In advance of OE’s 2014 Deepwater Intervention Forum held in Galveston, Texas, Managing Editor Audrey Leon spoke with representatives of Helix Energy Solutions, FMC Technologies, and consultant Robert Keith of R.J. Keith & Associates, to discuss topics affecting the intervention sector…
London-based, Africa-focused explorer Afren has suspended CEO Osman Shahenshah as well as Chief Operating Officer Shahid Ullah pending the results of an investigation into unauthorized payments, the company announced on 31 July 2014. Afren…
Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas Ltd.received approval from the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana to acquire a 50.51% interest in the Cape Three Points West block, located in the Tano Cape Three Points basin, offshore Ghana. The agreement is for 25 years…
Saipem was awarded offshore drilling contracts worth approximately US$540 million in Indonesia, Nigeria, the Arabian Gulf and Latin America. The contracts refer to four different units of Saipem’s fleet. Indonesia contract Eni Muara Bakau B…
Portugal-based Galp Energia’s recent drilling campaign at the Tao-1 exploration well in the Tarfaya block off Morocco was unsuccessful, partner Tangiers Petroleum announced 28 July 2014. Australian-based Tangiers Petroleum, which holds 25% interest in the Tarfaya block…
FAR Ltd. reported that the Cairn-operated FAN-1 exploration well resumed drilling on the North Fan prospect in 1500m water depth, offshore Senegal on 28 July. Drilling to date has reached 3000m with a planned TD of approximately 5300m using Transocean’s fifth-generation semisubmersible…
West Africa-focused Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited (COPL) says drilling plans for offshore Liberia have been delayed due to an Ebola virus outbreak in the region. The firm is in a partnership with ExxonMobil (operator and 83% equity holder) on Block LB-13 offshore Liberia…
Fugro has opened a new, 7000sq m facility in the SONILS Oil Service Centre in Luanda, Angola. Angola is now the second largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, after Nigeria, the firm said. “Our new site demonstrates Fugro’s strong commitment to the Angolan market…
Italian contractor Saipem awarded Singapore-based Sembcorp Marine a US$484 million contract to convert two FPSOs for Total’s Kaombo project offshore Angola. Sembcorp subsidiary Sembawang Shipyard will convert two very large crude carriers…
Both Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Kinshasa are rejecting Angola's proposed changes to the maritime borders, in which Angola seeks to increase its continental shelf length by more than 200mi. Gabon and the DRC have…
IHS' Chief Upstream Strategist Bob Fryklund addresses 2014 Offshore Technology Conference. Photo: Audrey Leon/OE. Mozambuque is thought to be the jewel in East Africa's crown, but will its abundant gas resources pay off for the country…
BG Group used Odfjell's Deepsea Metro I drillship for the Sunbird-1 in Block L10A this year. Photo from BG Group. Offshore East Africa is among the newest frontier exploration regions, with results of wildcats eagerly awaited…
The Republic of Gabon’s Ministry of Petroleum announced today that it has selected seven companies to participate in a final round of negotiations for deepwater blocks in the offshore licensing tender round from October 2013. The Ministry said Impact Oil & Gas…
Tanzania is home to several recent gas discoveries. Yet the country's most recent licensing round doesn't reflect that story. Sarah Parker Musarra discusses why. With players like Statoil, ExxonMobil, BG Group and Ophir celebrating success in the waters off Tanzania…
Harvest Natural Resources Inc. announced today that a Declaration of Commerciality (DOC) has been signed with the Gabonese Republic (Gabon) pertaining to the Dussafu Marin permit offshore Gabon. This follows Gabon's award, on 17 July…