Churchill Drilling Tools, provider of systems for the drilling and completions markets, has announced the deployment of its dart-activated DAV MX circulating valve at a record measured depth of 26,012 ft. The achievement was delivered out of Churchill’s recently-opened Houston base…
Ghohta discovery Lundin Petroleum made an oil discovery on the Ghohta prospect in exploration licence PL492 in the Barents Sea. The well, 7120/1-3, 35km northwest of Snøhvit field, found a 75m oil column in Permian carbonates. Statoil…
Statoil Gulf Services, the North American subsidiary of the Norway’s Statoil, has signed a lease for 581,000 square feet in CityWestPlace to serve as their North American headquarters. The company already 225,000 square feet in the complex…
Houston-based Annova LNG, LLC, has filed an application with the US Department of Energy (DOE) to receive authorization to export domestic LNG to free trade agreement (FTA) countries. While the Office of the United States Trade Representative…
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…