Deals decrease as operators wait for clarity over the future of the UKCS

Oil and gas operators may be sitting on new investment decisions until the future of the North Sea becomes clearer, according to the latest report from business advisory firm Deloitte.

The report, which details drilling, licensing and deal activity across North West Europe over the third quarter of 2014 and was compiled by Deloitte's Petroleum Services Group (PSG), found that four deals were announced offshore UK. This is slightly down on the five transactions reported in Q2 2014 and substantially lower than the 14 registered during Q3 2013.

Derek Henderson, senior partner in Deloitte's Aberdeen office, said the drop in deals may be down to North Sea operators continuing to wait for further clarity about the future of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).

In particular, firms are waiting for more detail about the implementation of the Wood Review, including formation of the Oil & Gas Authority, and changes to the North Sea's fiscal regime. These measures are due to be detailed in Chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement on 3 December.

Henderson said: "The industry continues to wait and see how the future of the North Sea will take shape. This is a particularly interesting year for the UKCS as it goes through a period of transition. There remains much change on the horizon and, as a result, many companies will be biding their time.

"All eyes will be on the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, where industry will be looking for measures which support the challenges of operating in this mature basin. Having spoken to a range of investors in the North Sea*, we know that a fiscal regime which is more predictable, with a lower tax burden is key for improving investor confidence. Incentives which will encourage exploration and appraisal activity, as well as new entrants to the region, are also a vital part of the equation.

"Ultimately, the UKCS needs to be internationally competitive if it is to attract the investment it requires to boost its future prospects. We've made all of these views clear in our submission to the fiscal consultation. This is the most important Autumn Statement for some time now, as it could be the last chance to get the fiscal regime right."

Meanwhile, the report also found 11 exploration and appraisal wells were drilled during Q3, up on the seven reported in the previous three months. This is consistent with the 11 announced during the same period last year.

However, price pressure and access to finance have remained issues on the UKCS. A large number of North Sea assets are on the market from some of the larger operators. Smaller companies, in some cases with limited budgets, tend to be the most likely buyers, creating a price differential in the market and potentially stalling deal activity.

Graham Sadler, managing director of Deloitte's PSG, said that although the number of new wells drilled was higher this quarter compared with the previous three months, the figures have been at a steady low for some time.

He said: "While it's encouraging to see an increase in the number of new wells drilled this quarter, we are starting from a low base. Until we see the incentives required to encourage further exploration and appraisal activity, drilling could remain muted in the short to medium term.

"During this period of transition, costs have remained high for North Sea firms, access to finance has remained difficult and the price of oil has dropped to as low as US$95 this quarter. This combination of factors continues to make the economics of extraction more difficult for operators."

The report also found that one field had been approved on the UKCS in Q3 2014, down on the five reported the previous quarter. However, this was consistent with the same period last year when just one field received development approval.

Deloitte will release its report "Making the most of the UKCS: The oil and gas fiscal framework: Is it fit for purpose?" later this month. The report draws insight from interviews conducted with companies from across the oil & gas industry about their views on the North Sea's current fiscal regime.

NYC-based PIRA Energy Group reports that PIRA is cautiously optimistic the global economy will withstand the Fed's policy shift. In the U.S., stock build slows. In Japan, crude runs perk up, crude stocks draw. Specifically, PIRA's analysis of the oil market fundamentals has revealed the following:

World Oil Market Forecast, September 2014
PIRA is cautiously optimistic the global economy will withstand the Fed's policy shift and lift into next year with growth above trend. Despite this, and a rebound in oil demand growth, oil market balances are forecast to deteriorate in 2015. Low first half 2014 stocks hid blemishes but now that inventories have rebuilt.

U.S. Stock Build Slows
Overall inventories increased this past week with crude stocks declining, while product stocks increased. The product inventory increase was 4 million barrels greater than the week earlier as reported demand fell, product imports increased and runs were trimmed. Runs were higher than PIRA forecast as the industry ran just about every bit of capacity it could to take advantage of attractive margins before capacity goes down for maintenance.

Japanese Crude Runs Perk Up, Crude Stocks Draw

Crude runs rose and crude imports declined such that crude stocks drew. Finished product stocks continued rising. A good part of the rise has been in kerosene, which is strictly seasonal. But gasoline and gasoil have also posted modest stock builds. Refining margins remain soft.

Latin America Oil Market Forecast
Latin American refining capacity is constrained in 2014 by refinery maintenance leading to increased product import growth and higher crude exports, particularly in the 4th quarter. Latin American economic growth prospects have been ratcheted down in the last few months. With slower demand growth and returning/expanded refinery capacity next year, product import growth will not be as strong. Nearly all other Latin American countries are also seeing substantial product imports from the United States which supplies about 80% of regional import needs for diesel.

