1. The number of oil and gas drilling rigs in the United States increased for the second quarter in a row
Baker Hughes, the US oil services company, said in a highly watched report Friday that the number of active US oil and gas rigs rose 6 to 417 as of the week on March 26, the highest level since April last year. And recorded eighth and second consecutive quarter growth as oil prices rose to push drilling workers back to the rig.
2. Aker wins large contract for ConocoPhillips underwater production system
Aker solutions of Norway announced that it has won a large contract from ConocoPhillips to provide underwater production system for the Norwegian offshore eldfish north development project. The contract covers a complete subsea production system, including 13 standardized vertical subsea Christmas trees, wellhead, control system, three six tank baseplates with integrated manifold and related services.
Eldfisk, an oil field discovered in 1970, is located in the south of Ekofisk oil field in the North Sea of Norway. It is the second largest of the three production areas in the greater Ekofisk region and one of the largest on the Norwegian continental shelf.
3. Oil giants seek to exit Tunisian Market
European oil giants shell, Eni and OMV are seeking to sell their oil and gas assets in Tunisia, a North African country.
Tunisia has been trying to provide a stable regulatory environment for foreign companies over the past decade. At the same time, European oil companies are actively seeking to divest non core assets to reduce debt and open up more investment opportunities in low-carbon energy. They plan to cut emissions substantially and become net zero energy companies within 30 years.
4. Oil companies have the world’s most active budget of $37 billion
PetroChina said in its annual report on Thursday that it plans to spend 239 billion yuan (US $37 billion) on capital this year. The amount is higher than the plans of global oil giants such as Saudi Amy, Exxon Mobil and Shell, because they are cutting spending to cope with COVID-19′s impact on oil prices and fuel demand.
5. Novatek of Russia has made a new milestone in Yamal LNG project
Novatek, Russia’s largest independent natural gas producer, announced on Friday that the Yamal LNG project has transported 50 million tons of liquefied natural gas since its launch.
The project utilizes the oil and gas resources of South tambeyskoye oilfield in the Arctic region of Russia. At present, a natural gas liquefaction plant with an annual output of 17.4 million tons is under construction, including three LNG production lines with an annual output of 5.5 million tons and one LNG production line with an annual output of 900000 tons.
6. Mubarada purchased refining assets from Petrobras for $1.65 billion
Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala group has acquired refinery and logistics assets from Petrobras, the Brazilian national oil company, for $1.65 billion, which is seeking to expand its overseas oil and gas assets. The deal includes the sale of the landulpho Alves refinery and its related logistics assets in Bahia.
7. Merger of Noble Group and Pacific drilling company
On Thursday, noble Corp, an offshore drilling contractor, announced its agreement to buy rival Pacific drilling through an all stock deal. After the merger, Noble Group will have one of the largest and most modernized drilling fleets in the world, including 11 drilling vessels, 1 semi submersible and 12 jack up drilling vessels.
Analysts said the merger of the two companies was a step in the right direction for the deepwater drilling platform industry, with more consolidation expected in the field.
Post time: Mar-29-2021