twitter linkedinfacebookacp contact us

‘About 200 new oil and gas projects to be sanctioned in 2018’

Exploration & Production

In 2018, about 200 new oil and gas projects, with a collective amount of US$127bn, might get approval by year-end, according to Rystad Energy

The 45 offshore projects that have been approved year-to-date are already more than the amount approved in 2016. In addition to beating 2016’s activity, this year’s offshore project sanctioning is on track to surpass 2017’s sanctioning levels by 50 per cent.

About US$34bn of onshore projects are expected to be approved in 2018. Despite a steady stream of onshore projects being sanctioned during 2018, the size of these projects varies significantly.

“This has caused a mere US$3bn increase in onshore commitments from May through September. In addition, the fourth quarter will see US$15.1bn of onshore projects approved,” said Rystad Energy.

Subsea tie backs have been favoured the most by operators in 2018. Collectively, about US$26bn in subsea tie-back projects have been approved, with an additional US$7bn forecasted by year-end.

This will give subsea contractors a potential US$7.4bn in greenfield contract opportunities over the next few years. ExxonMobil’s Neptun Deep project is poised to approve a subsea tie back to the Domino field in Romania in late-2018. The development will give US$1.5bn in new contract opportunities to service companies, including more than US$420mn in EPCI contracts. The project aims to start-up in early-2022.

The rest of the year will see more fixed facilities and floater projects approved than subsea tie backs. The Marjan Expansion project in Saudi Arabia is set to be the largest fixed facility project up for sanctioning. Once approved, it will look to award contracts in excess of US$4.6bn over the next several years, allowing Saudi Aramco to construct and install more than 20,000 tonnes of topsides for their steel platform.

Recent cost reduction efforts have moved a few significant projects in South America below the US$60 per barrel breakeven threshold. However, there are still US$14bn to-be-sanctioned offshore and onshore projects globally for 2018 require breakeven prices above US$60 per barrel.

Total’s Lake Albert project in Uganda will look to develop their Jobi-Rii asset for more than US$2.4bn. However, the project will require a breakeven oil price above US$60 per barrel. If approved, this onshore development would target a 2022 start-up.

image 2

The oil and gas industry has been increasingly adopting AI technology in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

SmartMaster can be used with a range of ABB and third-party instruments. (Image source: ABB)

Comparison of conventional workflow with DUG MP-FWI imaging. (Image source: DUG)

GAC Saudi Arabia has extensive operations at major ports in Saudi Arabia. (Image source: GAC Saudi Arabia)

The expansion is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 2.5 to up to 4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). (Image source: Aramco)

ARO Drilling and IMI announce first Kingdom jack up rig (Image source: ARO)

Oman LNG signed various agreements with Shell Gas to secure its gas supply until 2034. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Michael Monica, director sales, marketing and customer care at GPT Industries signs the agreement with Mohamed Altaf, sale manager, Abdulla Fouad Energy Services. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

Amin H. Nasser, CEO of Aramco. (Image source: Aramco)

The system can activate notification and hazard mitigation equipment to notify workers and safeguard facilities. (Image source: MSA Safety)

The use of blockchain in the oil and gas sector is set to increase substantially. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The new discoveries will bolster Aramco’s strategy to increase gas production by more than half over 2021 levels, through 2030. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Tethys Oil is currently conducting final preparations ahead of the rig mobilisation for the drilling of the first exploration well on Block 58, Kunooz-1 in Fahd.

Source: SafeStart

The new technology is designed to address the challenging conditions in unconventional wells. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Ampelmann A-type enabling safe offshore access in the Middle East. (Image source: Ampelmann)

Aramco has produced the first unconventional tight gas from its South Ghawar operational area ahead of schedule. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Tethys Oil is currently conducting final preparations ahead of the rig mobilisation for the drilling of the first exploration well on Block 58, Kunooz-1 in Fahd.

TotalEnergies and SONATRACH will develop gas resources in Algeria's north-east Timimoun region, (Image source: Adobe Stock).

By using analytics to augment and empower the workforce, pipeline operators can optimise operations and improve asset availability. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The oil price is hovering around the US$90/bbl mark. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Craig International Qatar team. (Image source: Craig International)

The SuperFill II diverter reduces induced surge pressure. (Image source: Halliburton)

Among other services, KBR will offer proprietary equipment for NCIC's 1,200 metric tonnes per day ammonia plant. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The expansion is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 2.5 to up to 4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). (Image source: Aramco)

Comparison of conventional workflow with DUG MP-FWI imaging. (Image source: DUG)

ADNOC Gas recorded robust financial and operational results in 2023. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Over 4,000 km of SoluForce pipe has been installed around the world. (Image source: SoluForce)

Block 56 is targeted for commercialisation in 2024. (Image source: Canva)

The programme will optimise asset lifecycle, enhance machinery performance and improve overall reliability. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The use of blockchain in the oil and gas sector is set to increase substantially. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Source: SafeStart

GAC Saudi Arabia has extensive operations at major ports in Saudi Arabia. (Image source: GAC Saudi Arabia)

The company is well positioned in 2024, with a reshaped and resilient business and a strong balance sheet. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The vessel addresses the growing demand for accurate hydrographic data. (Image source: Fugro)

The virtual inhouse seismic processing centre will allow each of the decentralised business units of Wintershall Dea globally to collaborate efficiently and directly with DUG. (Image source: Adobe Stock)