Showing posts with label Oil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oil. Show all posts

Monday, September 4, 2023

African Oil and Gas Exploration is Going Strong (By NJ Ayuk)

African Oil and Gas Exploration is Going Strong (By NJ Ayuk)

2023 has been another banner year for African exploration, with half a billion barrels of oil equivalent (bboe) in recoverable oil and gas reserves found around the continent to date

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 4, 2023/ -- By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (http://www.EnergyChamber.org)

Despite the call heard 'round the world commanding the global business community to divest from fossil fuels and shrink their carbon footprints in the name of net zero, international oil companies (IOCs) still recognize Africa as their next frontier.

As detailed in the African Energy Chamber’s recently released report, "The State of African Energy Q2 2023 Outlook," oil and natural gas exploration in Africa remains strong.

Following the massive Namibian discoveries in 2022, 2023 has been another banner year for African exploration, with half a billion barrels of oil equivalent (bboe) in recoverable oil and gas reserves found around the continent to date.

Namibia’s Orange Basin continues to hold center stage with Shell’s July announcement that drilling for the Lesedi-1X, the company’s fourth exploration well in the region, had reached completion and indicated the presence of hydrocarbons.

Through a partnership with QatarEnergy and NAMCOR — Namibia’s national oil company —Shell plans to drill two more exploratory wells in Namibia before the year is out and has also received permission from the government to drill ten more exploration and appraisal wells in the future.

Estimates set Shell’s other recent discoveries at the nearby Graff, La Rona, and Jonker-1X wells in Namibia’s Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 39 at a total of 1.7 bboe.

These findings come in addition to discoveries made by France’s TotalEnergies at its Venus well in PEL 56 that holds a total of 3 bboe, according to Barclays estimates.

A Continent Brimming with Discovery

While the sizeable discovery at the Jonker site alone — with estimates placing its recoverable reserves at roughly 285 million barrels — accounts for 57% of overall volumes discovered in 2023 so far, it is one of many, as well as the only offshore discovery. The numerous other African discoveries were all found onshore.

Sonatrach of Algeria brought 20% of the overall volume to the table with its six smaller-sized discoveries that the state-owned energy company announced in the first quarter of this year. With two wells each between Amguid, Berkine, and Ohanet in the East-Central, South, and Southwest regions of the country respectively, Algeria is seeing new production of oil, gas, and condensates, strengthening its role as an alternative energy supplier for Europe.

In May 2023, the Australian upstream oil and gas company, Invictus Energy, announced that a mud gas analysis of its maiden Mukuyu-1 well in the Cabora Bassa Basin in Zimbabwe confirmed the presence of light oil, gas condensate, and helium. As a result of these findings, Invictus will follow through in the third quarter of this year on drilling operations for its Mukuyu-2 appraisal well located 6.8 kilometers to the northeast of Mukuyu-1 with a planned depth of 3,700 meters.

Mukuyu-1 is a wildcat – a well drilled in a previously unexplored area or where the petroleum potential is an unknown. Across Africa, of the 16 exploration wells IOCs drilled in 2023, ten are wildcats.

Three drilling operations are underway at the time of this writing, and while plans are in place for as many as 66 more, operations will likely commence for roughly 17 over the next 18 months.

As we have documented in our Q2 report, new discoveries from oil and gas exploration practically encircle the continent. From the small finds like Sasol’s Bonito-1 well in the PT5-C concession area of the Mozambique basin to Wintershall’s ED-2X in Egypt and Tatneft’s F1 discovery in Libya, Africa is proving itself as an emerging contender for the top supplier spot on the global petroleum market with a total discovered volume of oil and gas totaling nearly 500 MMboe in 2023 alone.

An Opportunity to Balance Disparity

While it is encouraging to witness this revival of oil and gas exploration in Africa — and to have our assertions confirmed that this continent represents the next frontier for the international energy majors — the AEC sees these developments as merely the start of what will have to amount to a massive upgrade for our own domestic petroleum industry.

As seismic and geological studies continuously corroborate our claims that Africa has enormous potential as a global energy supplier, local inefficiencies and a lack of infrastructure hinder this progress and stand in the way of international oil company (IOC) engagement.

To extract real prosperity from our fossil fuel resources, we must encourage the governments of every hydrocarbon-bearing African nation to create and maintain enabling business environments that attract foreign investment.

We must also implore the leaders of these countries to act quickly upon discovery of new oil fields and warn them against letting a proven find languish under a heap of unnecessary red tape.

There is no nuance about it — the oil industry represents income for Africans and advancement for Africa.

An increase in exploration equates to new African jobs and business opportunities, and successful exploratory ventures attract further investment, leading to a rise in employment across many industries and accelerated economic growth for each host country.

And the benefits are not only financial or limited to only those with skin in the game. By extracting and refining our resources on a grander scale, we’ll finally reach the kind of production levels that extend meaningful benefits to the African population.