Asia Leads World LPG Markets Lower
November propane FEI futures fell 5.1% to $821/MT, the lowest price in six weeks. The markets are posturing for tomorrow's announcement of October contract prices by Aramco. The latest CP futures markets are betting that propane CPs are lowered by $10/MT, while the weighted average of September trading indicates that prices could remain unchanged from September at $745/MT. Butane's premium to propane was stable in September, falling $3 to $34/MT.

Ethanol Prices Plummet
The downward spiral in U.S. ethanol prices accelerated, with values pressured by soaring inventories, weak consumption, and higher production. Cash margins for ethanol manufacture declined for the fifth straight week to the poorest value since February.

The information above is part of PIRA Energy Group's weekly Energy Market Recap - which alerts readers to PIRA's current analysis of energy markets around the world as well as the key economic and political factors driving those markets.

At present we are seeing lower oil prices as a function of softer demand growth in both Europe and China combined with recent output increases from OPEC, particularly Libya, together with the ongoing surge in US production.

In the short-term, supply could start to be taken out of the market quite quickly if lower price levels are sustained – we have earlier noted that returns for most E&P companies have been eroded by rapidly-rising costs. This has pushed hurdle rates for new projects higher often to around $80/bbl, indeed many are described by our E&P clients as 'marginal' at $100/bbl, which means that we could start to see a major shift in oil company strategy if prices fall much further. This is likely to manifest itself in terms of pressure on the supply chain to cut costs, delays in project sanctioning and in major modification projects. So below $85 we are likely going to see investment levels materially impacted.

Further supply-side pressure may well be seen in Russia, albeit in the longer term. There are reports that western activity with 'sanctioned companies' (includes Rosneft, Lukoil, Surgutneftegaz) will have to stop in the coming weeks which could halt the likes of Exxon working with Rosneft in the Arctic and have wider implications for the oil field service community (e.g. Seadrill's provision of rigs for Rosneft). However, in reality, Artic joint ventures such as these are long-term in nature and any impact on the oil supply is most likely to be seen over a 2-5 year period.

Without political interference markets eventually self-correct. Much of the additional production capacity added in recent years is high cost US unconventional oil – and these wells peak early and decline rapidly. So if drilling stops, over-production capacity will quickly evaporate which could bring global oil supply down materially, and as we have stated so often in the past, if investment slows significantly we will be short on oil supply and there will again be upward pressure on oil prices.

www.douglas-westwood.com

NYC-based PIRA Energy Group reports that Cushing stocks to rise in 4Q, while pipeline projects relieve congestion in other midcontinent markets. In the U.S., slight stock build matches last year's. In Japan, crude stocks draw and finished product stocks continue rising. Specifically, PIRA's analysis of the oil market fundamentals has revealed the following:

Cushing Stocks to Rise in 4Q, While Pipeline Projects Relieve Congestion in Other Midcontinent Markets
Fourth quarter crude stock increases, both in Cushing and on the Gulf Coast, will very likely lead to contango for LLS and Mars and quite possibly for WTI as well. However, stronger fundamentals in other regions should lead to improved differentials for Canadian, Bakken, Rockies and Permian Basin crudes.

Slight U.S. Stock Build Matches Last Year's
Overall inventories built this past week, keeping stocks just 3.2 million barrels above year-ago levels. The product stock build was 2.4 million barrels, as strong product demand offset a one-week surge in product imports. Crude stocks drew about one million barrels less than the week before, largely because of the decline in run rates. Refinery margins are great and refiners have been running more crude than last year over the last four weeks.

Japanese Crude Stocks Draw; Finished Product Stocks Continue Rising
Runs continued to rise with a still lower crude import rate that allowed crude stocks to draw. Finished product stocks continued rising. Gasoline and gasoil demand fell, and for both products there were stock builds of about 0.4-0.5 MMBbls. Kerosene stocks continued to build along seasonal norms. Refining margins remain poor, but there was a slight improvement in gasoline and gasoil cracks.

China Quarterly Oil Demand Monitor
Growth in China's apparent oil demand exhibited extreme volatility in recent periods. On a smoothed (four-quarter moving average) basis, however, demand growth has been relatively stable and has tracked the path of GDP expansion. Physical indicators that can be tied directly to oil demand (such as car sales and ethylene production) have also expanded solidly of late. Looking forward, the short-term volatility in reported figures may very well persist, but the underlying pace of oil demand growth will remain constructive.

3Q14 Iraq Oil Monitor
Territorial gains by ISIS reignited Iraq's sectarian crisis. U.S. airstrikes have stalled ISIS's momentum for now, but the military stalemate is likely to persist. Current PM Maliki agreed to step down, but deep-rooted sectarian mistrust presents a challenge in forming a unified government. Flows through the Kurdish pipeline are nearing 200 MB/D and Kurdish cargoes continue to load from Ceyhan, but buyers are hesitant without U.S. approval. A new 1 MMB/D pipeline from the Halfaya and Missan fields to the Fao storage facilities removes one constraint from southern capacity expansion. However, bureaucratic holdups during government formation will likely constrain capacity growth. Furthermore, southern infrastructure could be at risk if ISIS switches to guerilla tactics.

