Untitled - Oil and Gas Investor
Transcription
Untitled - Oil and Gas Investor
INTERNATIONAL ASSET ACQUISITION & DIVESTMENT PORTFOLIO-SHIFT Global tensions have E&P asset managers reconsidering their asset balance— in terms of location and type. T and now generates more than half of its revenue outside of his supplement is a summary of the World Oil & Canada. Gas Forum conducted by Waterous & Co. for its “We are the largest oil and gas clients March 11-12 in A&D energy firm by far, with a Houston, which featured speakers global reach that compares to no from 16 countries. Some particione,” says Waterous. “We are pants have since been interviewed facilitating cross-border transactions as media personnel were prohibited all of the time that would otherwise from attending this private event. not occur, because of our internaWith the specter of military tional infrastructure and resources, hostilities and continuing unrest in and our focus and dedication to this the Middle East and elsewhere, part of the energy industry.” the upstream global A&D market The World Oil & Gas Forum has become increasingly fragmentis a showcase of Waterous’ global ed by regional orientation, says reach and networks, with the lineJeffrey Waterous, Chairman, up of speakers a demonstration of Waterous & Co. some of its relationships with peo“We are witnessing a very Jeffrey Waterous, Chairman, Waterous & Co. ple, which Waterous says are strong effort on the part of many “truly unparalleled in their interinternational oil and gas companies national positions and backgrounds.” to rebalance their portfolios, trying to avoid an over-weighting Tensions in global energy supplies, leading to a realignment in any one region, except perhaps in North America,” he says. of upstream portfolios, was the appropriate theme for the “It is a phenomenon driven sometimes as much by perception of uncertain politics as by economic fundamentals. Before forum, March 11-12, just before the beginning of the U.S.led coalition war against Iraq. these unsettling political conditions set in, North American The forum was held amid heightened tensions between the buyers were the most active players overseas. Now, they are U.S. and Russia, Germany and France, over how best to generally conspicuous by their absence. Energy security is ensure the disarmament of Iraq and topple the Saddam becoming increasingly a factor in the business of buying or Hussein regime. Concerns about terrorism, security, and selling overseas reserves.” The withdrawal of so many North American buyers is cre- energy supply—high since the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S.— were extreme amid war talk and the persisting volatility in the ating a vacuum, filled very quickly by Asian and other nonMiddle East. traditional buyers. (i.e. Russian companies). The Asian playA backdrop to the conference was the impasse between the ers are concerned about security of supply, and in many cases U.S. and North Korea over North Korea’s reactivation of its are willing to acquire a position in assets operated by other nuclear weapons program. companies; sometimes these “equity interests” could be relaFurther adding to the tensions of the day were the strained tively small. Many Russian companies want to have internarelationship between the U.S. and Iran, which possibly worstional activities outside the former Soviet Union. ened with the U.S.-led coalition against Iraq and the percep“In fact, we are so focused on this more active buyer community in Asia, that we have decided to open a Singapore office tion that Iran may be next. The U.S.-imposed sanctions against Iran were extended in March due to U.S. allegations to help our coverage of Asian companies,” Waterous says. that Iran supports international terrorism, is trying to underWaterous & Co., which is a private firm owned by its mine the Middle East peace process, and attempts to acquire employees, was started in Calgary, Canada, in May 1987. weapons of mass destruction. The firm globalized its A&D practice about five years ago, 11 WORLD OIL & GAS FORUM 2003 The drive to increase Russian oil imports to the U.S. Perspective on Balancing Views and Positions The forum was officiated by Congressman Curt Weldon, has gained new urgency with growing turmoil in the Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Middle East. Currently, exports from Russia to the U.S. are Chairman of the Military Procurement Sub-Committee, sparse and a money-losing proposition, because the Member of the House Select Committee on U.S. National Russians don’t have the pipelines and port facilities to efficiently move large amounts of Security, who was introduced by oil to the U.S. Stephanie Jason, President of the Russia, as the world’s second International Forum Institute. largest producer and a major sup“The U.S. can be short-sightplier of gas to Western Europe, ed in dealings with other counrepresents an important stabiliztries, and it is important that ing force for global energy securiAmericans come to appreciate ty. Russia, which gets about half other cultures to improve relaof its revenue from oil and gas, is tions. Energy is a key issue that eager to demonstrate to the U.S. can help tear down barriers with and the remainder of importing other countries,” said Weldon. nations that it can again become Despite Iraqi-related tena dependable energy supplier. For sions, the U.S. and Russia need that to happen, Russia needs to foster their cooperative efforts massive investment. Russia’s with energy serving as the cenneed for capital is about $8 bilterpiece for the emerging relalion a year, just to maintain curtionship, said Weldon, R- Congressman Curt Weldon, Senior Member of the Pennsylvania. His presentation House Armed Services Committee, Chairman of the rent production levels. From the U.S. perspective, was titled “Energy Security and Military Procurement Sub-Committee, Member of the desire to make major longthe Threat of Global Terrorism.” the House Select Committee on U.S. National term investments in Russia has Development of U.S.-Rus- Security, officially opens the Forum. never been stronger, but it has sian cooperation in energy been inhibited by the lack of a should become a priority for legal and commercial frame to international policy because of make the investments economiits capacity to address the risks of cal, Weldon said. Russia must uncertain supplies and energy offer long-term deals, locking in dependence, he said. terms and taxes, or risk losing bilWeldon, whose efforts to lions of dollars it needs to develimprove U.S.