Considering that more than 600 million Africans live without access to electricity, and 900 million make do without access to clean cooking fuel, expansion of our oil industry will inevitably slash our rates of energy poverty and lead to a widespread increase in quality of life.

The global transition to carbon-free energy, spurred on by human ingenuity, is inevitable. We acknowledge that one day humanity will have no need to engage with fossil fuels or tolerate their negative impacts. We believe that the planet will eventually get to such a state, but we also feel that we’re more realistic than some regarding how long that evolution will take to set in fully.

This transition will also require massive funding from every country undertaking it. The AEC’s stance is that if we can secure foreign investment in our oil industry today, Africa will develop the funding to back its own transition tomorrow, rather than waiting patiently for subsidies and handouts once the rest of the world deems them feasible.

As we wait for zero-emission and renewable energy technology to mature to its full potential, the developed world must afford the chance for Africa to reach its own.

Increased exploration, wise investments, welcoming dispositions, and attractive economic policies are but the first few steps of that journey.

To download a copy of "The State of African Energy 2Q 2023," visit https://apo-opa.info/45BahZg.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

SOURCE

African Energy Chamber


Catalyzing Investment in Nigerian Energy: Platform Petroleum Limited Joins African Energy Week 2023 as a Silver Sponsor


PRESS RELEASE

Catalyzing Investment in Nigerian Energy: Platform Petroleum Limited Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 as a Silver Sponsor

Platform Petroleum Limited will participate as a silver sponsor at African Energy Week 2023, driving discussions on the role Nigerian-based E&P companies play in driving the next wave of energy developments in the country

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 4, 2023/ -- The devleopment of the country’s 37 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves and 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas will position Nigeria as both a regional petroleum hub and major global exporter, creating a wealth of opportunities for economic growth on the back of hydrocarbon revenue. Leading the charge to monetize domestic oil and gas resources are Nigerian-based E&P companies such as Platform Petroleum Limited, a company which remains dedicated to driving investment and development across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Platform Petroleum Limited has joined the African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 conference and exhibition, scheduled for October 16–20 in Cape Town, as a silver sponsor. This strategic sponsorship underscores Platform Petroleum Limited's steadfast commitment to expanding Nigeria’s energy sector. As a wholly Nigerian-owned company, Platform Petroleum Limited stands as a shining example of dedication, aiming to play a pivotal role in reshaping the continent's energy landscape and providing sustainable solutions to fuel Africa's growth.

Platform Petroleum Limited's remarkable journey in Nigeria's energy landscape has yielded triumphs, with the Egbaoma Field as a shining example. Covering 136 square kilometers within OML 38 in the Northern Depo-belt of the Niger Delta Basin, this field has been a significant milestone for the company. Secured in 2003/2004, the field development activities commenced in 2005 in joint venture partnership with Newcross Petroleum, and by 2007, first oil was achieved. Since then, Platform Petroleum Limited has continuously improved and optimized operations, with over nine workover operations, three wells drilled, and two side tracks executed to date. Additionally, the company achieved remarkable milestones in 2018. The year concluded with a cumulative production of over one million barrels and significant revenue growth compared to the previous year.

In the gas sector, the Platform/Newcross Joint Venture executed additional commitments, increasing lean gas supply to 45 million standard cubic feet per day with various third-party off-takers. A pivotal moment in the field's development was the upgrade of the Flow Station in 2013/2014 to include XHP Production and Test Separators, allowing for the optimization of gas condensate Wells and handling 40MMscfd gas production. The company’s commitment to gas commercialization aligns with the Federal Government's zero-flare policy. This journey reflects Platform Petroleum Limited's unwavering dedication to sustainable growth, operational excellence, and a brighter energy future for Nigeria and beyond. The company’s projects in progress include a drilling campaign targeting a minimum of 5,000 barrels of oil per day and the NGC gas monetization, aiming for first commercial lean gas by Q3/Q4. Flowstation upgrade projects for enhanced process and product recovery also take center stage, shaping the company's medium to long-term future.

Meanwhile, Platform Petroleum Limited is dedicated to promoting and adhering to a robust Local Content Policy that exemplifies its commitment to the communities and regions in which it operates. With a strong emphasis on local participation, the company has achieved impressive levels of engagement in various sectors, including engineering services, fabrication and construction, well drilling services, materials and procurement, and subsurface petroleum engineering and seismic. Additional services include transportation supply disposal services, health safety and environment, information systems and information technology, logistics services, and general banking services. These efforts reflect Platform Petroleum Limited's determination to empower local talent, stimulating economic growth and enhancing sustainability within the areas in which the company conducts its operations.

“Platform Petroleum Limited's journey in Nigeria's energy landscape is a testament to the transformative power of commitment and innovation. They have not only achieved remarkable milestones but have also demonstrated a deep dedication to local participation. The company’s accomplishments in the Egbaoma Field, strides in gas commercialization, and unwavering commitment to local content are truly commendable. Platform Petroleum Limited is shaping a brighter energy future for Nigeria and the continent as a whole,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC).