What GDP Growth Rates Are Required for Positive Oil Demand Growth?
One commonly heard refrain in the oil industry is that GDP growth must exceed 2.5% in order to see positive oil demand growth. A recent PIRA report addresses this issue and determines that the GDP growth threshold is 2.1% for the U.S. and 2.3% for Europe. These results accord with PIRA's own rigorous bottoms-up approach, which includes fuel efficiencies, fuel substitution, lifestyle changes, etc. PIRA's long-term outlook, which calls for U.S. GDP to grow 2.7% per annum through 2020, forecasts oil demand growth of 0.4% per annum. Because European GDP growth lags at only 1.8% p.a., oil demand declines 0.5% per year.

Aramco Announces October Price Reductions for Differentials
Saudi Arabia's formula prices for October were just released. A reduction in differentials was enacted for all the key markets with the most aggressive reductions being to Asia. Prices into the U.S. were cut $0.40/Bbl, across the board, against the ASCI benchmark, after a $0.80/Bbl reduction for September barrels. Even with the reduction, Saudi barrels remain less competitive than like U.S. domestic grades by about $2-3/Bbl. In Asia, not surprisingly, terms were made more generous. The biggest reduction was for Arab Extra Light -$2.00/Bbl. Arab Heavy was reduced the least at -$1.20/Bbl. The reductions are seen as necessary to maintain refiner demand amid rising fall turnarounds and a very poor margin environment. Also, competiveness versus competing grades has waned, so a reduction in differentials was warranted.

U.S. LPG Prices Strengthen Despite Record High Stocks
U.S. LPG prices ripped higher this week despite sharply lower crude oil prices. Mt Belvieu propane futures increased 3.3% to the highest level since July 1 as open interest and trade volume soar to all-time highs on the contract. But with spot arbitrage movements to Europe and Asia turning flat to negative, U.S. prices make take a breather from recent strength and look to destination market prices for future direction.

Ethanol Prices Soar
U.S. ethanol prices jumped the week ending August 22 after a bullish DOE report indicated a huge inventory draw the prior week. Production was less than many expected, while the output of ethanol-blended gasoline was higher.

Ethanol Manufacture Increases
U.S. ethanol output rose to 921 MB/D the week ending August 29 as production outside of PADD II reached a record high 81 MB/D. Inventories increased to 17.7 million barrels, up 356 thousand from the prior week.

The information above is part of PIRA Energy Group's weekly Energy Market Recap, which alerts readers to PIRA's current analysis of energy markets around the world as well as the key economic and political factors driving those markets.

NYC-based PIRA Energy Group reports that midcontinent differentials strengthen. In the U.S., first large stock decline since early August. In Japan, crude runs decline with higher turnaround activity. Specifically, PIRA's analysis of the oil market fundamentals has revealed the following:

Midcontinent Differentials Strengthen
In September, the WTI discount to Brent and LLS narrowed, while differentials to WTI improved for Canadian, Rockies and Midland grades, as crude stocks fell in each of those regions. Forecasts of growth in U.S. shale production next year have been reduced. Higher crude runs, lower imports, more exports, pipeline line fill, and more rail east and west are absorbing this year's production growth.

First Large Stock Decline Since Early August
This past week a dramatic swing in product stocks from a week earlier build to a draw contributed to pulling overall commercial inventories lower. The sharpest week to week decline in runs this year, lower product imports and stronger product demand all contributed to the substantial product inventory decline. The crude stock decline added to the overall decline despite runs falling and despite a recovery in imports.

Japanese Crude Runs Decline with Higher Turnaround Activity
Crude runs dropped as turnarounds gear up. Crude imports rose which built crude stocks. Finished product stocks finally declined after having risen steadily since mid-June. Gasoline and gasoil demands were slightly higher, with small stock draws for each. Kerosene demand perked up due to consumer restocking and the stock build rate came in at 135 MB/D. Refining margins remain soft. Light product cracks were slightly weaker, while fuel oil cracks firmed.

Aramco Announces Another Round of Price Reductions for Differentials in November
Saudi Arabia's formula prices for November were just released. Another round of reductions in differentials was enacted for all the key markets with the most aggressive reductions again being to Asia. U.S. pricing was lowered $0.40/Bbl, for all but the lightest grades, but Saudi crude is still disadvantaged versus domestic grades by $1.50-2.50/Bbl. In Europe, against Urals crude in both NWE and the MED, Saudi crude was competitive based on current pricing in August, but that advantage eroded sharply in September, so the reductions were warranted to restore competitiveness. In Asia, the reduction will be welcome news to refiners as refining margins have only recovered to statistical means after extreme weakness seen during the summer, and have again begun to erode.

