Outside the U.S., Poland is one of the first countries where companies are seriously attempting to develop shale gas–a development the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called the country’s “great chance,” because it could reduce Poland’s dependence on Russian gas, create tens of thousands of jobs and fill state coffers.

ExxonMobil has six licenses to explore for shale gas in Poland.

In the Lublin Basin, Exxon is operating in partnership with French oil major Total, which holds a 49% stake in the licenses.

In the Podlasie Basin, Exxon has partnered with Hutton Energy.

Johnson was speaking in Krakow at a conference on Europe’s unconventional gas sector.

Source: Dow Jones Inc.

Statoil expects a final investment decision in late 2012 and first oil in late 2016.

The Bressay heavy oil project on the UK continental shelf is also progressing according to plan, one year behind Mariner, to ensure transfer of learning and synergies.

The Mariner and Bressay projects were presented at a press briefing by Statoil’s executive vice president for Development and Production International, Peter Mellbye, at SPE Offshore Europe 2011 in Aberdeen.

“After a period of uncertainty, I am proud to be able to say that we are back on track with the landmark Mariner and Bressay developments. To be able to once again move these projects forward is important for Statoil and its partners, as well as for the UK and for the Aberdeen region,” said Mellbye.

The ultra-heavy oil projects will require pioneering technology in order to be developed. Since its discovery thirty years ago, the Mariner field has been subject to a number of development studies by different operators.

Statoil is the first company ready to put forward a development concept that will fully address the complexities of this field, in particular related to reservoir management, recovery rates and project execution.

Statoil has extensive heavy oil experience, including the successful development of the Grane field in Norway and the Peregrino field in Brazil.

Because of the low well flow rates and early water break-through there is a need for many wells, artificial lift, and a process designed to handle large liquid rates and oil-water emulsions.

A total of 145 reservoir targets for production or injection are planned for Mariner. While the number of well slots at the platforms is less, this will be solved through use of multi-branch technology, sidetracks and reuse of slots.

The Mariner and Bressay projects will entail a gross investment of roughly GBP 6 billion. Statoil estimates lasting employment of at least 700 individuals, mainly locals, directly involved in its operations, and the establishment of a new operations centre in Aberdeen. The indirect employment of numerous others in the supply and service sectors comes in addition to this.

Source: Rigzone

The transaction price represents a 55% premium to Global Industries’ share closing price on September 9, 2011, the last day prior to announcement of the transaction. The transaction is to be funded using existing cash balances and credit facilities.

Global Industries brings to Technip its complementary subsea know-how, assets and experience, comprising 2,300 employees operating 14 vessels, including notably two newly-built leading edge S-Lay vessels, as well as strong positions in the Gulf of Mexico (US and Mexican waters), Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Technip’s global presence, world-class technologies, assets and services and strong project management track record will realize the full value and potential of Global Industries’ know-how, assets and experience, and broaden opportunities for Global Industries’ employees.

The acquisition of Global Industries reinforces Technip’s leadership in the fast-growing subsea market. Strong revenue synergies are expected as the acquisition will substantially increase Technip’s current capabilities and expand its addressable market by around 30% in deep-to-shore subsea infrastructure. Cost synergies are estimated to be at least US$30 million.

Given the anticipated synergies, the transaction is expected to be accretive to Technip’s earnings per share by around 5 to 7% in 2013.

The transaction is expected to close early in 2012. The management teams of Global Industries and Technip will work closely together to define the integration plan. Thierry Pilenko, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Technip, said:

“The acquisition of Global Industries reinforces Technip’s leadership in Subsea, one of our three market segments alongside Onshore and Offshore. The subsea market looks likely in 2011 to show a record amount of orders for our industry and our own backlog at end-June 2011 is above its previous peak. We see that our customers continue to firm up a substantial number of large offshore developments with Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa and Asia Pacific leading the way to drive future growth. Our investment in Global Industries substantially expands our addressable market in subsea. Global Industries’ capabilities, know-how and experience, notably in S-Lay and Heavy Lift, add to our already unique vertically integrated range of products and services, enabling us to offer our clients greater value in the execution of complex projects from deep-to-shore. We expect that the application of Technip’s own skills in offshore and subsea developments, its commercial footprint and its project management experience will drive a rapid deployment of the Global Industries teams and assets on customer projects. The transaction is expected to meet our hurdle rate, create value for Technip’s shareholders, and raise earnings per share starting by around 5 to 7% in 2013.”

Source: Rigzone