Platform Petroleum Limited joins a strong delegation from Nigeria comprising oil and gas Ministers, service companies and technology providers, and more. An Invest in Nigeria Energies session will further connect foreign companies and capital to Nigerian opportunities, with companies such as Platform Petroleum Limited set to drive the next wave of partnerships.

AEW is the AEC’s annual conference, exhibition and networking event. AEW 2023 will unite African energy policymakers and stakeholders with global investors to discuss and maximize opportunities within the continent’s entire energy industry. For more information about AEW 2023, visit https://AECWeek.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

SOURCE

African Energy Chamber


Thursday, August 31, 2023

Women Should Not Be Considered Because We Fill a Quota, But that We Are Capable and Deliver

PRESS RELEASE

Women Should Not Be Considered Because We Fill a Quota, But that We Are Capable and Deliver, Says Mwanyengwa Ndapewoshali Shapwanale

Mwanyengwa Ndapewoshali Shapwanale is the Director: Communications and Stakeholders Relations at ReconEnergy in Namibia

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 31, 2023/ -- Following five major oil and gas discoveries made between 2022 and 2023, Namibia’s upstream market has seen a strong wave of interest by global E&P players. Companies such as ReconAfrica, a Canadian-based explorer, have amplified their exploration efforts. The company’s Director of Communication and Stakeholder Relations Mwanyengwa Ndapewoshali Shapwanale plays an integral part in driving both ReconAfrica and Namibia’s energy narrative, serving as an inspiration for those in the field. Shapwanale is featured on the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) (http://www.EnergyChamber.org) list of 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars.

Please share a brief overview of your journey in the energy industry that led to your current role? What are some key achievements or milestones that you are particularly proud of?

My journey in the energy sector started in April 2021 when I was approached to provide multimedia consulting, specifically social media services to my current employer ReconAfrica. I immediately realized I could provide much more to the company and engaged the company representative at the time to propose my additional skills and how I could assist the company. This included media relations, corporate communication, government relations, community relations, and brand crisis management. Fast forward a few months, I was appointed as the Director of Communication and Stakeholder Relations. A major part of my role is ensuring and maintaining social license.

I am particularly proud of the work our team has done in community relations. While maintaining a social license is an ongoing and continuous exercise, I am pleased with the work we have put in as a team, and I will continue to work towards progressing this responsibility.

Another proud achievement must be our work towards providing safe and secure access to potable water to the communities in our area of operations through the drilling, installing, and handing over of community water wells in our three years of operation. Apart from the communities, especially women and children, having to walk long distances to fetch water, this is an area where human-wildlife conflict is rampant because of the communities’ dependency on the Kavango River for water. Being able to provide an alternative water source, I believe, contributes to saving lives and meeting the government halfway in their aims to alleviate and even totally eradicate the human-wildlife conflict.

Further, the Namibian nation is quite new to the oil and gas industry, as the past few years have been the most visible action we have seen in the country. For the nation and the average Joe on the street to understand, welcome, and meaningfully participate in oil and gas activities, there must be efforts to educate and inform about the industry and the energy sector at large. As part of my communication role, we have done training with the media so that they can report from an educated, understanding, and informed position.

We have also collaborated with the University of Science and Technology to host bi-monthly public lectures on oil and gas activities in the country. These sessions have been extremely successful, with an audience of over 600 in person and a maximum of 900+ online. The audience included students, professionals from all fraternities, diplomats, academics, and government officials. The speakers included the Minister of Mines and Energy in Namibia, the Petroleum Commissioner, lawmakers, geologists, and educators, to name a few. Lastly, I am pleased to have teamed up with exceptional fellow women in the industry to establish the first ever Women in Oil, Gas, and Energy Association in Namibia, a body aimed at achieving the advancement of women in the energy sector.

Energy poverty is an African reality, and Namibia is not singled out from this reality. Further to that, my area of operation is one of the most socially challenged in our country, and I have started and will continue to use my role to innovatively tackle these challenges to ensure that my country and our continent as a whole benefit from its resources.

The energy industry is known for its complexities. What were some significant challenges you faced along the way, and how did you navigate through them to achieve your goals?

It definitely has to be the onslaught that accompanies the frowning upon of oil and gas exploration and development of this resource by African countries and the public's perception of oil and gas exploration and development. I was very lucky to, very early in my career, listen to the AEC chairperson speak on the just transition as well as really grasp the concept of African solutions for African challenges. This helped me focus on the matter at hand, which is to ensure that I carry out my role without listening to the unwarranted attacks.

Adopting the just transition and African solutions for African challenges has also helped me stay focused on the bigger responsibility, which is to ensure meaningful, impactful, and tangible contributions to eradicating energy poverty in Namibia and the continent, meaningful participation in the sector, and meaningful benefit from the energy sector.

What advice would you give to young females aspiring to excel in the energy sector? Are there any specific strategies or mindsets that helped you overcome obstacles and reach your current position?

