He was a pioneer in hydraulic fracturing and transformed the natural gas industry. He spent more than 20 years of his life, investing millions of dollars, trying to find the key to unlocking the natural gas and oil that he and many others knew were contained in the very dense shale formations thousands of feet below the earth’s surface.
When he finally succeeded in the Barnett Shale in the mid-1990s, he started an industry revolution that has transformed the global supply picture for oil and natural gas, and will enhance the energy security of North America for decades to come.
Legal Issues in the African Energy Sector
Wednesday 31 July 2013
OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin 2013
The OPEC Secretariat has released the online edition of its 2013 Annual Statistical Bulletin (ASB).
The bulletin provides detailed time-series data on many different aspects of the global petroleum industry. It focuses on imports and exports, as well as exploration, production and transportation activities. it also includes data on oil and natural gas activities in each of OPEC’s 12 Member Countries: Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.
It showed World oil demand rose by 0.9% in 2012, with the largest increases taking place in emerging economies, as in 2011. The main increases took place in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific countries (particularly China, Japan and India), as well as in Latin America (particularly Brazil).
In 2012, world crude oil production increased by 3.4% over 2011, with the bulk of the increases coming from North America, Africa and the Middle East.
Crude oil production in OPEC Member Countries was up 7.6% to 32.4 mb/d in 2012. Their overall share of total global crude production at the end of 2012 stood at 44.5%, slightly above the 2011 share of 42.7%.
Total Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) oil demand decreased by 1.1% in 2012, while oil demand in OPEC Member Countries increased by 3.9% during 2012, year-on-year.
See full report: OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin 2013
The bulletin provides detailed time-series data on many different aspects of the global petroleum industry. It focuses on imports and exports, as well as exploration, production and transportation activities. it also includes data on oil and natural gas activities in each of OPEC’s 12 Member Countries: Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.
It showed World oil demand rose by 0.9% in 2012, with the largest increases taking place in emerging economies, as in 2011. The main increases took place in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific countries (particularly China, Japan and India), as well as in Latin America (particularly Brazil).
In 2012, world crude oil production increased by 3.4% over 2011, with the bulk of the increases coming from North America, Africa and the Middle East.
Crude oil production in OPEC Member Countries was up 7.6% to 32.4 mb/d in 2012. Their overall share of total global crude production at the end of 2012 stood at 44.5%, slightly above the 2011 share of 42.7%.
Total Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) oil demand decreased by 1.1% in 2012, while oil demand in OPEC Member Countries increased by 3.9% during 2012, year-on-year.
See full report: OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin 2013
Lundin Petroleum enters into new production sharing contract offshore Indonesia
Lundin Petroleum AB (Lundin Petroleum) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Lundin Sareba BV, has entered into a production sharing contract (PSC) amendment with SKKMigas to substitute the existing Sareba Block acreage with new acreage named Cendrawasih VII (CVII), offshore north eastern Indonesia. Under the amended agreement, Lundin Petroleum is awarded the new Block acreage as a result of the existing Block acreage being declared a protected nature conservation area.
The CVII Block covers an area of approximately 5,545 km² and has been lightly explored. The block contains the shallow water portion of the Mamberamo delta and an undeveloped gas discovery in Pliocene turbidite reservoirs. Large carbonate build ups have also been identified on a 950 km² 3D seismic survey that was acquired in 2009. Lundin Petroleum expects to reprocess the 3D seismic survey prior to possible future drilling.
The fulfilled Sareba Block commitments are carried over to the CVII Block PSC and the remaining financial commitment for the purchase of geological and geophysical data shall be completed in year one of the PSC amendment agreement.
Lundin Petroleum operates a total of 5 Blocks in Indonesia and holds a non-operated interest in an onshore gas producing Block.
Ashley Heppenstall, President and CEO of Lundin Petroleum comments: “The signing of this amendment agreement marks a further important step forward in Lundin Petroleum’s pursuit of organic growth opportunities in Indonesia and South East Asia. We are particularly encouraged by the prospectivity of the CVII Block and securing this acreage provides us with the chance to continue with our exploration activities.”
Lundin Petroleum holds a 100 percent interest in the CVII Block PSC through its subsidiary Lundin Sareba BV
The CVII Block covers an area of approximately 5,545 km² and has been lightly explored. The block contains the shallow water portion of the Mamberamo delta and an undeveloped gas discovery in Pliocene turbidite reservoirs. Large carbonate build ups have also been identified on a 950 km² 3D seismic survey that was acquired in 2009. Lundin Petroleum expects to reprocess the 3D seismic survey prior to possible future drilling.
The fulfilled Sareba Block commitments are carried over to the CVII Block PSC and the remaining financial commitment for the purchase of geological and geophysical data shall be completed in year one of the PSC amendment agreement.
Lundin Petroleum operates a total of 5 Blocks in Indonesia and holds a non-operated interest in an onshore gas producing Block.
