December 2008

• Contractors, operators push boundaries

  With high commodity prices pushing exploration, several new records were set in 2008.

• 2008: A record year

  From a drilling perspective, operations in 2008 have pushed the envelope both on and offshore.

• Startups, completions, expansions, first oil

  On a global playing field, IOCs, NOCs, and independents pushed hard throughout 2008 to meet what seemed at the time to be never-ending demand growth. Now, when that time comes again — and it will — they’ll be ready.

• New technology takes projects deeper

  The move to deeper water was one of the primary drivers behind a number of milestones reached in 2008. Noteworthy records were set across the board in the offshore segment of the industry, from deepwater mooring to advances in subsea systems to classification of new production systems.

• Solving industry’s tough challenges – together

  In a rapidly changing industry, innovation, collaboration, and openness will pave the way forward. Incorporating advances on existing infrastructure will be one of the cornerstones of success.

• Drilling technology breaks new ground

  Drilling technology adds value to oil and gas reserves in 2008.

• Iraq’s first round

  Iraq’s Regional Oil Co. prequalified a wide range of IOCs and NOCs to participate in its first licensing round.

• The changing face of leadership development

  Changing demands are altering the rules of the game and redefining the role of industry leaders.

• Trippin’

  With the world in a recession now bordering on depression, it is not logical to expect that massive amounts of money will be spent to speed up development of alternative energy sources.

• Wireless advances aid remote operations efforts

  A key component of what’s often referred to as the “digital oil field” is remote monitoring and control of operations. Given recent advances in use of wireless technology, it can play a significant role in making remote operations practical and economical.

• Diagnosing the oil field

  Can the marvels of modern medicine be applied to the search for hydrocarbons?

• Good finds are hard to keep

  Two recent events highlight the uncertain risks associated with conducting free enterprise in nationalized economies.

• Define, design, deliver for mentoring success

  Securing expert advice in defining mentoring needs and designing a mentoring program is the first step toward successful implementation.

• News and Analysis

  News and analysis for December.

• From 1938 with oil

  A 70-year-old map is helping a Pennsylvania-based producer bring ­­new life to a 19th century oil field.

• On the move

  Who's going where in the upstream sector.

• SEG, Supercomputing 2008 set the stage

  Murphy’s Law, which states that computer chips will double in processing power every 18 months, means much more for E&P professionals than just faster-running applications.

• R&D efforts target deepwater, arctic

  Despite the downturn in the economy, R&D dollars continue to be invested in technologies that will take drilling and production into deeper water and colder climates.

• Tech Watch: Technology reduces exploration risks

  Landmark’s R5000 synchronous release delivers new geoscience capabilities, custom workflows, and greater insight into asset potential.

• Tech Trend briefs

  Tech trends for December 2008.

• Strippers contribute to independence

  Stripper wells provide a substantial portion of current US supplies of oil and natural gas.