Global Exposure
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we are approaching unprecedented times in the oil and gas industry where cutting edge technology is presenting new cost effective solutions for the offshore. The OTC show in Houston this year witnessed record attendances; including the Brazil Offshore exhibition. Many participants included companies, engineers, suppliers, technicians and graduates who gathered to share their views and visions and give us a glimpse into the future.

As we prepare for the next ‘road show’ at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen, we at Scandinavian Oil-Gas Magazine feel it is appropriate to make some changes because the magazine continues to attract a global audience. For example this year alone, we have been involved in more conferences than the total number last year. We attended the OTC in Houston, EAGE at Stavanger, the MIOGE in Moscow, and Offshore Communications in Houston, Texas. In this issue we will again make our presence at Offshore Europe, in addition to two Pipeline conferences.

While there is a growing call for the Norwegian and UK governments to open up new grounds and distribute more blocks for exploration in order to stimulate activity, oil prices remain relatively high while interest rates are at a historic low. For this reason many Norwegian companies continue to export their ideas and technology. There is also the issue with Iraq-both militarily and politically looting and pipeline sabotages continue. Opportunities still exist in frontier territories.

Many feel “this year’s focus is Brazil”, as I read somewhere “West Africa is currently the hottest E+P play”. There is no doubt that West Africa is rapidly becoming a major source for prospects in world-class deepwater fields. President George Bush recently visited the area, so we can expect an investment rush to continue unabated.

In this issue we examine issues around pipelines inviting various experts to submit their opinions. A topic of intrigue to the pipeline community is the Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, which is at its early construction stage. We will continue to follow its development.

Scandinavian Oil-Gas Magazine would like to thank all the companies in our issue for their continued support. All in all, we look forward to seeing you at Offshore Europe and of course the next ONS 2004 Exhibition in Stavanger.

Paal Gulbrandsen
Publisher