U.S. LPG Prices Rebound
U.S. propane prices shrugged off crude oil and gasoline price weakness and rebounded strongly last week from the prior week's selloff. Stronger demand and a smaller stock build propelled prices higher. Butane prices were unchanged, despite RBOB gasoline's 4.2% rout. Next week, U.S. prices should find support in higher seasonal and agricultural demand and the nearing end of inventory increases.

Ethanol Stocks Soar
U.S. ethanol production fell to a six-month low 881 MB/D last week as some plants underwent routine maintenance turnarounds. Stocks were up 236 thousand barrels to 18.8 million barrels, the highest level since March 2013.

The information above is part of PIRA Energy Group's weekly Energy Market Recap - which alerts readers to PIRA's current analysis of energy markets around the world as well as the key economic and political factors driving those markets.

In many of the key deepwater markets, estimated to be worth $72bn by 2018, E&P and OFS companies alike are exposed to challenging local content requirements. Local content agreements are typically motivated by a desire to stimulate industrial development, and promote technology transfer. A typical local content agreement stipulates that E&P companies must procure a minimum percentage of equipment and services from local contractors. Recent examples can be seen in countries such as Brazil (Petrobras new-build FPSO units to use domestically-built hulls), Angola (BP partnering with Sonangol) and Nigeria (Total utilising a 90% local work force for the AKPO FPSO).

Governments in developing countries are now trying to look beyond basic economic multiplier effects, with the aim to improve local yard infrastructures, encourage sustainable and ongoing investment, community support and training, and improve on in-country fabrication and supervision. The typical risks associated with local content include lack of in-country cutting edge technology and a shortage of engineering skills, competitiveness compared to developed economies, government instabilities, all of which can combine to result in delays, re-work and cost overruns.

Local content requirements can cover everything from basic services and manpower to manufacture of more complex capital equipment. While the most critical items in a deepwater development, such as subsea trees, are typically manufactured in the US, Europe and APAC countries, the major vendors have built assembly facilities in order to service key markets such as Angola and Brazil.

The reality of international markets is that local content will remain a key selection criteria for oil and gas projects. For example, in the first round of bidding for Brazilian Pre-Salt, minimum local content of 37% was expected of bidders, increasing to more than 55% in the development phase, and there is little sign of a slowdown in political ambitions with many countries targeting 70%. However, given that deepwater spending in Latin America is expected to reach $24.8bn by 2018, local content needs to be viewed as an opportunity area rather than a threat.

www.douglas-westwood.com

NYC-based PIRA Energy Group reports that accounting for the strength of U.S. jet fuel demand this summer. In the U.S., stock excess accelerates. In Japan, stocks draw, but finished product stocks continue to rise. Specifically, PIRA's analysis of the oil market fundamentals has revealed the following:

Accounting for the Strength of U.S. Jet Fuel Demand this Summer

Jet fuel demand spiked in June, July and early August. Because the economy's fundamentals do not support such a high level of domestic demand, we suspect that higher than currently assumed exports will result in a revision downward of the final demand numbers. There is already data from the Bureau of the Census that suggests that July exports will be revised up by 100 MB/D, which will put July demand back to levels more consistent with the underlying fundamentals.

U.S. Stock Excess Accelerates

The year-on-year stock excess widened this past week to the highest this year. The inventory increase was mostly in crude oil as weekly imports jumped to the second highest level this year. The recent relative weakness in dated Brent to U.S. crude prices is encouraging more imports to the United States. The product inventory increase was the smallest in several weeks as reported product demand increased compared to the week before and product imports remained quite low, eliminating most of the huge excess in products the week earlier. The entire excess in inventory over last year is outside of crude oil and the four major products, being mostly in NGLs, where production is soaring.

Japanese Crude Stocks Draw, but Finished Product Stocks Continue to Rise

Crude runs fell back and crude imports declined which drew crude stocks. Finished product stocks continued to rise. Demand impacts from the Respect for the Aged holiday, directionally came in as expected, with gasoline demand higher and gasoil demand lower, but the impacts were muted. Gasoline and gasoil stocks rose modestly, while the kerosene stock build rate came in slightly above seasonal norms. Refining margins improved slightly, but remain soft. Gasoline and fuel oil cracks improved, while middle distillate cracks were little changed.

Freight Market Outlook

A glut of crude oil in the Atlantic Basin has driven the flat price of dated Brent crude below $100 per barrel to its lowest level in over two years and shifted the market structure into contango, encouraging storage. These developments have conjured up memories of the large buildup of crude in floating storage in 2008-2009, when the unfolding financial crisis plunged the global economy into the great recession. At the peak in 2009, over 100 million barrels of crude were placed into floating offshore storage on VLCCs and Suezmax tonnage. Vessel operators are also benefitting from the lowest bunker prices since June 2012 as these have plunged along with the flat price of crude oil.

