From the Editor: Tis the Season ...
Dec 15, 2003
It’s that time of year again. The time when we wonder where the year has gone (already!), and we look forward to the fresh, new year with high expectations and perhaps a few resolutions. I’ve always enjoyed that backwards-forwards feeling, and in this issue I think we’ve made the most of it. [ In 11/12-2003 ]

Is the Future of the North Sea in the Hands of the Independents?
Dec 15, 2003
In recent years the North Sea has undergone significant change, with a diverse mix of contenders being drawn into the arena. With tighter profit margins and lower returns, the majors and supermajors have begun to focus attention on alternative provinces. Any significant investment has come from a range of independent players. The emergence of these companies in the late nineties was initially facilitated by mergers and acquisitions, sparking a period of corporate consolidation and portfolio rationalisation by the newly formed oil and gas giants. A number of government initiatives have also been implemented to assist this new wave of interest. By Rhydian Williams and Robyn Fowler. [ In 11/12-2003 ]

Future Oil Supply Prospects From OPEC Member Countries
Dec 15, 2003
The future oil supply picture for the coming years from OPEC Member Countries in the face of rising global energy demand and geopolitics is a complex one. One of the major supply-side issues with which OPEC has to deal is a rapid rise in non-OPEC oil production and the rehabilitation of Iraq’s oil industry and the expansion of its exports. Another main issue on the supply side is one of resources. All estimates on the question of resources indicate they are more than adequate. By HE Dr. Alvaro Silva-Calderón, Secretary General of OPEC. [ In 11/12-2003 ]

Internet: Get Rich Quick
Dec 15, 2003
Make money fa$t! Enlarge your penis now! Buy Viagra! Lose weight now! Ever get one of these in your mailbox? Annoying marketing messages for sexual-performance drugs, porn, debt reduction and weight loss are filling up mailboxes around the world, and the problem is growing fast. Nobody is unaffected by the growing amount of spam. By Erlend Gram Simonsen. [ In 11/12-2003 ]

Everybody’s Blogging
Dec 12, 2003
The personal web page has returned as an important medium, without the need for programming skills or design savvy. These days, people are “blogging” instead of HTML tagging, and they are using mobile phones as well as PCs to publish their content. Has the home page finally found its ideal form? By Erlend Gram Simonsen. [ In 5/6-2003 ]

Observations From The Publisher, 7/8, 2003
Dec 12, 2003
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. [ In 7/8-2003 ]

Stephen Timms: The Balancing Act
Dec 12, 2003
When Stephen Timms became Minister for Energy, he already had a ministry to run. He had been Minister for e-Commerce since May 2002, and when Tony Blair asked him to replace Brian Wilson as energy minister, he accepted and took over the top seat of the DTI – the Department of Trade & Industry. He is now in charge of the Blair administration’s policy on energy and sustainable development, as well as e-commerce and postal services. A strange combination, some might say. And it may prove difficult to strike a balance between traditional fossil energy production and a new focus on renewable, environmentally friendly fuels. But Timms is determined to commit Britain to a modern, future-minded policy with focus on renewable energy. [ In 7/8-2003 ]

Copy Cats in the North Sea
Dec 12, 2003
If you want to see a future trend of world exploration, look no further than the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. What is happening there now gives a very good indication as to the future course of offshore oil and gas exploration trends worldwide. Like the British sector of the North Sea and the shallow water Gulf of Mexico before it, the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) is typically becoming a mature area. Recoverable oil and gas resources on the NSC are estimated at 12.8 billion cubic metres of oil equivalents. This figure represents a 7 percent drop in the recoverable reserve estimation for last year. In order to prolong its life, the region has several options: closer co-operation with the United Kingdom to maximise cross border extraction; a change in the licensing regime to encourage exploration and maximise development in mature areas; extension of existing fields and the opening up of new areas for exploration. By Ms. Susan Townson and Dr. Roger Knight, Infield Systems Ltd. [ In 7/8-2003 ]

Gassco: Transporting Gas from NCS to Europe
Dec 12, 2003
Gassco is responsible for the transportation of all gas from the Norwegian Continental Shelf to Europe. The company was established by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy on 14th of May 2001, and commenced its operations on 1st of January. By Erik Kvadsheim. [ In 7/8-2003 ]

Internet Unplugged
Dec 12, 2003
Any gadget that has a wire sticking out of it is becoming obsolete. Quickly. The wireless revolution is transforming the way we connect, and it is changing the power structures that govern the Internet. The technology offers up the Internet without permissions, licenses and sometimes without fees. By Erlend Gram Simonsen. [ In 7/8-2003 ]