Humility, listening to those who have been in the sector, put in the work, collaboration and willingness to learn learn learn!

I was very privileged to have been welcomed into the sector with open arms by so many, including the leadership in our oil and gas sector in the country. I specifically want to highlight the women including Maggy Shino, Victoria Sibeya, MME Dep Minister Kornelia Shilunga, and Taimi Itembu, to name a few. Leadership in my company is the true definition of meaningfully giving a young black woman a seat at the table and supporting her in the role.

It is important to note that it is not enough to be given a seat at the table; the work has to continue to maintain that seat at the table. To be considered at the table should not be to satisfy a quota but because one is capable of excelling, achieving, and delivering.

A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?

Demanding indeed! I am typically up by 05:30 and start my day with reflection, praise, worship, or prayer—not every day as I would like to. Because our team works in different time zones, I use my mornings to attend to emails that may have come through in the night. Having planned my to-do list the night before, I start executing my items for the day.

My role involves a lot of writing; therefore, I am constantly writing or preparing messages. Our meetings normally take place in the late afternoon or early evening. I work well at night and therefore choose to action some of the deliverables right after our meetings, in the evening.

With stakeholder relations, I am also constantly working on monitoring our relations and finding ways to maintain or improve them. One must be innovative. A lot of moving pieces, all the time. The last two hours of my work day are dedicated to upskilling. I try as much as possible to take short courses to assist me in carrying out my role.

Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in the energy sector, and how do you envision your role in shaping that future?

Meaningful participation in the energy sector, advancement of women in the energy sector, community understanding, being informed and educated about the energy sector, meaningfully benefiting from the sector, and overall. I truly believe that local content and meaningful participation in the energy sector needs to start with an understanding and education of the sector. An example is understanding that there are certain skills and capital capabilities we do not have and how we are going to work with operators to achieve our goals in combating energy poverty and social challenges throughout the energy sector. I believe that I can use my role as a vehicle to educate the Namibian nation on the energy sector for the purpose of meaningful participation.

Additionally, being on the ground and understanding the social challenges means using my role as a vehicle to be innovative in tackling these challenges and ensuring meaningful impact. As a female executive in the energy sector, it is my duty to show other women that it is possible to be in the energy sector meaningfully. At the same time, I have the very important duty to show and prove that women in the sector are capable, deliver, and have the skills to contribute to the sector. Moreover, women should not, are not, and don’t just want to be considered because we are women and that we can fill a quota, but that we have capacity, put in the work, have the skills, are capable, and deliver.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

SOURCE

African Energy Chamber



African Energy Chamber Urges Gabon To Protect Oil & Gas Assets Amid Political Coup

PRESS RELEASE

African Energy Chamber Urges Gabon To Protect Oil & Gas Assets Amid Political Coup

The African Energy Chamber is calling for the security and safety of energy operations and personnel, citing disruptions to the industry as an attack on economic progress

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 31, 2023/ -- The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) urges political and military players in Gabon not to interfere with the country’s oil and gas assets and operations, as tensions rise following the country’s most recent national election. Serving as the voice of the African energy sector, the AEC acknowledges the crucial importance these assets play in creating market stability, driving economic growth while improving the lives of the population. The announcement of a coup by military officers this week has created uncertainty regarding oil and gas operations, and the AEC strongly calls for a collective approach to protecting assets.


Gabon held its most recent national election this week, whereby, following the announcement that President Ali Bongo had won a third term, a group of high-level military officers seized control, citing lack of transparency, credibility and inclusivity in the election process. The military group believes the country to be in a state of political, economic and social crisis, and have seized power in an attempt to “defend peace.” In this current state of conflict, the country’s oil and gas assets – all of which contribute significantly towards Gabon’s economy, providing jobs and opportunities for the population – are at risk.


Currently, active oil and gas companies in Gabon have stated that their operations have not been impacted, and that the safety and security of workers is of uttermost priority. These include TotalEnergies, who is prioritizing the safety of employees and operations; Tullow and Perenco, both of which are closely monitoring the situation; Maurel & Prom, stating that all employees are safe; BW Energy, stating that all offshore operations have continued as normal, and many more. However, as tensions mount, concerns are rising that oil and gas activities could be halted.


“At a time such as this, there needs to be assurance from all sides that Gabon’s oil and gas activities will not be impacted. The country needs its hydrocarbons to function, grow and thrive. Any disruptions to oil and gas activities will result in significant challenges for the country, its citizens and its development. As such, the Chamber strongly calls for a collective approach to protecting these assets and ensuring stability and security across this industry,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. 