Ashley Heppenstall, President and CEO of Lundin Petroleum comments: “The signing of this amendment agreement marks a further important step forward in Lundin Petroleum’s pursuit of organic growth opportunities in Indonesia and South East Asia. We are particularly encouraged by the prospectivity of the CVII Block and securing this acreage provides us with the chance to continue with our exploration activities.”
Lundin Petroleum holds a 100 percent interest in the CVII Block PSC through its subsidiary Lundin Sareba BV
Ghana prepares for local content and local participation in oil and gas activities
The Ghananian Ministry of Energy and Petroleum wishes to has stated that the Minister for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has successfully laid before Parliament the PETROLEUM (LOCAL CONTENT AND LOCAL PARTICIPATION IN PETROLEUM ACTIVITIES) REGULATIONS, 2013 (LI 2204).
The purpose of these Regulations is to, among other things provide for –
The Ministry takes this opportunity to thank all stakeholders who made inputs into the drafting of the proposed regulations.
The purpose of these Regulations is to, among other things provide for –
- promotion of maximization of value-addition and job creation, through the use of local expertise, goods and services, businesses and financing in the petroleum industry value chain and the retention of benefits within Ghana;
- development of local capability in all aspects of the petroleum value chain through education, skills and expertise development, transfer of technology and know-how and an active research and development programme;
- achievement of the minimum local employment and in-country spend in the petroleum industry value chain within a decade of the start of every petroleum license or contract, in the provision of such supplies and services specified in these Regulations;
- increased capability and international competitiveness of domestic businesses and industrial sectors;
- creation of petroleum and related supportive industries that will sustain economic development;
- achievement and maintenance of a degree of influence or control by Ghanaians over development initiatives for local stakeholders; and
- A rigorous and transparent monitoring and reporting system to ensure delivery of Ghanaian content policy objectives.
The Ministry takes this opportunity to thank all stakeholders who made inputs into the drafting of the proposed regulations.
Existing job vacanies in Shell Nigeria
Shell Nigeria has announced existing vacancies in its company. These are contained in the link below:
http://www.shell.com.ng/aboutshell/careers-tpkg/professionals/job-search/app-xp-find-a-job.html
http://www.shell.com.ng/aboutshell/careers-tpkg/professionals/job-search/app-xp-find-a-job.html
Nigeria produces 7% of global natural gas- NLNG
Nigeria currently produces 23 million tonnes of natural gas annually, Babs Omotowa, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, has said.
This is about seven per cent of global production of natural gas.
Mr. Omotowa said this at the 2013 Annual Olobiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos on Thursday.
He spoke on “The Emergence of the Unconventional Impact on Nigerian Petroleum Industry.”
He said that out of the 23 million tonnes, 63 per cent was being exported to Europe, while 32 per cent went to Asia.
This is about seven per cent of global production of natural gas.
Mr. Omotowa said this at the 2013 Annual Olobiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos on Thursday.
He spoke on “The Emergence of the Unconventional Impact on Nigerian Petroleum Industry.”
He said that out of the 23 million tonnes, 63 per cent was being exported to Europe, while 32 per cent went to Asia.
Tuesday 30 July 2013
Gulf of Guinea Gas Conference Moves to Côte d’Ivoire
After fifteen successful years, Gulf of Guinea Gas is now established as the most senior forum to focus on West Africa’s thriving gas sector. Held under the auspices of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Mines, Petroleum & Energy, co-hosted by PETROCI and co-sponsored by IGU, this strategic conference will focus on: LHG, Exploration and Production, Gas to power, Domestic gas market, Gas Masterplans and Local Content.
Representatives from governments, national oil and gas companies and leading operators will get together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and devise future strategies to increase the participation of indigenous players in gas activities and promote industrial and economic development.
The date is 6-8 November, 2013, and the venue is Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire.
To get involved, check the link: http://www.cwcgog.com/contact-us/
Representatives from governments, national oil and gas companies and leading operators will get together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and devise future strategies to increase the participation of indigenous players in gas activities and promote industrial and economic development.
The date is 6-8 November, 2013, and the venue is Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire.
To get involved, check the link: http://www.cwcgog.com/contact-us/
Finally, Nigeria LNG lifts force majeure
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, last Friday lifted the force majeure (FM) declaration made to its buyers and gas suppliers, a full month and six days after it announced it.
The company declared the FM on Friday June 21, 2013, after it lost all its product export capability due to the blockade of access to its terminal by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria responsible for maritime safety and security.
“All incoming and outgoing cargo vessels to the NLNG Bonny Terminal (for LNG and NGL vessels), were stopped, forcing NLNG, as a prudent operator, to significantly reduce production in order to manage the LNG and NGL inventories in the available tankage safely and in an environmentally responsible manner”, according to a company statement signed by Kudo Eresia-Eke, the company’s General Manager, for External Relations.
“The June 21st blockade was the second this year. The first was on May 3 which was lifted upon government’s intervention following which NLNG was directed to pay NIMASA about $159 Million in settlement of levies allegedly owed it from October 2009 – May 2013, and to continue paying the NIMASA levies, going forward”, the company narrated. Dissatisfied, NLNG paid $20 Million under protest and filed a suit at the country’s Federal High Court for determination of the legality of Government’s directive, as well as NIMASA’s claims. The company says that an interim injunction was granted by the court against the Government and all its agencies (including NIMASA) from charging or collecting the NIMASA levies, or blocking access to NLNG facilities or detaining its vessels, until the determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction already filed in the case. “NIMASA however proceeded against the court orders with a blockade of the Bonny Channel, denying entry or exit of ships from the NLNG Terminal”, NLNG lamented in the release. “When all efforts to have NIMASA obey the court order proved unsuccessful, the court varied the injunction to enable NLNG pay NIMASA, still under protest, on the 12th of July 2013, without prejudice to the continuation of the substantive suit”. The company explained that it made payment thereafter, “and NIMASA eventually removed the physical blockade by mid- day of 13th July 2013”.
The substantive suit was adjourned to Thursday 19th September 2013.
“Following the removal of the blockade, NLNG immediately commenced activities to restore normal operations, and has since been increasing the production levels, in a gradual manner as necessitated by plant design and safe operating procedures”.
The 6-Train NLNG Bonny complex finally reached its normal operating capacity on Friday, July 26, 2013, “such that export operations can be declared as being fully normalised. Consequently, the company has declared the current FM lifted to both buyers and gas suppliers.
The company declared the FM on Friday June 21, 2013, after it lost all its product export capability due to the blockade of access to its terminal by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria responsible for maritime safety and security.
“All incoming and outgoing cargo vessels to the NLNG Bonny Terminal (for LNG and NGL vessels), were stopped, forcing NLNG, as a prudent operator, to significantly reduce production in order to manage the LNG and NGL inventories in the available tankage safely and in an environmentally responsible manner”, according to a company statement signed by Kudo Eresia-Eke, the company’s General Manager, for External Relations.
“The June 21st blockade was the second this year. The first was on May 3 which was lifted upon government’s intervention following which NLNG was directed to pay NIMASA about $159 Million in settlement of levies allegedly owed it from October 2009 – May 2013, and to continue paying the NIMASA levies, going forward”, the company narrated. Dissatisfied, NLNG paid $20 Million under protest and filed a suit at the country’s Federal High Court for determination of the legality of Government’s directive, as well as NIMASA’s claims. The company says that an interim injunction was granted by the court against the Government and all its agencies (including NIMASA) from charging or collecting the NIMASA levies, or blocking access to NLNG facilities or detaining its vessels, until the determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction already filed in the case. “NIMASA however proceeded against the court orders with a blockade of the Bonny Channel, denying entry or exit of ships from the NLNG Terminal”, NLNG lamented in the release. “When all efforts to have NIMASA obey the court order proved unsuccessful, the court varied the injunction to enable NLNG pay NIMASA, still under protest, on the 12th of July 2013, without prejudice to the continuation of the substantive suit”. The company explained that it made payment thereafter, “and NIMASA eventually removed the physical blockade by mid- day of 13th July 2013”.
The substantive suit was adjourned to Thursday 19th September 2013.
“Following the removal of the blockade, NLNG immediately commenced activities to restore normal operations, and has since been increasing the production levels, in a gradual manner as necessitated by plant design and safe operating procedures”.
The 6-Train NLNG Bonny complex finally reached its normal operating capacity on Friday, July 26, 2013, “such that export operations can be declared as being fully normalised. Consequently, the company has declared the current FM lifted to both buyers and gas suppliers.
Dry holes of Namibia
The progress of the oil and gas industry in Nambia seems to have encountered a hitch after four wells were found to be dry after being drilled. This is more so when considered against the backdrop that the dry holes were located in areas considered to be 'promising'.
The two most affected victims are the Brazilian Independent, HRT and Chariot Oil & Gas. Wingat-1 and Murombe-1 were drilled in Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 23, in water depths exceeding 1,400metres in the Walvis basin by the Brazilian Independent, HRT but have both been abandoned.
Similarly, Chariot Oil & Gas had reported, in March 2012, that the Tapir South well, in block 1811A in the Namibe basin, had turned out dry. The company reported a second dry well, Kabeljou, in the same basin in September 2012.
The two most affected victims are the Brazilian Independent, HRT and Chariot Oil & Gas. Wingat-1 and Murombe-1 were drilled in Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 23, in water depths exceeding 1,400metres in the Walvis basin by the Brazilian Independent, HRT but have both been abandoned.
Similarly, Chariot Oil & Gas had reported, in March 2012, that the Tapir South well, in block 1811A in the Namibe basin, had turned out dry. The company reported a second dry well, Kabeljou, in the same basin in September 2012.
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