By David Wethe on 8/3/2017
HOUSTON (Bloomberg) -- The magic of $50 oil is now in the sights of deep-sea drillers as they try to lure customer spending from shale wells on land.
And after more than three years of pain, that prospect has some investors excited. Transocean Ltd. rose the most in more than eight months after the worlds biggest provider of offshore rigs predicted explorers could soon shift their spending from land to sea as crude futures inch closer to the key level. Shares of other deepwater service providers like Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. and Noble Corp Plc also surged on the heels of Transoceans rally.
"Break-even costs in multiple deep-water basins around the world are consistently coming in below $50 and are now often around, if not below, $40," CEO Jeremy Thigpen told analysts and investors Thursday on a conference call. "Deepwater break-evens are starting to compare favorably with onshore, which by the way is now experiencing some fairly significant price inflation across most products and services."
The global oil downturn hit offshore drillers with the double whammy of a drop in customer demand for their services and a glut of new rigs rolling out of shipyards. More than three quarters of Transoceans sales have been carved away since hitting a peak of $3.3 billion at the end of 2008, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
A little more than half of the oil industrys 817 offshore rigs were working in the second quarter, down from the 92% utilization rate for global rigs in 2008, Jud Bailey, an analyst at Wells Fargo, wrote last month in a note to investors.
New contracts
The Vernier, Switzerland-based owner of deepwater rigs said its signed a dozen new drilling contracts or extensions to pacts so far this year, adding $221 million in future work. The entire offshore industry has announced almost as much new work this year as it had in the past two years combined, Terry Bonno, the companys senior vice president of industry and community relations, said on the call.
"It is beginning to feel a lot like we are moving off bottom," she said. Explorers are expected to sanction more deepwater projects next year if oil holds above "the magic $50-level," Bonno said. But if oil falls below that mark, those projects could be re-evaluated and delayed.
Transocean rose 7.7% to $9.30 at 1:38 p.m. in New York, after earlier climbing as much as 11% for the biggest intraday rise since Nov. 30. Transoceans comments were enough to boost shares for its six closest offshore peers, which all climbed at least 5% on Thursday.
While the development costs for deepwater projects have fallen below $50 in many cases, the time to bring offshore projects to production is still several years, compared to a matter of months for shale work, J. David Anderson, an analyst at Barclays, said Thursday in a phone interview.
"Shale wins in every race," Anderson said. "As oil starts to move up above $50, shale will come on much faster."
Longer-term
But shale wells can fade in a matter of months, too, while offshore wells can gush oil for decades after theyve been developed. Average hydraulic fracturing prices for onshore work are up 50% to 100% from the lowest point in the downturn, Brad Handler, an analyst at Jefferies, wrote last month in a note to investors.
About an hour after Transoceans comments on the $50 oil outlook for offshore, land-rigs provider Nabors Industries Ltd. said prices in the high-$40s mark works for many explorers in the U.S. The worlds biggest land driller forecast that the industry would add another 30 to 40 rigs by now and the end of the year in the lower-48 U.S. states.
To be sure, Thigpen conceded hes not ready to declare victory yet.
"Were not saying this is a start of a great upturn thats going to last three to four years," he said. "What were saying is today looks better than yesterday."
See more here:
$50 oil "magic" boosts offshore drillers' hopes of competing with shale - WorldOil (subscription)
- Home | Discover Oil & Gas | Rigzone [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2016]
- Offshore - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2016]
- EscapeArtist - Live, Work, Travel, Retire & Invest Overseas [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2016]
- Offshore installation manager - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 30th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 30th, 2016]
- Offshore Energy 17 [Last Updated On: January 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 12th, 2017]
- Offshore Drilling and Exploration - The New York Times [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2017]
- Offshore - novenco-marine.com.php56serv2.webhosting.dk [Last Updated On: February 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 5th, 2017]
- Further decline in North Sea offshore supply work - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Japan ignores protests, begins offshore construction work on ... - RT [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Offshore Drillers Are Still Seeking Recovery Enjoyed by Shale - Bloomberg [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Offshore Profits and US Exports - Council on Foreign Relations (blog) [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Diamond Offshore Surprises Everyone With a Fourth Quarter Earnings Gain - Madison.com [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Dems: Don't repeal offshore tax rules - The Hill [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Offshore Wind Moves Into Energy's Mainstream - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Trump's Plan to Tap Offshore Profit for Infrastructure Gains an Ally - Bloomberg [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- China Regulator Urges Insurers to Avoid 'Reckless' Offshore ... - Insurance Journal [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Perriello comes out against pipeline and, in a shift, says he is skeptical of offshore drilling - Washington Post [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- AGL to head offshore amid limited growth options locally - The Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Should Diamond Offshore (DO) Stock Be in Your Portfolio? - Zacks.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Wind Overtakes Coal Power in Europe as Turbines Head Offshore - Bloomberg [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Cuba Eager to Develop Offshore Oil Reserves | OilPrice.com - OilPrice.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Eni starts production of East Hub Development Project, offshore Angola - Offshore Technology [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- 'Fifty Shades Darker' Unmasks $22M In Offshore Foreplay International Box Office - Deadline [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Statoil looks to Newfoundland offshore after selling off all oilsands assets - Globalnews.ca [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Coalition urged to charge 10% royalty on offshore oil and gas projects - The Guardian [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Israel Puts Off License Award In First Offshore Oil, Gas Bid Round - OilPrice.