Inexpensive Naphtha to Check Further Asian LPG Price Gains

Propane contango in Asia widened $14/MT with the FEI curve catching up to consistently steeper Saudi CP structure. Reports of recently lowered Saudi crude production would lead to a corresponding drop in LPG exports. Spot large cargoes jumped 3%, being called at $857/MT for late October and 1st half November arrival. Butane followed, up $15/MT to $886. Naphtha held steady. Steepening Saudi CP structure and stronger seasonal Asian demand should support prices next week while increasingly inexpensive naphtha should limit upside in the region. European prices will trend with Asian and American markets.

Biofuel Demand is Slowing Down in the U.S., Europe and Brazil; Growing Elsewhere

Biofuels programs continue to proceed actively in many countries. Canada will need about 2.2 billon liters (580 million gallons) of ethanol this year to satisfy its 5% ethanol mandate.

The information above is part of PIRA Energy Group's weekly Energy Market Recap, which alerts readers to PIRA's current analysis of energy markets around the world as well as the key economic and political factors driving those markets.

By: Arthur "Alex" Perez

Burleson LLP

Many non-U.S. companies may owe Uncle Sam federal income taxes if they conduct business on the US Outer Continental Shelf ("OCS"). And the IRS has indicated that it is actively seeking non US companies or individuals who may be performing a variety of activities for the energy industry on the OCS such as: providing services as contractors including seismic testing, drilling, repair, salvage, etc.; owners or operators of non US registered vessels that bareboat or time charter to others; or operating vessels to transport supplies or personnel between US ports and locations on the OCS.

A key question in determining US tax liability is whether a non-US company is considered to be "engaged in a US trade or business" for tax purposes. The IRS applies a fairly low threshold in determining whether companies are "engaged in a US trade or business" and therefore subject to US taxation and reporting requirements. And since the Outer Continental Shelf is considered to be part of the territory of the United States, any non-US business that provides services on the OCS may be subject to US taxation if they are engaged in a trade or business there.

Take for example the case of Bahrain based Adams Offshore Services Ltd, which recently challenged an IRS tax deficiency determination amounting to USD $24 million. The case will be decided in US Tax Court, however, many more companies may be in the same position and can expect to be contacted by IRS.

Even payments for vessels that are chartered out on a bareboat or time charter basis in US waters may be subject to US taxation. US tax law provides that such charter payments for the use of a vessel in US waters are subject to a 30% withholding tax on the gross rental payment. A US payor who fails to properly withhold such payments may be subject to penalties as well.

Foreign companies that fail to properly file tax returns reporting income from their US trade or business may be subject to liability for the delinquent income tax payments, as well as interest and penalties. A significant trap for such companies may include taxation on the GROSS amount of revenue generated by the US trade or business. In other words, foreign companies that fail to properly report their US trade or business may be taxed on gross revenue from the business, without deduction for expenses.

There may be ways to avoid or minimize US income tax liability, but such efforts are generally much more successful if foreign companies engage in tax planning before they receive a call from the IRS.

Since the first successful oil well was drilled by Shell-BP in 1956 at Oloibiri, Nigeria has acclaimed the status of Africa's largest oil producer and the sixth largest in the world. However, the Nigerian oil and gas industry has been engulfed in challenges with few success stories. The statistics are damning: the country loses approximately 215,000bpd to oil theft, at an estimated value of $8 billion a year.

It is pertinent to state that the troubles in the Nigerian oil and gas industry cannot only be blamed on regional instability, oil theft and religious extremism. With the upcoming general elections, the long-awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which could help overhaul the beleaguered oil industry appears to be on the back burner, whilst the oil minister's claims of efforts made to secure pipeline infrastructure have not served as a deterrent to oil theft.

However, with the continuous investment of foreign players and the renewed involvement of local players, DW predicts that in 2015 Nigeria could drill 110 development wells both onshore and offshore. By the end of 2019 Nigeria's crude output could be 3.39 million barrels per day from its current output of 2.95 million. However, this is likely to be limited by lack of sufficient infrastructure and potential delays to final investment decisions pending the passing of PIB into law. With the right reforms and stability within the oil rich Niger Delta region, oil output would be sustainable over a longer period which could finally see the Giant of Africa roaring to hit its peak.

www.douglas-westwood.com

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE: HLX)has  announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Helix Q5000 Holdings S.A.R.L., has entered into a credit agreement with a syndicated bank lending group for a term loan in the amount up to $250 million. The term loan will be funded at or near the time of delivery of the Q5000 vessel, which is currently estimated in early 2015.

