Should the government stump up some of the cash it was going to pay out for decommissioning ahead of time, in order to get the ball rolling? Decom North Sea thinks so, although other opinions are available. At a time when the national debt is hitting record levels, and a number of sectors are calling for help, the government may not want to help out the oil and gas industry.
In welcome news for the residents of the Cromarty Firth, a consultancy has predicted there may be a shortage of jack-ups in 2021 for the UK North Sea. Rig prices may rise, if Bassoe Offshore is correct, but probably not enough to bring cold-stacked rigs back to work.
Further good news came offshore South Africa, where Total has begun drilling its Luiperd well – Leopard in Afrikaans – to follow up its Brulpadda – or bullfrog – find from 2019. The seas may be stormy and water depth challenging but the prospect of another billion barrels has investors salivating.
This episode of Energy Voice Out Loud was brought to you in association with Baker Hughes and its Subsea Connect. Join Baker Hughes on the 15th, 22nd and 29th of September for Subsea Connect TV; a virtual event series and hear from operators, learn from case studies and discuss new ways to improve economics and performance over the life of a field. Register to join at https://cvent.me/wzgGVL?RefId=Energy+Voice
