Out to sea
There is still potential for offshore upstream around the world. Our series of articles investigates the challenges and opportunities in depth.
OFFSHORE upstream is now a game of two halves. Production continues apace in many regions, founded on investment made at $100 oil, while offshore licensing rounds have generally been met with lukewarm responses. Despite some bright spots, there is no disguising the dramatic downturn. Baker Hughes’ international rotary rig count shows a sharp decline in active offshore rigs from 334 in November 2014, when oil prices were starting to slide, to 211 in March this year. That collapse accompanies a sharp drop in expenditure, which isn’t going to recover soon. In a recent report, consultancy Douglas Westwood forecast subsea hardware spending will total $94.3bn in 2016-20 – a 19% fall from the 2011-
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally
