unit's contract with CEC International…
Centek Inc., has been awarded API certification for its US centralizer manufacturing plant in Oklahoma City. Centralizer production started in the plant in July 2012 with 20 employees and this has now grown to a 90 strong workforce producing 35…
With a relatively quiet Atlantic hurricane season under its belt so far, the US Gulf Coast states are bracing for Tropical Storm Karen, which is impacting US energy output in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). A hurricane watch is in effect from Grand Isle…
Baker Hughes Inc. announced the availability of its StayCool™ multidimensional cutter, which helps operators drill to total depth faster and more cost effectively by extending cutter life and footage per run. Used exclusively on the Hughes…
Rosneft and ExxonMobil have selected CB&I UK and Foster Wheeler Energy as the initial phase front end engineering and design (FEED) contractors for the two oil giants’ Russia Far East liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. The contractor selection process began back in August…
Sinking of SS Arctic - 27 September 1854 The SS Arctic was the pride of the American merchant marine when launched in 1852. It was a 3,000 ton wooden-hull paddle-wheel steamer capable of carrying 280 passengers. It also carried a modest amount of cargo…
Statoil ASA discovered between 300-600MMbo recoverable in its first Bay du Nord exploration well, located 500km (310 mi.) northeast of St. John’s, Newfoundland. 'It is exciting that Statoil is opening a new basin offshore Newfoundland…
Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV) announced today that it has launched its CTV Fund V, a US$90 million venture capital fund to invest in early- to mid-stage companies and in limited partnership funds. Investments from CTV Fund V will…
Trelleborg Offshore and Construction has been awarded United States Coast Guard (USCG) approval for its deluge and sprinkler system, Elastopipe, which grants it certified for use within the United States. Doug Marti, Market Development Manager within Trelleborg Offshore and Construction…
Noble Corporation has announced plans to spin off its standard specification drilling units into a new separate company. The new company will own and operate standard specification drilling units from the Noble fleet, with the new company focusing on high-specification assets…
High-quality technology and proper backing investments are keys to “[allowing] Mexico to continue as one of the main hydrocarbon producers of the world,” said Jose Antonio Escalera-Alcocer, deputy director of exploration for Pemex Exploration…
CGG announced that the Fast TraxTM TTI RTM (tilted transverse isotropy reverse time migration) processed data from its IBALT broadband, full-azimuth survey covering over 5,000sq km (221 blocks) in the Keathley Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) has been delivered on schedule…