Gabon’s energy industry is multifaceted, with developments taking place across ever segment of the value chain. Representing a pillar of the country’s economy, oil and gas is responsible for generating income, creating employment and advancing the livelihoods of the population. The country holds two billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 1.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and major projects in the country include the Hibiscus/Ruche development; the Cap Lopez oil terminal and Liquefied Natural Gas facility; the Etame Conventional Oilfield and many more. Protecting these assets should be a top priority, and the Chamber strongly advocates for security regarding Gabonese oil and gas operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

SOURCE

African Energy Chamber



Friday, May 20, 2011

Shell Decides to Move Forward With Groundbreaking Floating LNG




Shell Decides to Move Forward With Groundbreaking Floating LNG
Shell Announces Final Investment Decision on Prelude Floating LNG Project in Australia

The Hague, May 20 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell) has taken the final investment decision on the Prelude Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Project in Australia (100% Shell), building the world's first FLNG facility. Moored far out to sea, some 200 kilometres from the nearest land in Australia, the FLNG facility will produce gas from offshore fields, and liquefy it onboard by cooling.






The decision means that Shell is now ready to start detailed design and construction of what will be the world's largest floating offshore facility, in a ship yard in South Korea.

From bow to stern, Shell's FLNG facility will be 488 metres long, and will be the largest floating offshore facility in the world - longer than four soccer fields laid end to end. When fully equipped and with its storage tanks full, it will weigh around 600,000 tonnes - roughly six times as much as the largest aircraft carrier. Some 260,000 tonnes of that weight will consist of steel, around five times more than was used to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

"Our innovative FLNG technology will allow us to develop offshore gas fields that otherwise would be too costly to develop," said Malcolm Brinded, Shell's Executive Director, Upstream International. "Our decision to go ahead with this project is a true breakthrough for the LNG industry, giving it a significant boost to help meet the world's growing demand for the cleanest-burning fossil fuel."

Brinded continued "FLNG technology is an exciting innovation, complementary to onshore LNG, which can help accelerate the development of gas resources".

The facility has been designed to withstand the severest cyclones - those of Category 5. Ocean-going LNG carriers will offload liquefied gas, chilled to minus162 Celsius and shrunk in volume by 600 times, and other products, directly from the facility out at sea for delivery to markets worldwide. Until now, the liquefaction of offshore gas has always involved piping the gas to a land-based plant.

Shell has progressed the Prelude FLNG project at a rapid pace, with first production of LNG expected some ten years after the gas was discovered.

The FLNG facility will tap around 3 trillion cubic feet equivalent of resources contained in the Prelude gas field. Shell discovered the Prelude gas field in 2007.

Some 110,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of expected production from Prelude should underpin at least 5.3 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquids, comprising 3.6 mtpa of LNG, 1.3 mtpa of condensate and 0.4 mtpa of liquefied petroleum gas. The FLNG facility will stay permanently moored at the Prelude gas field for 25 years, and in later development phases should produce from other fields in the area where Shell has an interest.

Ann Pickard, Country Chair of Shell in Australia said "this will be a game changer for the energy industry. We will be deploying this revolutionary technology first in Australian waters, where it will add another dimension to Australia's already vibrant gas industry."

Brinded added "beyond this, our ambition is to develop more FLNG projects globally. Our design can accommodate a range of gas fields, and our strategic partnership with Technip and Samsung should enable us to apply it progressively faster for future projects. We see opportunities around the world to work on other FLNG projects with governments, energy companies and customers."

Shell's decision to make FLNG a reality culminates more than a decade of research and development. It builds on the company's extensive know-how in offshore production, gas liquefaction, LNG shipping, and delivering major projects that integrate the gas value chain-from wellhead to burner.

The Prelude FLNG project will be the first Australian upstream project in which Shell is the operator. Australia is one of Shell's key growth provinces, and Shell's upstream investment in Australia should reach some $30 billion over the next five years, including the Prelude and Gorgon projects, and on-going exploration and feasibility studies in the country.

Prelude FLNG is part of Shell's industry-leading portfolio of medium term growth options, where the company has around 30 new upstream projects under study world-wide, to support long term profitable growth.
Notes to Editors

Shell is a global, integrated energy company with operations in more than 90 countries and territories, with businesses including: oil and gas exploration and production; refineries and chemical plants; processing and marketing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas-to-liquid (GTL) products; marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals; and renewable energy sources, such as biofuels.

Gas resources are found all over the world in remote offshore accumulations. In Australian waters alone there is an estimated 140 trillion cubic feet of such "stranded" gas, according to a 2008 report by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (http://www.solve.csiro.au/0608/article5.htm). Shell FLNG technology will make it feasible to develop such resources, since it reduces both the cost and environmental footprint of their development. Having the gas-processing and gas-liquefaction facility located at the site of an offshore field removes the need for: gas-compression platforms; long subsea pipelines to shore; near-shore works, such as dredging and jetty construction; and onshore construction, including roads, storage yards and accommodation facilities. Another plus is that FLNG can accelerate LNG developments. This is because an FLNG vessel can be ordered at an earlier stage of appraisal of a new gas field, with less guarantee of production longevity than needed to underpin an onshore greenfield investment; if and when the gas resources in the first field are exhausted, the FLNG can be redeployed to another field.

