Informative Oil and Gas articles

 

South Sudan and its future 

The newly-formed government of Africa’s newest state, South Sudan, has pledged its support for the development of the private sector in the country. It has ambitions to promote growth and economic development through public-private partnerships and dialogue with existing business leaders in the country.

This ambition was made clear at a workshop that was organized by the South Sudan Business Forum (SSBF) in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group in September 2011.  Elizabeth Majok, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Commerce said “The President himself is committed to nurturing the private sector; the private sector should now play its role and spur economic growth in the country”.  Their plans include passing four Bills that “when enacted, will play a major role in streamlining the business environment in South Sudan” she concluded.  

The challenges

There are many, some are weighty.  The legacy of 22 years of internal strife has taken its toll. South Sudan has a real hurdle to overcome in skills development, they urgently need educated and trained workers needed to run the new government.  Estimates of the literacy rate show only 27 percent, one of the world’s lowest which means that it will be a long road.   

A new complication is that Juba, the present centre of government and industry, is too small and the government intends to build a new city and relocate the capital to Ramciel, 250 km northwest of Juba.   This is causing some consternation in business circles, especially with Kenyan companies that are installed in Juba.

In its early days of independence the country is still struggling with security issues and also with rampant inflation.

Trade with Kenya and other neighbouring states

Lack of rail infrastructure is hampering many growth initiatives as is problems accessing routes through the Khartoum. This landlocked country has the disadvantage of no access to a port although it clears most of its imports through Mombasa in Kenya.  80% of South Sudan’s trade is with East Africa countries, the leading country is Uganda (also landlocked) closely followed by Kenya.

However, talks are continuing with the oil majors to connect to the main fuel pipeline from Eldoret to Mombasa which would improve export opportunities to Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

The banking sector in South Sudan is quite lively, the government is taking a state in one and the Family Bank of Kenya are making a play for another.  The four main banks are potential acquisitions for the more established finance houses in the East Africa region who can see $$ signs.

It is expected that South Sudan will apply for membership of the East Africa Community (EAC) as early as next year.


A petroliferous place – Gabon  

The oil industry continues to dominate the industrial sector in Gabon providing around 40% of GDP. The statistics vary somewhat, but it is clear that Gabon is heavily dependent on its petroleum industry. There are many players, the global oil majors, the outsource oil field service organizations, drillers and marine services companies that are active there, both onshore and offshore.  The Ogooue Delta complex is a proven hydrocarbon province, where over 2,000 MM bbl of oil and 900 Billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas have been discovered since the 1960s.

                                  

The Oil sector and crude quality

The oil sector in Gabon is dominated by exploration and production making up 95% of the activity, the other 5% is invested in refining and research and development.  There are five types of crude oil produced in Gabon, ranging from a medium to relatively heavy oil with a low level of sulfur. This crude is similar to the "Arab light". The principal types of crude oil currently produced are :

• Mandji Blend produced by Elf Gabon and Perenco
• Rabi Light (Elf Gabon)
• Gamba crude blended with Rabi-Echira crude (Shell’s Rabi blend)
• Lucina Blend produced by Perenco
• Oguendjo/Breme Blend (Perenco in the South)

The State receives oil revenue on the basis of sources : taxes on oil company production, rental fees on exploration permits based on the area covered, and dividends paid by the oil companies.

Recent activity

The Etame field, a major source of crude, is a joint venture operated by Vaalco Energy and is in partnership with Addax, Sasol, Tullow Oil and other minority interests.  Harvest Natural Resources has announced two offshore discoveries in 2011 which are in appraisal phase. Panoro Energy has struck oil, also offshore, following an extensive drilling campaign recently.

Exports

Oil exports are growing steadily due to the growth in investment from international oil and gas companies such as Total and Shell and many other medium-size explorers. Gabon can look forward to long-term relationships with these multi-nationals which have taken up 25-year agreements with the Government. The bulk of these exports are destined for the USA, France, Netherlands and UK.  The only refinery in Gabon, part owned by Total, is run by the Société Gabonaise de Raffinerie (SOGARA) in Port-Gentil and only has a capacity of around 21,000 barrels per day. And it has incurred losses for the last five years.  Gabon is likely to benefit from the supply problems in Libya during the next few years.  

Working in Gabon

Gabon has a high income per capita compared to other African countries, almost four times that of most nations. Although the locals would say that the cost of living in Gabon is quite expensive, expatriates will find it fairly reasonable except for imported products and telecommunications services.  Although Libreville is the capital, much of the activity in this sector is centered around Port-Gentil.   

End

Sources 

http://www.gabonembassy.org.za/business.htm

http://www.africaneconomicoutlook.org/fileadmin/uploads/aeo/Country_Notes/2011/Full/Gabon.pdf

LIST OF OIL TOOLS AND PRODUCTS USED

Mud Pumps & Fluid End parts

Triplex Single Acting Mud Pump
Liners
Piston Rods
Piston
Piston Hubs
Valves and Seats
Modules OEM Pump Models
Crosshead
Crankshaft

Rig and Accessories

On Shore Workover Rig
Rotary Table
Swivel
Travelling Block and hook
Elevator Link
Drilling Steel Rope
SCR/VFO/MCC
Rig Motor
Drilling Hose
Stand Pipe
Mud Manifold
Air Winch
Rig Roller Chain
Rig Lighting Products
Rig Floor Anti-Slip Mat

Handling Tools

Rotary Slips
Drill Collar Slips
Casing Slips
Safety Clamps
BNC Type Elevator
SSC Type Elevator
Slip Type Elevator
Casing Elevator Spider
Hinged Casing Spider
Single Joint Elevator
Roller Kelly Bushing
Master Casing Bushing
Casing Bushing
Manual Tong
Power Tong
Hydraulic Cathead
Safety Spinning Wrench
Kelly Spinner
Safety Clamp