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Cost Impact of Immigration and Visa Reform to US Customers Using Offshore Services - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- These Offshore Drilling Stocks Are Up Big as Earnings Season Starts - Fox Business [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Offshore projects help raise profile of wind power in US, Europe - WorkBoat (blog) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Shares of Seadrill Went in the Exact Opposite Direction of Other Offshore Drillers in January - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- After selling off all oilsands assets, Statoil looks to Newfoundland offshore - Calgary Herald [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Oil and Gas Stock Roundup: The Outlook for Offshore Drilling Continues to Dim - Fox Business [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Diamond Offshore Surprises Everyone With a Fourth Quarter ... - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Diamond Offshore Is A Hold - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Trudeau: Arctic offshore drilling too dangerous - The Independent Barents Observer [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Don't Overlook This Cost-Effective Alternative To Offshore Services - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Legislation could mean an economic boost in New Bedford offshore wind projects - SouthCoastToday.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Ontario signals extension on offshore wind project moratorium - BNN [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Oil Majors' Plans - No Relief For Offshore Drillers - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Director hits back at offshore worker blacklisting claims - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- OPEC Report: Pressure On Offshore Drilling Remains - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- UK Offshore Wind Construction Had Bumper Year In 2016, Barbour ABI - CleanTechnica [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Trump urged to back offshore - Offshore Wind | reNEWS ... - reNews [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Russian Spy Ship Spotted Offshore From Connecticut; Congressman Says Goal Is To Test US - CBS Local [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Australia Accused Of Committing Crimes Against Humanity In Offshore Detention Centres - BuzzFeed News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- US Wind Secures Cabling Partner For MD Offshore Project - North American Windpower [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Professional Diversity Network: Offshore Investment Fund, Dropping ... - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Vineyard Power vying for offshore wind farm - News - capecodtimes ... - Cape Cod Times (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Liquidity Warnings Send Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc.'s Stock Plunging - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Will Offshore Stymie Oil States? - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Enbridge Partners with EnBW on 497-MW German Offshore Wind Project - Marketwired (press release) [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- JDR lands US offshore bounty - reNews [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Natural gas leaks from offshore pipeline in Alaska - Press Herald [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Halliburton's GRIP delivers rapid response to offshore source-control incidents - WorldOil (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Model advances analysis of offshore BOP closure during extreme conditions - WorldOil (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- IRS Cracks Down on Offshore Tax Cheats - CPAPracticeAdvisor.com [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Vineyard Power vying for offshore wind farm - Cape Cod Times (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Offshore Yuan Exposed to Onshore Risks as Spread Narrows - DailyFX [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Offshore Somalia: East Africa's Oil Frontier - Midnimo Information Center [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Emas Offshore refinancing deal delayed - Splash 247 - Splash 247 [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- The Offshore Markets: 2016 In Review - Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Court Declines to Halt Long Island Offshore Wind Lease - RTO Insider [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Fuel the American economy with offshore energy - The Detroit News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Congress says won't renew liquor licenses of offshore casinos in Goa - Times of India [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- An offshore deal for Indigenous people? - Policy Options (registration) [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Exclusive: Petronas considers $1 billion stake sale in offshore gas project - sources - Reuters [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- JDR wins US offshore wind farm work - OE Digital [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Offshore Drilling - 2 Floaters Needed In The Verbier Field And In The Partridge Prospect In UK North Sea - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Rystad Energy Believes That Offshore Projects Are Becoming Competitive Again - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- EnBW Hohe See 500 MW Offshore Wind Farm To Proceed With Siemens & Enbridge - CleanTechnica [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Offshore catering staff reject offer after phone ballot - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Child abuse inquiry to hold limited public hearings into offshore ... - The Guardian [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Iberdrola Completes Installation Of First Turbine At 350 Megawatt ... - CleanTechnica [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Offshore drilling opponents re-gear for new round of battles | News ... - Charleston Post Courier [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Hornbeck Offshore Services: Too Many Problems Will Drag The Stock Further Down - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- US grid can handle more offshore wind power, cutting pollution and power costs - Science Daily [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Fugro to conduct natural leakage survey in offshore Kenya ... - Offshore Technology [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Russia inks second Turkish Stream pipe offshore construction contract - New Europe [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Trump to seek jobs advice from firms that offshore US work - Reuters [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- W&T Offshore Expected to Reduce Net Losses in 4Q16 - Market Realist [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]