Shell is the operator and 100% equity holder of the WA-371-P permit in the Browse Basin, where the Prelude field is located. The field is approximately 475 kilometres north-northeast of Broome, Western Australia, and over 200 kilometres from the nearest point on the mainland. Shell plans to have initially seven subsea wells at the Prelude field. From these wells, gas will travel through flexible pipes to the FLNG facility.

Shell has been doing business in Australia for 110 years, including participation in major LNG projects such as the North West Shelf and Gorgon.
For more information, interview requests or photography, please contact:

Shell Media Relations

Australia, Claire Wilkinson, Claire.Wilkinson@shell.com +61 (0)416924822

Group: Kirsten Smart, kirsten.smart@shell.com +31 70 3773600
Cautionary Note

The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release "Shell", "Shell group" and "Royal Dutch Shell" are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. ''Subsidiaries'', "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this press release refer to companies in which Royal Dutch Shell either directly or indirectly has control, by having either a majority of the voting rights or the right to exercise a controlling influence. The companies in which Shell has significant influence but not control are referred to as "associated companies" or "associates" and companies in which Shell has joint control are referred to as "jointly controlled entities". In this press release, associates and jointly controlled entities are also referred to as "equity-accounted investments". The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect (for example, through our 24% shareholding in Woodside Petroleum Ltd.) ownership interest held by Shell in a venture, partnership or company, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''anticipate'', ''believe'', ''could'', ''estimate'', ''expect'', ''intend'', ''may'', ''plan'', ''objectives'', ''outlook'', ''probably'', ''project'', ''will'', ''seek'', ''target'', ''risks'', ''goals'', ''should'' and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell's 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010 (available at www.shell.com/investor and www.sec.gov ). These factors also should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, 20 May, 2011. Neither Royal Dutch Shell nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

We may have used certain terms in this press release, such as resources, that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov. You can also obtain these forms from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Monday, May 9, 2011

Xodus Group launches first in Africa operation in Nigeria


Offshore
Xodus Group provides integrated oil and gas field development and operational expertise to support the drive to maximise production, to work safely and to respect the environment throughout the asset lifecycle. The fundamental principles are common to both offshore and onshore developments but each require specific attention and expertise in certain areas.

Offshore projects are dominated by the challenge of operating in marine environments, with ever increasing water depths being the norm. Specialist expertise from across our service lines enables the following challenges to be addressed:


9 May 2011 09:00 Africa/Lagos



Xodus Group Announces Arrival in Africa


LAGOS, Nigeria, May 9, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

- Nigeria Joint Venture Will Pursue Robust Growth Strategy in Oil & Gas

International energy consultancy Xodus Group today joined forces with Nigerian company Mos Baker to launch a brand new operation in Lagos called XMOS.

XMOS brings integrated field development and front end services to the African oil and gas markets with an initial focus on three divisions, process and facilities, flow assurance and subsea engineering. Ultimately the full suite of Xodus services will be rolled out which will add technical safety, environmental and subsurface capabilities

The partners are each investing more than $1 million setting up the joint venture which will recruit 20 people in the first year and grow to 100 people within three years. The Nigerian government intends to double national oil production from 1.8 million barrels per day and Xodus believes there are significant opportunites for XMOS and the experience it can bring to the region.

Colin Manson, chief executive of Xodus Group said: "Setting up a joint venture is a first for Xodus Group and we are making the move now because we have tremendous confidence in the size of the market opportunity in Nigeria and in our new partners. Many of the new developments will be in very deep water off the Nigerian continental shelf, where our subsea and technical credentials, integrated field development and front-end experience are ideally suited. This move presents a new chapter in the evolution of Xodus Group."

Sam Unuigbe, a former director of Stanbic IBTC Bank and owner of Mos Baker will take on the role of chairman and his son Ohioze Unuigbe, a chemical engineer with an MBA from Imperial College London and experience with UK engineering contractors, is Managing Director.

Rod McInnes has been appointed operations director of XMOS. Mr McInnes has more than 30 years of engineering experience with the last 15 in senior management positions. He has worked in West Africa previously and has extensive international project management experience with operators such as ExxonMobil, Statoil and Texaco and global oil refineries.

Colin Manson will sit on the board from Xodus Group along with Xodus directors Stephen Swindell and Dave Rayburn who will provide specialist support from the Xodus London office.

Sam Unuigbe said: "We believe that by joining our local know-how and business acumen with Xodus Group's exceptional engineering experience, we will grow to have a significant presence within three years. We will be recruiting from day one and will be on the search for the most talented forward thinking engineers to come on board with this exciting new venture. We will be investing in training local people and will be looking to attract skilled engineers working overseas interested in returning to Africa."

