Hart Energy Publishing
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December 2008
Offshore R&D pushes the limits

Operators, engineering firms, service companies, classification societies, and universities are working together to develop the technologies that will take the offshore industry into deeper water, extreme high-pressure/high-temperature environments, and frigid operating conditions.


Features
Contractors, operators push boundaries

With high commodity prices pushing exploration, several new records were set in 2008.
Milestones
2008: A record year

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

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.
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 continues to amaze

With capital at their disposal, operators and service companies pulled out all the stops in 2008.

Emerging Technology
Drilling technology breaks new ground

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

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.
Innovation: incremental and otherwise

From replacing explosive devices to chemical treatments for sand remediation, production environments are a constant stage for efforts aimed at productivity improvement.
 
Digital Oil Field
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.

Exploration
Diagnosing the oil field

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

Well Construction
Good finds are hard to keep

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

Production Optimization
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 Trends
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.

As I See It
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.

News & Analysis
News and Analysis

News and analysis for December.

Management Report
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.

Oilfield History
From 1938 with oil

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

Another Perspective
The changing face of leadership development

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

Activity Spotlight
Iraq’s first round

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

On The Move
On the move

Who's going where in the upstream sector.

The Last Word
Strippers contribute to independence

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