The key features of the new secured credit facility include:
• Debt nonrecourse to Helix
• 5 year term
• Pricing at Libor plus 250 basis points, with an undrawn fee of 87.5 basis points
• Quarterly amortization payments on the term loan based on a seven year straight line repayment profile with a balloon payment at maturity

"This new credit facility provides attractive financing not only for the Q5000, but also allows Helix to maintain the capital resources to execute our capital spending plans for new well intervention vessels, both in progress as well as potential future vessels," commented Anthony Tripodo, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Nordea Bank Finland Plc acted as Lead Arranger and Bookrunner of the new facility. Nordea Bank Finland Plc will serve as Administrative Agent.

Denmark is the European Union's (EU) only net exporter of oil. The Nordic state's oil exports totaled approximately 13.7 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2013. This is in stark contrast to the EU's only other significant oil producer, the UK, which became a net importer in 2004 and has experienced a steep decline in output since, as its historically productive North Sea fields reach extreme maturity. Denmark has maintained its status as a net exporter despite peak oil production in 2004. A strong shift towards wind power has seen a decrease in oil used for electricity generation while district heating systems traditionally fuelled by oil are now switching to natural gas and renewable sources.

Denmark's ability to hold on to its status as the EU's last net exporter is likely to diminish in the long-term. Its North Sea fields continue to stutter and decline in output, seeing production half from a peak of 389 kb/d in 2004 to just 192 kb/d in 2014. In 2013, a range of technical issues meant that only 12 of 19 operational fields were producing from August to December. A lack of large discoveries has also inhibited Denmark's upstream sector, seeing oil reserves fall from 1.3 Bnboe in 2006 to 0.8 in 2013. A lack of fresh developments has also led to a decline in drilling, just eight development wells have been drilled over the last three years. Well completions increase slightly in the medium-term with the development of the high-pressure-high-temperature Hejre field – however DW do not expect this to arrest the production decline.

Based on current trends, DW predict Denmark's ongoing issues with North Sea developments will see it become a net importer of oil by 2021. By this time, oil production will likely have waned to around 130 kb/d – the country's lowest daily output in 30 years.

www.douglas-westwood.com

From a peak of 396 in 1996, numbers of wells drilled offshore UK fell to 164 in 2013, a low not seen since 1979. Development wells were down from 289 in 1998 to 120 in 2013. Exploration & appraisal drilling, on which offshore production ultimately depends, saw numbers fall from 224 in 1990 to 44 last year. Of these the key driver is of course exploration wells, down from 157 in 1990 to just 15 last year.

However, drilling activity is now expected to increase over the next few years as government and industry reacts to the recommendations in Sir Ian Wood's report – the "Wood Review" – to maximise UK offshore oil & gas recovery. The most significant of these being the need for a new regulator to help industry to work collaboratively and furthermore, to implement various strategies to address problems with exploration drilling and improved oil recovery, amongst other issues. Also stemming from the Wood Review are proposals for a simplified fiscal regime to incentivise investment and drilling activity and ease the burden upon the new regulator.

So what does this mean for the future drilling market? To meet production forecasts, DW expects that total offshore wells drilled will need to grow from 164 last year to 241 in 2018. Whilst the majority of these would be in shallow water and drilled by jackups, deepwater developments in Northern North Sea and west of the Shetland Isles will provide opportunities for semi-submersible drilling rigs. However, in the longer-term drilling activity will again decline, unless the new regulator can effectively use its new powers to incentivise long-term investment from operators to drill more wells and fully exploit the remaining hydrocarbons offshore UK.

 www.douglas-westwood.com

Peterson Offshore Group BV, one of the leading energy services groups operating in the North Sea announces its consolidated results for the 12 months ending 31st December 2013.

North Sea revenues increased to £288m and operating profit increased by 9%, to £8.3m. The group's UK based companies, including Peterson UK Ltd and 80:20 Procurement Services Ltd contributed 52% of the group's operating profit, an increase from 33% on the previous year.

Significant growth was seen at Peterson's offshore supply bases in Shetland where it successfully delivered a logistics project in support of capital investment schemes occurring West of Shetland.

The group's operating companies invested a further £3.8m in buildings, plant and equipment in 2013 including a warehouse and office in the port of Aberdeen whilst simultaneously reducing the group's Long Term Liabilities from £9.6m to £5.8m.

In total, 120 new jobs were created within the UK operating companies during 2013. The majority of these roles were in Aberdeen and Lerwick to accommodate growth in demand for Peterson's core services.

Erwin Kooy, CEO of Peterson said: "We have experienced positive growth in all areas of our business, and in particular for our North Sea operations. As an organisation we think in generations, with our continued success testament to the commitment of our team and their focus on our vision and plans for future growth.
We have established international freight forwarding, recruitment, marine operations and procurement in our service offering. Most recently we established our offshore wind capability and will continue to develop our global operations and our range of integrated services."

