Strong rig demand, especially in Norway, to keep northwest Europe bustle alive into 2008

Posted on 29 October 2009 in 2007, November/December

By Jeremy Cresswell, contributing editor There is no such thing as a steady state on the northwest Europe continental shelf (NWECS). Just when one thinks some sort of stability has been achieved, it is swiftly swept away by that absolute certainty … change. Big changes are indeed happening, some with surprising speed, and, as can [...]

US land drilling 2008 outlook: soft start, strong finish

Posted on 28 October 2009 in 2007, November/December

By Katie Mazerov, contributing editor Think of a high-performing athlete at the top of his game, earning $20 million a year. His game falls off … and his salary slips to $16 million. A drop, to be sure, but he is still playing – and being compensated – at a very high level. That is [...]

Is the water bluer on the other side of the Gulf?

Posted on 28 October 2009 in 2007, November/December

by Jerry Greenberg, contributing editor US Gulf of Mexico rig activity at the end of September 2007 was at its lowest level since late 1992 in terms of contracted rigs. This is primarily a result of low natural gas prices but also a result of an industry affected by a hurricane season that runs from [...]