Mr Unuigbe, a qualified chartered accountant is a well respected businessman in Nigeria and until last year spent more than 17 years as a director of Stanbic IBTC Bank, one of the largest banking groups in Africa

He established his own firm of chartered accountants Unuigbe Akintola & Co in the 1970s of which he remains managing partner. He serves on the board of several companies including NENSCO ltd and Philips Project Centre - an affiliate of Philips Electronics NV of the Netherlands. He has invaluable oil and gas experience in Nigeria and as well as Mos Baker he is a shareholder in Delta Afrik and Delta Tek Engineering and previously worked as a manager with Mobil Petroleum Nigeria.

Xodus Group is headquartered in Aberdeen and employs more than 310 people in offices throughout the UK with its London office heading up high profile international contracts in key regions across the globe. The company also recently opened an office in Houston as part of its ambitious international growth strategy.

Xodus launched in 2005 and has grown into a dynamic integrated consultancy with expertise in oil, gas and renewables. With an annual turnover of GBP30 million, Xodus has six divisions comprising: Wells and Subsurface; Subsea; Process and Facilities; Integration Technology; Technical Safety and Risk; Environmental (Xodus Aurora).

Issued on behalf of Xodus Group by the BIG Partnership

Source: Xodus Group

For further information contact Tracey Miller, Senior Account Executive on +44(0)1224-615011 or Gayle Nicol, Senior Account Manager tel +44(0)1224-615019, +44(0)7702-737135 email gayle.nicol@bigpartnership.co.uk



Thursday, February 10, 2011

3rd African Gas Forum coming up in London

Must read Platts Survey: OPEC Pumps 29.57 Million Barrels of Oil Per Day in January..



10 Feb 2011 04:47 Africa/Lagos


Africangas forum

THE HAGUE, February 9, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Organised & Hosted By: Contact:babette@glopac.com or amanda@glopac.com

Date & Venue: 31st March-1 April 2011, Radisson Mayfair Hotel, London

Register now www.africangas-forum.com

Sponsor Contact: amanda@glopac.com



Separately Bookable Events: Fees Exclude 20% Vat as per UK Law

3rd African Gas: 1 April 2011: GBP 750 per person

3rd Africa Gas Business: Strategy Briefing: 31st March 2011, GBP 995 per person

Combined Fee: Briefing & Conference: GBP 1,450 per person

37th PetroAfricanus Dinner: Thursday 31st March 2011: GBP 250 per person (Members: GBP 150) - Guest Speaker: Dr Alan Stein, Managing Director, Ophir Energy: “Exploring Africa: Reflections From Downunder” – insights from a player with gas discoveries offshore in West and Eastern Africa.


Our 3rd African Gas 2011 builds on our unrivalled track record in and on Africa, deep industry knowledge-base, extensive executive networks across the African Continent and worldwide on Six Continents, direct business and advisory experience in over 45 countries north and south of the Sahara, and over three decades of Advisory Practice and research in the global oil and gas business.


Africa's gas-LNG game has come of age, with over 30 African countries holding gas resources, and 20 now with proven reserves, with more entering into production, and gas discoveries both proliferating and often large, some of world-class dimension. Companies have upgraded their gas portfolio, redesigned strategies and enhanced investments in domestic and pipeline export gas, targeting Atlantic LNG markets and Europe-destined gas consumers, as well as GTL in selected locales, in some instances synfuels for local offtake, and engaged in a widening list of gas-power projects with independent private power, across a range of related cross-border markets. Meanwhile, corporates, investors and financiers now target the gas-rich Maghreb and the Gulf of Guinea (with many gas monetisation projects in the pipeline, along with LNG ventures), Southern Africa's offshore and onshore in shale gas and CBM, as well as the highly-promising East African frontier margins offshore and for onshore gas-power, soon probably to be a focus for potential LNG ventures for Asian markets.

Confirmed Speakers Include:

Tim Okon, Group General Manager, Corporate Planning & Strategy & Chairman, Gas Master Plan, NNPC, Nigeria

Malcolm Brown, Senior Vice President, Exploration, BG plc

Carol Law, Exploration Manager, East Africa & Caribbean, Anadarko Petroleum Corp

Dr Duncan Clarke, Chairman & CEO, Global Pacific & Partners, South Africa

Bolaji Osunsanya, Chief Executive Officer, Oando Gas & Power, Nigeria

Peter Clutterbuck, Deputy Chairman, Orca Exploration, Tanzania

Yasser Tousson, General Manager Finance, Apache Corporation, Egypt

Dr Alan Stein, Managing Director, Ophir Energy, Perth

Steve Mills, Commercial Manager, Petroleum Agency SA, South Africa

Gabriel Bujulu, Petroleum Engineer, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation

Senior Executive, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation**

Kevin Hart, Chief Executive, Bowleven plc

Scott Aitken, Chief Executive, Seven Energy, Nigeria

Radwan Hadi, Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Oil & Gas

Jeff Greenblum, Chairman of The Board, EnerGulf

Rogers Beall, President, Fortesa International Senegal, Senegaz-Africa Fortesa Corp.

