Apr 2004

13-year highs unlucky for some

Venezuela threatens further supply disruptions

A uniquely shaped semisubmersible drilling and production platform, called Octabuoy, could rival spars, tension leg platforms (TLPs) and conventional semisubmersibles as the floating production system of choice for developing ultra-deep-water fields. Its name is derived from the octagonal ring pontoon that keeps the structure afloat and supports four columns and the topside facility. Anne Feltus reports

Grassroots opposition in the US has halted several LNG import projects in their tracks, forcing a number of energy firms to take their plans offshore. Martin Clark reports

Improvements in surveillance, through the introduction of seafloor data-acquisition systems, flow boosting and flow assurance in a real-time environment could lead to significant improvements in subsea well productivity, writes Zaki Selim, president, well completions and productivity, Schlumberger

A year after announcing its complete recovery from a devastating anti-government strike, state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela is still struggling to put itself back on a normal footing, reports Robert Olson

Extensive heavy-oil resources have been discovered in Brazil's deep waters, but technical barriers to producing this oil economically have, in many cases, prevented development. Petrobras? research centre, Cenpes, is working on solutions through its heavy-oil technology programme, Propes

The transfer of older North Sea assets from the majors to smaller operators is creating an expanding market for a new breed of company: providers of specialist facilities-management services

The US government is planning a five-year, $1.2bn investment programme for fuel cells and hydrogen technologies. But some industry experts claim this is nowhere near enough if the technologies are to be commercialised in the near future. Ellen Lask reports

Political interest in fuel cells in Europe has swelled recently, following the example set by the US early last year. But that interest is yet to translate into specific actions. David Jollie writes

Given Japan's heavy reliance on imported fuel, fuel cells are seen as an important way of improving national energy security and the government has contributed heavily to the development of fuel cells since the oil crisis of the 1970s. However, in recent years funding has become increasingly available for demonstration projects, as opposed to research and development. David Jollie reports

Saudi Arabia has mounted a counter-offensive to claims that its oilfields face sharp declines, affording a unique glimpse into the state of the world's greatest hydrocarbons resource. But this does not imply a new-found commitment to transparency. James Gavin reports

Iraqi oil is back to where it started from, one year after the start of events that led to Saddam Hussein's removal. Without massive investment, the production target of 6m b/d seems difficult to achieve, particularly unresolved political uncertainties, reports James Gavin

The new presidents of Azerbaijan and Georgia made state visits to Russia in February, during which both made strenuous efforts to improve the often-strained relations with their prickly neighbour. NJ Watson reports

The decision to side with the US over oil flows through the Odessa-Brody pipeline hints at moves to appease the West. But political gamesmanship could yet swing the balance of favour back to Russia, writes NJ Watson

TransCanada and Enbridge, Canada?s two dominant energy pipeline companies, are making their long-anticipated advances into the North American market. Their moves will cement their positions as the carriers of choice for future Arctic natural gas and Alberta oil-sands production, writes WJ Simpson

The developers of any major project must put the project?s impact on the environment at the heart of its thinking or risk its failure, writes Catherine Elkin, project-finance lawyer

The gas market in the European Union accounts for around 15% of world gas consumption and is expected to grow at a rate of 2.5% a year. Liz Bossley looks at the gas-trading instruments in use and the lessons that can be learned from the history of oil trading