Solid Control Equipment

Shale Shaker
Desander
Desilter
Centrifuge
Mud Cleaner
Centrifugal Pump
Mud Agitator
Screen
Mud Tank
Mixing System
Shearing Pump

Flow Control Products

Demco Gate Valve
Demco Butterfly Valve
FMC Swivel joint

SPM Hammer Union

BOP and Accessories

Drilling Spool
Diverter
Annular BOP
Raman type BOP
Inside BOP
Degaser
Liquid Gas Separator
Kelly Cock
Kill and Choke Manifold
Accumulator
Flexible Hi-pressure Hose

Drilling Tubular

H-W Drill Pipe
Drill Collar
Stabilizer
X-Over Subs
Drilling Jar
Hole Openers
Under Reamer
Floating Valve
Down hole Motor
Drill Pipe

Fishing Tools

Safety Joint
Overshot
Spear
Reverse Circulating Junk
Basket
Fishing Cup
Milling Tools
Fishing Jar
Die Collar and Taper Tap
Casing Scraper
Fishing Magnet

Expatriate Jobs in Oil and Gas  

If you have always wanted to work in a leading multinational oil and gas organization, now may be the time to look into it. Expatriate life can be challenging and exciting especially when working within a global leader in this industry. It is also very rewarding, the pay is excellent, the benefits very generous and they really look after your welfare.     

There are always opportunities available in this industry, even in times of economic challenge.  Companies are expanding their scope, both on-shore and off-shore, as well as developing further in their traditional exploration areas. Top jobs are available in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, throughout Central and West Africa and in other developing regions in Asia. 

In the upstream sector, the exploration and production companies and their sub-contractors are always looking for both specialists in engineering and technical disciplines as well as support staff. Technical specialist roles include drilling, process flow, seismic testing at all levels of experience. Petroleum engineering professionals and those in geosciences are in short supply and may attract a premium salary or additional bonuses. There are also openings for people in the conventional business functions of finance, marketing, logistics and telecommunications.

The downstream sector, the refining and marketing petroleum companies and their associates, have opportunities across a wide range of business skills. They need chemical engineers, construction and pipeline specialists, supply chain managers and traders.  Language skills in either French or Portuguese are additional recommendations when applying for jobs in Africa, both in upstream and downstream.   

There are many recruiting companies offering oil and gas jobs on behalf of clients but you need to select an established and experienced service provider. There are some pitfalls that can be avoided.  Choose a company that understands the global expatriate business environment and one that and can respond to your personal needs when you are looking for jobs in the oil and gas sector.

Expat payrolls - a corporate headache  

Managing international payrolls is highly complex and resource intensive activity, but vital to your company’s operations. The outsource services offered to companies employing expatriates extend from payroll services and tax compliance through to relocation management, medical insurance, psychological support and final repatriation support. Experts in providing these services can save you time, expense and frustration whether for one employee or hundreds. 

Payroll services

Payroll service solutions usually include managing expatriate accounts payables, multi-country tax compliance, accounting, treasury, and information management and reporting.

Outsourcing your expat payroll to a specialist may include selected payroll activities or a full suite of integrated expatriate payroll services. The main benefits are: 

Control over expatriate payroll and reduced overall costs

Payments into the employees selected bank accounts

Legal and tax compliance in both the home and host countries

Accuracy and reliability of on-time payments in any currency

Remittance of all necessary taxes to the appropriate tax authorities

Strong controls and transparency of information

Additional Support Services 

Assistance to employers with other regulatory issues and compliance with local laws is a natural extension of the payroll services. Some of the more useful services are:

Design and implementation of remuneration policies including base pay, benefits and bonus structures

Preparation of contracts of employment

Management of the employer's obligations relating to industrial relations

Assistance in processing passports, visas and work permits

Employee medical insurance and health and safety support

Both international companies and their key staff and expatriate workers can benefit financially by outsourcing their international payroll services.  This complex and time-consuming process can be handed to specialists to manage so that you can focus on your core business.

Banner advertising

 From the time the Internet became a household word, there have been banner advertisements placed by a wide variety of companies and organizations to promote their wares. Very successfully, too.

Why should I use banner ads?

Banner ads allow you to advertise on websites that will reach your specific target audience.  They create awareness of your brand and, more importantly, direct traffic to your website by one click.  Banner ads can be creative, appealing and still affordable. The main benefit is the instant response to your advert, maybe an enquiry, and possibly, an immediate order.

If you are promoting low-cost/fast-moving fashion items your chosen sites could be on-line discount retailers, fashion magazines or music sites aimed at your age- and price range.  In the recruitment industry, banner ads are a cost-effective and efficient way of marketing related products and services. Human Resources support services and consumer offerings e.g. banking, training, technology products can all drive traffic to your business due to the presence of your ad on a busy jobs board.  

How do banner ads work?

Your ad must be specifically designed for use on the Internet and will be placed in a certain spot on the chosen website.  It could be a header, a footer or a vertical strip in the left or right hand margin.  Placement is very important as well as choosing high volume, but relevant, websites that complement your brand. 

Banner ads use images and messages that can be rotated, they can use video or use special effects such as roll-overs.  All these techniques are designed to entice consumers to click here.

How much does it cost?

The fees vary widely but high-traffic sites are obviously more expensive.  A strategically placed banner ad on a busy site is a very cost effective method of driving customers to your website.   

How do I monitor the success?

The benefits of banner ads are the “read” statistics that you can track.  You can have a count, in a given period, how many of them clicked through on the ad, how many people viewed each of your products and which sites are benefitting you the most.