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Cash, low-risk growth remain priorities for oil companies in 2018

Exploration & Production

Energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie says that key priorities for upstream oil and gas companies for 2018 remained largely the same, according to a survey it conducted

A report on the survey said that about half of upstream oil and gas companies surveyed continued to rate free cash flow as the most important performance metric and preferred low-risk, near-field exploration opportunities.

Oil prices, which have inched up on the back of production cuts from OPEC countries and Russia since 2017, are still much lower than levels seen before 2014 when oil markets started to get oversupplied.

The supply glut prompted oil and gas explorers to slash exploration budgets and sell assets in an effort to conserve cash.

The companies surveyed expect oil prices to average above US$60/bbl in 2018 and that prices would rise through 2021, which could mean higher levels of investment in the sector.

According to the survey, over 85 per cent of participants expect higher investment levels in 2018 compared with 70 per cent in 2017.

Meanwhile, energy companies surveyed are banking on existing assets to maximise production, while they boost exposure to renewable energy projects.

The oil and gas industry has been increasingly adopting AI technology in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

SmartMaster can be used with a range of ABB and third-party instruments. (Image source: ABB)

Comparison of conventional workflow with DUG MP-FWI imaging. (Image source: DUG)

The expansion is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 2.5 to up to 4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). (Image source: Aramco)

Oman LNG signed various agreements with Shell Gas to secure its gas supply until 2034. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

ARO Drilling and IMI announce first Kingdom jack up rig (Image source: ARO)

GAC Saudi Arabia has extensive operations at major ports in Saudi Arabia. (Image source: GAC Saudi Arabia)

Michael Monica, director sales, marketing and customer care at GPT Industries signs the agreement with Mohamed Altaf, sale manager, Abdulla Fouad Energy Services. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

Amin H. Nasser, CEO of Aramco. (Image source: Aramco)

The system can activate notification and hazard mitigation equipment to notify workers and safeguard facilities. (Image source: MSA Safety)

The new discoveries will bolster Aramco’s strategy to increase gas production by more than half over 2021 levels, through 2030. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The use of blockchain in the oil and gas sector is set to increase substantially. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The new technology is designed to address the challenging conditions in unconventional wells. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Source: SafeStart

The Ampelmann A-type enabling safe offshore access in the Middle East. (Image source: Ampelmann)

Aramco has produced the first unconventional tight gas from its South Ghawar operational area ahead of schedule. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Gaurav Khupsare, Director, MACS-G Solutions. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

Tethys Oil is currently conducting final preparations ahead of the rig mobilisation for the drilling of the first exploration well on Block 58, Kunooz-1 in Fahd.

TotalEnergies and SONATRACH will develop gas resources in Algeria's north-east Timimoun region, (Image source: Adobe Stock).

By using analytics to augment and empower the workforce, pipeline operators can optimise operations and improve asset availability. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The oil price is hovering around the US$90/bbl mark. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Craig International Qatar team. (Image source: Craig International)

The SuperFill II diverter reduces induced surge pressure. (Image source: Halliburton)

Among other services, KBR will offer proprietary equipment for NCIC's 1,200 metric tonnes per day ammonia plant. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The expansion is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 2.5 to up to 4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). (Image source: Aramco)

Comparison of conventional workflow with DUG MP-FWI imaging. (Image source: DUG)

ADNOC Gas recorded robust financial and operational results in 2023. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Over 4,000 km of SoluForce pipe has been installed around the world. (Image source: SoluForce)

Block 56 is targeted for commercialisation in 2024. (Image source: Canva)

The programme will optimise asset lifecycle, enhance machinery performance and improve overall reliability. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The use of blockchain in the oil and gas sector is set to increase substantially. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Source: SafeStart

GAC Saudi Arabia has extensive operations at major ports in Saudi Arabia. (Image source: GAC Saudi Arabia)

The company is well positioned in 2024, with a reshaped and resilient business and a strong balance sheet. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The vessel addresses the growing demand for accurate hydrographic data. (Image source: Fugro)

The virtual inhouse seismic processing centre will allow each of the decentralised business units of Wintershall Dea globally to collaborate efficiently and directly with DUG. (Image source: Adobe Stock)