In 2013, 7600 square metres of warehousing and two additional berths were added in Aberdeen to support growth in its supply base management services and new teams were created to support its logistics consultancy activities following contract wins in the Middle East and India.

Substantial investment was also made in the development of bespoke logistics software in response to a growing demand for smart solutions and innovation from its customers.

"The offshore logistics sector is a competitive environment and as such we constantly strive to improve and innovate our offering for clients," continued Erwin Kooy "With the development of our e-Logistics packages we can meet that challenge and also offer a number of additional benefits including time and cost reduction."

HC2 Holdings, Inc. ("HC2") (OTCQB: HCHC) announces the acquisition of Bridgehouse Marine Limited ("Bridgehouse"), the parent holding company of Global Marine Systems Limited ("Global Marine").

Global Marine is a leading provider of engineering and underwater services, responding to the subsea cable installation, maintenance and burial requirements of its customers around the world. With a fleet of vessels and specialised subsea trenching and burial equipment, the company brings a 160 year legacy in deep and shallow water cable operations. The company's main operating offices are in Chelmsford, UK and Singapore.

Philip Falcone, HC2's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are acquiring the world's most experienced undersea cable installation and maintenance services provider at a time when significant opportunities exist globally in terms of Telecoms, Oil & Gas and Offshore Power requirements for subsea cabling expertise. This investment in a truly global industry leader gives us the opportunity to support the growth plans of a proven management team."

"I am delighted that our ambitions for Global Marine have the support of an investor that has the vision necessary to enable us to realize the substantial growth potential in the coming years," said Ian Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Global Marine. "Together we will have the opportunity to develop the services we offer our existing customers and to bring our leading capability and expertise to customers and markets around the world."

The Board of Global Marine will be strengthened with the addition of Dick Fagerstal as Executive Chairman. Mr. Fagerstal brings a wealth of industry-relevant experience to the Board alongside current directors, Ian Douglas and Global Marine's Chief Financial Officer Bill Donaldson.

HC2 acquired Bridgehouse pursuant to a Sale and Purchase Agreement between Global Marine Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of HC2, and the stockholders of Bridgehouse. The purchase price reflects an enterprise value of approximately $260 million, including assumed indebtedness of Global Marine, and was funded through a new senior secured credit facility provided by Jefferies Finance LLC and a sale of convertible preferred stock to DG Capital Management, LLC and another investor. The sale of preferred stock will also provide HC2 with additional working capital for general corporate purposes.

Keith Hladek, HC2's Chief Operating Officer, commented, "We are pleased with the response to our capital raise. This new capital raise will also allow HC2 to complete the tender for the remaining 30% that is outstanding of Schuff International, Inc. that the company does not already own."

Please refer to HC2's Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete description of the terms of the issuance of preferred stock and the terms of the Credit Agreement.

This press release is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy preferred stock. The preferred stock has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent an effective registration statement

NYC-based PIRA Energy Group reports that Asian oil balances remain long, for now. In the U.S., product stock build outpaces crude draw, widening commercial stock excess. In Japan, both crude and finished product stocks rise. Specifically, PIRA's analysis of the oil market fundamentals has revealed the following:

Asian Oil Balances Remain Long, For Now
Oil prices are likely to remain soft. Asian oil demand will pick up in 4Q and support a rising run profile post-turnaround. The continued glut of Atlantic Basin crude will need to be moved to Asia which will keep Brent-Dubai narrow. Eventually, Asian crude demand will rise and some of the surplus should be drawn, thus presenting a floor to prices. Gasoil cracks should be supported by seasonal demand increases, while gasoline cracks will weaken seasonally. Refinery margins should show improvement from weak levels seen earlier, but new refinery capacity both in Saudi Arabia and the UAE will present challenges in arbing product out of the Asian theater.

U.S. Product Stock Build Outpaces Crude Draw, Widening Commercial Stock Excess
The stock data for the week of September 5 reflected a rebenchmarking to the latest (June 2014) monthly, raising the possibility that weekly stock changes might be distorted when one week is indexed to a new benchmark, and the prior week to an older one. We mention this because of the larger than expected light product builds, and the unusual propane draw. Looking at the data as reported, crude stocks drew more this year than last, slightly widening the year-over-year deficit.

Both Crude and Finished Product Stocks in Japan Rise
Crude runs fell back slightly and imports rose, thus building crude stocks. Finished product stocks continued rising, though gasoline and gasoil stocks posted a draw. Gasoline demand continues to come in below expectations, but gasoil demand was quite strong this past week. Kerosene demand was higher on the week and the stock building rate came in slightly less than seasonal norms. Refining margins remain poor, but there was a slight improvement in gasoline and middle distillate cracks.

