Sercel has announced the launch of its first distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) seismic solution: SigmaWave. Designed in partnership with Fotech Solutions, SigmaWave is the first integrated distributed acoustic solution designed exclusively for borehole seismic applications and reinforces Sercel’s advanced range of downhole seismic acquisition systems. SigmaWave is fully integrated with Sercel’s existing downhole seismic tools and enables continuous, real-time seismic measurements along the entire length of a fiber optic cable. Whether by retrievable or permanent deployment, it is now possible to visualize and monitor the well in real time and instantly generate SEG-Y files.
Dale
‘New reality could unlock £200bn of future UK business opportunities’
A sustained focus on cost and efficiencies with ongoing uncertainty in commodity markets marks the “new reality” for the UK’s offshore oil and gas sector, according to a flagship report into industry performance published recently. Oil & Gas UK’s (OGUK) Business Outlook 2019 finds continued uncertainty in commodity markets is reinforcing investor caution, with forecasts indicating a conservative outlook for prices. Against this backdrop, exploration and production companies remain focused on cost whilst striving for further business and operational improvements.
‘Production revival and development potential makes Eagle Ford shale a winner’
During 2018, Eagle Ford re-emerged as one of the lucrative destinations for oil and gas companies, according to data and analytics company, GlobalData. The company’s latest market analysis report reveals that the shale play has reverted a production decline and leading operators continue to increase the scale of their operations. There are still some sections within the Eagle Ford shale play which are underdeveloped, especially in the northern part comprising the Burleson and Brazos counties and some companies are also assessing the overlying Austin Chalk formation.
Santos awards drilling support contract to MMA Offshore
Marine service provider MMA Offshore has been awarded a contract by Santos to support its 2019 drilling campaign. The contract is for the provision of three vessels to support the drilling campaign, including two anchor handling tug supply vessels and a platform supply vessel. The scope of services includes rig tows to and from field, infield rig moves and platform supply duties in support of the Noble Tom Prosser rig, operating offshore Australia. The contract started in February and is expected to run for at least six months.
Technical problems curtails Norway oil production
The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NDP) has revealed that oil production during February this year was below expectations as a result of technical problems on some fields. The NDP said that preliminary production figures for February indicated an average daily production of 1,745,000 barrels of oil, NGL and condensate. This represented a decrease of 75,000 barrels per day in comparison to January. Total gas sales were 10.2 billion Sm3 (GSm3), a decrease of 0.9 GSm3 from the previous month. During February the average daily liquids production figures were 1,388,000 barrels of oil, 328,000 barrels of NGL, and 30,000 barrels of condensate.
APPEA applauds environmental authority retreat on carbon emission directives
The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association welcomed the decision by the board of the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority to withdraw guidelines imposing unprecedented constraints on investment in new projects. APPEA CEO Malcolm Roberts said the requirement to offset all project emissions would have put at risk essential investment in resources and energy projects in WA. APPEA welcomed the decision of EPA chairman Tom Hatton and his board to provide a genuine opportunity for consultation with all stakeholders in a complex policy debate.
Orchid-1 delivers gas and condensate bounty for PTTEP
Thai oil and gas company PTTEP has celebrated a gas and condensate discovery at Orchid-1, the first exploration well in Permit AC/P54 located in the Timor Sea, offshore Australia. This was revealed by Phongsthorn Thavisin, President and CEO of PTTEP, who said in a statement that PTTEP Australasia had made the discovery after the well had been spudded in January and drilled to a depth of 2,925m. The well encountered gas and condensate with the net pay thickness around 34 meters.
Industry confidence ‘returning to oil and gas sector’ according to AOG report
Over 90 per cent of oil and gas professional believe that the industry will improve or remain the same in the mid-to-long term, according to the second annual Industry Confidence Report commissioned by the Australasian Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition (AOG). The report surveyed 700 oil and gas representatives from senior and operational management, engineers, consultants, contractors and business development managers found that the current health of the Australasian oil and gas industry was either stable or improving.
Bipartisan support for hydrogen
Energy Networks Australia has welcomed progress towards a National Hydrogen Strategy, with the recent release of a discussion paper for public comment. CEO Andrew Dillon said support from both sides of federal politics for hydrogen and its potential as a low or zero-emission energy source to back up renewable power was important to support the transition to a clean energy future. “Hydrogen can be produced carbon free from excess renewable energy, storing this energy in a clean way for when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind isn’t blowing,” he said.
Forties Pipeline System investment is ‘vote of confidence’ in North Sea future
The leading representative body for the UK’s offshore oil and gas industry has welcomed news INEOS is to invest £500m (AU$920 million) in the Forties Pipeline System as a vote of confidence in the future potential of the industry. INEOS said that the investment will transform the asset and extend the life of the pipeline by at least 20 years. Commenting, Oil & Gas UK upstream policy director Mike Tholen said: “Investment of this scale in the Forties pipeline system is a vote of confidence in the future potential of the UK North Sea.