Edwin Bowles, President & CEO, RJ Energy

Semyon Astakhov, Head Africa, TMK Africa

Prior to the Forum is our 3rd Africa Gas Business: Strategy Briefing (Thursday 31st March), reviewing gas assets and portfolio potential in over 100 companies, from Africa and around the world, companies looking for farm-in/outs, new ventures, investors and wider deal-flow. With Presentations by Dr Duncan Clarke, Chairman & CEO, Global Pacific & Partners, Africa's leading strategist, and author on the Continent's oil and gas industry, providing an in-depth & unique set of insights on the gas industry and corporate business strategies, as well as Government gas policies and investment strategies of the National Oil Companies and Licensing Agencies - in the Maghreb, Western, Eastern, and Southern Africa. Delegates receive access online to Presentations, with 750 Images, that reveal the changing shape of Africa's gas game in dynamic evolution, the players involved & their portfolio and how the competitive gas world is shifting, and likely to be the cutting edge of the hydrocarbons industry in Africa over the next decade and beyond.



Source: Global Pacific & Partners


Hot Topics
Quarterly Earnings Reports
Platts Survey: OPEC Pumps 29.57 Million Barrels of Oil Per Day in January
CreditCards.com: Weekly Credit Card Rate Report
The College Board Announces AP® Results for Class of 2010: Number of Students Succeeding on AP Exams Has Nearly Doubled Over the Past Decade
Commodity Markets Finished Modestly Higher in January; Investors Continue to Find Physical Assets Appealing Over the Long Term Horizon
Political Upheaval in Egypt
Valentine's Day
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week



Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Nigeria's Chemicals Sector to Benefit from Diversification Away from Oil, Says Frost & Sullivan

5 May 2009 09:00 Africa/Lagos


Nigeria's Chemicals Sector to Benefit from Diversification Away from Oil, Says Frost & Sullivan

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Overall, the global economic downturn has affected sub-Saharan countries less severely than the rest of the world. Despite a slowing in growth in the short term, economies such as Nigeria are expected to show resilience.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)

Boosted by this relative stability, demand for chemicals across most sectors of the market in Nigeria will increase over the next five years. Furthermore, the non-oil sector will increase its share of the total chemicals market.

"The government drive to diversify the economy from oil has led to the implementation of a number of policies to support the non-oil sector," says Frost & Sullivan (http://www.chemicals.frost.com/) chemicals analyst Kholofelo Maele. "Import tariffs for products, including selected fully manufactured food and beverages as well as pharmaceutical and consumer goods, have resulted in increased local manufacture of these products."

This increase in manufacturing activity has had a knock-on effect of increasing demand for specialty chemicals. In addition, plans for complete deregulation of the refined oil products market may lead to increased private investment in this space and decrease the country's current need to import these products.

Despite the positive outlook for this market, a number of key challenges still plague the chemicals industry. These include the country's poor electricity infrastructure and the high operating costs encountered by local manufacturers.

"The existing power infrastructure in Nigeria provides limited and inconsistent coverage," notes Maele. "The government has however allocated US$5 billion towards power projects and also recently announced a shortlist of companies to invest in the gas sector. It has been reported that Dubai Natural Resources World has entered into a preliminary agreement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to invest in oil and gas drilling projects and build 1,000 megawatts of gas-fired power generation."

Power infrastructure projects should have a strong impact on the chemicals sector, as they will increase demand for specialty chemicals in the short term. In the medium to long term, increased power capacity in Nigeria will lead to increased efficiencies in the manufacturing sector.

"High operating costs as well as a lack of access to raw materials further restrain the development of manufacturing for a wider range of specialty chemicals," Maele adds. "However, manufacturers do have some respite, as the government's local content policy aids in shielding them from competition for their products from imports."

If you are interested in more information on Frost & Sullivan's analysis of the Nigerian chemicals industry, then send an e-mail to Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, at patrick.cairns@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website and country.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 31 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com/.

Contact:
Patrick Cairns
Corporate Communications - Africa
P: +27 18 468 2315
E: patrick.cairns@frost.com

http://www.frost.com/

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Frost & Sullivan

CONTACT: Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications - Africa, Frost &
Sullivan, +27 18 468 2315, patrick.cairns@frost.com

Web Site: http://www.frost.com/

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time

4 May 2009
18:41 China Precision Steel Announces Conference Call to Discuss Third Quarter Fiscal 2009 Results
1 May 2009
11:00 Saving the Last Cross River Gorillas
29 Apr 2009
13:00 China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions Presented at 2009 World Eminence Chinese Business Association
12:45 International Poet's Oeuvre Delves into Facets of Human Endeavor
09:42 CNOOC Limited's Q1 2009 Results Highlighted by Production Growth
09:13 Royal Dutch Shell's : 1st Quarter 2009 Unaudited Results
28 Apr 2009
15:07 Sikorsky Global Helicopters Delivers Six S-300CBi(TM) Helicopters to Bristow Academy
05:01 MacArthur Foundation Announces 2009 Winners of Award for Creative and Effective Nonprofits