U.S. LPG Strength Continues, Future Prices Increases Will Face Headwinds
Propane prices reacted to Wednesday's EIA surprise of near unchanged stocks by climbing an additional 2% this week. Butane was dragged a penny lower to $1.27/gal by a large drop in gasoline prices, although butane blending economics remain extremely robust. U.S. LPG price increases will likely moderate or re-trace as stock building resumes in the coming weeks, and as the spot arbitrage to Europe and Asia remains challenged, if not closed.

Ethanol Prices Plunge
Most U.S. ethanol assessments reached seven-month lows September 4 as the DOE reported that stocks built 356 thousand barrels and the production of ethanol-blended gasoline fell 1.1% from the previous week. Corn futures were also the lowest in over four years.

Production of Ethanol-blended Gasoline Declines
U.S. ethanol-blended gasoline manufacture plummeted to 8,553 MB/D the week ending September 5 from 8,802 MB/D during the previous week, as total gasoline output declined. U.S. ethanol output rose to 927 MB/D from 921 MB/D as production outside of PADD II reached another record high.

The information above is part of PIRA Energy Group's weekly Energy Market Recap, which alerts readers to PIRA's current analysis of energy markets around the world as well as the key economic and political factors driving those markets.

NYC-based PIRA Energy Group reports that oil inventories are higher and crude demand is lower.  In the U.S., stock surplus to last year is roughly flat. In Japan, crude stocks draw amid peak run rates.  Specifically, PIRA’s analysis of the oil market fundamentals has revealed the following:

World Oil Market Forecast

Oil inventories are higher, crude demand is lower and PIRA is beginning to question the expected 2H 2014 and 2015 lift off in economic activity. Also, add in unrelenting upward revisions to U.S. oil supply growth with non-OPEC supply additions continuing to substantially outpace demand growth and you have a combination of factors pointing to lower prices.

Stock Surplus to Last Year Roughly Flat

This past week’s inventory increase kept the year-on-year overall stock surplus to around 4 million barrels. The crude inventory decline took crude stocks slightly below last year, and at current high run rates crude stocks are still relatively tight, which was reflected in September relative prices. The product stock change reflected lower product imports (to a new low for the year) being offset by weaker reported demand and higher product output.

Japanese Crude Stocks Draw Amid Peak Run Rates, Finished Product Stocks Continue Building

Runs rose fractionally on the week and lower crude imports led to a crude stock draw. Finished products, however, have continued rising amid peak runs. Gasoline demand was higher but is still seen as underperforming seasonal expectations. Gasoil demand rebounded from very low levels. Kerosene stocks continued to build along seasonal norms. All the product cracks improved on the week and our indicative margin indicator rose, but remains rather weak.

Impact of Russian Gas Flow Interruption on Oil Demand

In the low probability event of a complete Russian gas flow stoppage to Europe, oil demand could potentially increase 600 MB/D. In the more likely scenario, still just 30% probability, of a stoppage of flows through Ukraine to Europe, the impact on oil demand would not be material.

U.S. Refinery Turnarounds, September 2014 – December 2015

There was a relatively high level of crude unit downtime during August and the level of both planned turnarounds and other outages carrying over from the current month is expected to increase over the next couple of months.

Freight Market Outlook

A glut of crude oil in the Atlantic Basin has caused the flat price of crude to fall and regional grade differentials with Asia to narrow substantially. The Brent-Dubai spread has narrowed to its lowest value in four years, prompting a significant increase in the number of West African cargoes headed to Asia in August. In addition, the Dubai price structure is now in contango, with forward prices higher than those for the prompt month, making it easier to hedge cargoes on the long voyages from the Atlantic. This is a good omen for VLCC operators as more vessels are tied up on long voyages around the horn of Africa from the Atlantic to Asia. The flip side, of course, is that Mideast liftings to Asia in the fourth quarter will have to decline to make room for the added Atlantic Basin supplies.

Asian LPG Prices to Benefit from Lower Saudi CPs

LPG prices in Asia held steady this week, prior to this weekend’s imminent release of Saudi contract prices for Sept tons. CP futures prices indicate that the propane CP could fall while Asian destination markets show that the butane CP could remain flat or perhaps drop by $10/MT.

Ethanol Demand Soars

U.S. ethanol-blended gasoline manufacture soared to 8,904 MB/D the week ended August 22, up from 8,667 MB/D during the prior week and very close to the record 8,980 MB/D set in May. Ethanol output dropped to 913 MB/D, the second lowest rate of production since April.

U.S. Ethanol Prices Rise in August

Ethanol prices rose in August, after falling during the prior three months. The market tightened as stocks drew by the largest amount since March 2013.

The information above is part of PIRA Energy Group's weekly Energy  Market Recap which alerts readers to PIRA’s current analysis of energy markets around the world as well as the key economic and political factors driving those markets.