People, Companies & Products

Shell, Petrobras sign long-term technical agreement to strengthen deepwater partnership in Brazil

Shell and Petrobras have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a long-term mutual collaboration in developing pre-salt fields in Brazil. Shell will benefit from technical solutions, contract management expertise and cost-efficiency initiatives that Petrobras applies to Brazil’s pre- and post-salt projects. Shell will share with Petrobras its global deepwater experience, especially on cost-efficiency efforts and use of technology. The MOU also involves sharing best practices and learnings on safety and governance management, technical and operational solutions, contract management, logistics, wells construction and air transportation safety. The MOU was signed by Shell CEO Ben van Beurden and Petrobras CEO Pedro Parente during a visit by Petrobras’ executives to Shell’s headquarters in The Hague, The Netherlands.

Ensco Completes Acquisition of Atwood Oceanics

Ensco has announced the completion of its acquisition of Atwood Oceanics. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Atwood shareholders are entitled to receive 1.60 Ensco Class A ordinary shares for each share of Atwood common stock they own. Ensco and Atwood shareholders will own approximately 69% and 31%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of the combined company.

Tenaris acquires pipe services, trucking company

Tenaris has acquired pipe services and trucking company Garrett in Oklahoma to complement Tenaris’ Rig Direct service model and streamline the supply chain through the direct delivery of pipes.

Garrett holds a 100-acre facility offering OCTG and coated line pipe storage, threading inspection and repair, a bucking unit, hydro testing and other services.

CEFC China to acquire 14.16% stake in Rosneft

CEFC China Energy Company and the consortium of Glencore and QIA have substantially agreed to terms on the purchase and sale of a 14.16% stake in the share capital of Rosneft Oil Co.

The envisioned transaction has received preliminary approval from the National Development and Reform Commission of China. The completion of the transaction is subject to final negotiations and the receipt of regulatory approvals of applicable government authorities.

Patterson-UTI Energy to Acquire MS Energy Services

Patterson-UTI Energy has entered into an agreement to acquire MS Energy Services on a debt-free basis for total consideration of approximately 8.8 million shares of Patterson-UTI common stock and $75 million of cash.

The pending transaction, which is expected to close in Q4, is subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of required third-party consents. It is subject to expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.

Petrofac sells Pánuco stake contract to Schlumberger

Petrofac has sold its 50% interest in Petro-SPM Integrated Services to Schlumberger. Schlumberger now owns 100% of Petro-SPM, which operates the Pánuco Integrated Service Contract in Mexico.

The total potential consideration is in line with the net book value of Petrofac’s interest and comprises cash on completion and deferred consideration.

Nabors acquires Robotic Drilling Systems

Nabors Industries has acquired Stavanger-based Robotic Drilling Systems (RDS), a provider of automated tubular and tool handling equipment for the onshore and offshore drilling markets.

This transaction integrates the RDS team and product offering with the technology portfolio of Canrig, Nabors’ rig equipment subsidiary, and strengthens the development of its drilling automation solutions.

Weatherford appoints Karl Blanchard as COO

Weatherford International has appointed Karl Blanchard as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he will oversee all region and product line operations; quality, health, safety, security and environment; sales; engineering, research and development; and supply chain. Mr Blanchard has more than 35 years of experience in the oilfield services sector.

Noble names Robertson to Board of Directors

Noble Corp announced that Julie J. Robertson has been named to the company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. Ms Robertson fills a board vacancy created by a recent retirement. She will serve as a Director of Noble until the next shareholder vote at the annual general meeting in 2018.

Hunting appoints Johnson as Chief Executive

Hunting has announced the promotion and appointment of Arthur James Johnson as Chief Executive, effective 1 September 2017. Mr Johnson succeeds Dennis Proctor, who retired as Chief Executive and as a Director of Hunting on the same date.

Microsoft, Halliburton to form strategic alliance

Microsoft and Halliburton have announced a strategic alliance to drive digital transformation across the oil and gas industry. Researchers and engineers from both companies will leverage Microsoft technologies in machine learning, augmented reality, user interactions and industrial internet of things, as well as Microsoft Azure’s infrastructure and built-in computing capabilities to deliver solutions across the energy value chain.

Maersk Culzean contract secured for UK north sea

John Crane Asset Management Solutions has secured a contract to supply Maersk Oil with data services to support the planned maintenance strategy at one of the largest new developments in the UK North Sea. The company will provide data build services on the Culzean field, as well as establish a maintenance plan for all topside equipment.

eDrilling to support drilling digitization in Vietnam

eDrilling has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with PetroVietnam University to drive the digitalization of drilling operations in Vietnam. The mission of PetroVietnam University is to carry out research and training for the development of human resources of Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group. Under the MOU, eDrilling will provide its suite of software solutions, ranging from planning to training to real-time operations to analysis to learning.

Gardner Denver launches pod program in Middle East

Gardner Denver Petroleum & Industrial Pumps (P&IP) has launched its Parts on Demand (POD) program in the Middle East. Already utilized at more than 100 customer sites in North America, POD will now also facilitate efficient management of replacement inventory at its customers’ regional locations, facilities or well sites in the Middle East.

SDI transitions to paperless operations at 4 facilities

Scientific Drilling International (SDI) has completed its implementation and transition to paperless operations for its four domestic repair facilities. Recently, SDI implemented electronically monitored quality workflows within its motor shops, leveraging Parsable’s data collection processes to ensure 100% conformance to process standards during assembly, disassembly, and internal and external inspection.

Products

Caterpillar to develop new propulsion system

Caterpillar Marine, partnering with Caterpillar Innovation & Technology Development Division (ITDD), is developing a proprietary advanced propulsion system for marine applications.

The Cat Marine Advanced Variable Drive (AVD) is a patented system that leverages Caterpillar’s experience with heavy-duty continuously variable transmission technology, advanced controls and power system integration knowledge.

In this joint development, ITDD is leading a cross-functional innovation team to develop and validate a fully integrated marine propulsion system from bridge interface down to the propellers.

Halliburton releases high-energy drilling bit

Halliburton has released the GeoTech HE, a drill bit that incorporates new features and materials to deliver enhanced performance and increased reliability in high-energy drilling systems characterized by very high weight on bit and drilling torque. Both the matrix and steel platforms incorporate unique design geometries and features focused on high-energy systems. The new matrix body incorporates a blend of materials, and the new steel body is machined from an advanced alloy material.

Thyssenkrupp introduces toii digital platform

Thyssenkrupp has introduced toii, which connects the machinery of the materials division via a digital platform so all machines can communicate with one another. With predictive maintenance, the platform is designed to forecast the necessity of machine services in the future.

Schlumberger introduces new ball valve technology

Schlumberger has released the GROVE IST integrated seat technology ball valve. The new ball valve technology features a patented seat-on-ball design that significantly improves performance over conventional metal-seated ball valves, in addition to offering considerable size and weight benefits.

New jacketed service loops with longer life launched

Nexans AmerCable has launched the AmerLink “jacketed” loops with a mold-cured outer jacket that are lighter, smaller, more flexible and have a significantly longer service life. These service loops, available in power, control and instrumentation, are key to efficient top-drive operations on rigs.

Probe Technologies launches iQ inspection tool

Probe Technologies Holdings has introduced the iQ, a new multipurpose inspection tool that provides quantitative measurements of well casing thickness and inner diameter, as well as a comprehensive analysis of casing material properties. It operates in high-pressure wellbores, including those in highly deviated and horizontal wells, up to 20,000 psi and in temperatures as high as 175°C.