-Russian relationop its own and gas reserves. ships have been a lynchpin of his Russia may be warming to congressional career, urged a Western dollars, but there conhigh-level presidential task force tinues to be a resistance to perwith representation from both mitting Western companies the Russian and U.S. presidential unfettered access to Russian administrations to be established reserves. Western companies immediately as part of the mutuwant production sharing agreeal effort to address the economic ments, under which they are and energy components of the Congressman Curt Weldon, left; Stephanie Jason, guaranteed larger profits and a anti-terrorism campaign. certain share of a field’s producIt is in the interest of the U.S. President, International Forum Institute; and Seyed tion. Russians are reluctant to and Russia to bridge decades of Alavi, Director, Institute for International Energy grant such deals, and favor a political and business mistrust. Studies. joint-venture arrangement where The two former rivals have complementary needs, centered on Russia’s huge oil and natu- any outside company would be expected to have to share profits with a Russian company, creating a more compliral gas reserves, said Weldon, a congressman since 1987. Russia needs massive investments from U.S.-based com- cated relationship. Weldon, founder of the Duma-Congress Study Group panies, and desires better access to the world’s largest oil consumer. Meanwhile, the U.S. seeks to diversify its source (with a focus on energy matters), said work of the intergovof energy, particularly from areas other than the turbulent ernmental group should be intensified to encourage approval in Russia to promote investment and taxation laws Middle East, or from members of the OPEC cartel. 2 WORLD OIL & GAS FORUM 2003 reflects our commitment to create a foundation that will fuel continued value growth,” Cazalot said. For 2003, Marathon has approved a capital, investment and exploration expenditure budget of almost $2 billion, or Marathon Oil’s about 8% more than actual expenditures during 2002, in International Thrust which it produced oil or gas from The biggest challenge for the nine countries. The budget energy industry is to gain access includes exploration and producto profitable new resources to tion spending of $1.1 billion. establish long-term, secure ener“This budget reflects Maragy supplies, said Clarence P. thon’s continued emphasis on Cazalot Jr., President and Chief expanding the development of Executive Officer of Marathon our international upstream portOil Corp. folio with assets that enable us to Successful finding and replacerealize long-term, value-added ment of reserves is becoming growth.” Its international busiincreasingly more difficult and ness accounts for about 65% of costly as legacy assets are in the company’s total upstream decline. For companies to achieve budget, compared with about sustainable growth new levels of 53% the previous year. exploration and innovation will Cazalot’s comments came on be required, and Marathon is pracClarence P. Cazalot Jr., President and CEO, the heels of a report from the ticing what it preaches, he said. Marathon began a new era in Marathon Oil Corp., the luncheon keynote speaker, American Gas Association that revealed that in 2002, for the first January 2002 when USX spun off introduced by Jeffrey Waterous. time in four years, U.S. gas U.S. Steel into a stand-alone company and USX changed its name to Marathon Oil. reserves did not increase, despite intense drilling. The That has enabled Marathon to implement a business model AGA says total domestic reserves actually finished 2002 taking it beyond a conventional integrated oil business. slightly below where they ended the previous year, at about Marathon’s strategy reflects the world’s increased focus on 183.5 trillion cubic feet (Tcf). It also reports that about 77% of the gas produced in and demand for natural gas, a commodity with a volatile 2002 was used to replace reserves, but market demand, price uncertainty. In February 2002, Marathon introduced a new compo- caused by increased usage for power generation, was still nent of its business model that it calls its “integrated gas strong. Despite an overall economic slump, gas demand strategy.” This strategy offers an entirely different suite of was still so strong that net reserves declined. opportunities for Marathon by linking the world’s vast quantities of stranded gas with the key market centers Venezuela: Shaken, not Stirred From a zero export level now, Venezuela expects to become where this premium energy source is needed. Marathon believes this approach provides a third income a major international exporter of natural gas by 2008, says stream disconnected from the volatility of traditional Luis Vierma, Venezuela’s Vice Minister, Ministry of Energy upstream commodity prices and downstream margins. & Mining, who was introduced by Maria Pineda, “Integrated gas adds more stability and balance to our port- Managing Partner, Energenz, and Special Advisor to Waterous & Co. Most of that gas will be converted to LNG folio and provides a broader base for sustainable growth.” Like its integrated oil counterpart, integrated gas trans- for international transport, with the U.S. East Coast being forms gas resources into a range of downstream products a primary destination. Venezuela’s untapped gas reserve base, estimated at 147 including liquefied natural gas (LNG), ultra-clean fuels, special lubricants produced by gas-to-liquids technologies, Tcf excluding unexplored offshore sites, provides enormous opportunities for international companies forming joint and petrochemical feed stocks such as methanol. Marathon replaced 262% of its worldwide production ventures with state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela during 2002. The reserves were added at a competitive cost (PDVSA), he said. Traditionally, a major oil exporter, of $4.61 per barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) through pur- Venezuela has produced little gas to date. That gas has been chases, discoveries, extensions, revisions and improved used for internal consumption, reinserted into the reserrecovery. The company’s total reserves increased by 237 voirs or flared. Vierma said future offshore developments will provide million BOE at year-end 2002 to 1.28 billion BOE. “Marathon’s reserve-replacement performance was one the impetus for future gas exports. Proven offshore reserves of the company’s key achievements during 2002 and total more than 17 Tcf, with expectations of much higher that provide a positive environment for investment, such as full and appropriate finalization of the PSA legislation. 3 WORLD OIL & GAS FORUM 2003 levels with more exploration. Just the first phases of explo- Mosbacher’s Concern about ration offshore exploration activity will require about a $7- U.S. Gas Supplies Natural gas supply shortages in the U.S. will be long-lived as billion investment, he said. The Deltana platform project, offshore Venezuela, is the depletion rates of domestic assets accelerate and gas sparking most of the international enthusiasm. Vierma demand continues to rise, says Robert Mosbacher, Chairman of Mosbacher Energy Co. and forsaid most experts believe proven mer U.S. Secretary of Commerce, reserves from that area will soar who was the keynote dinner from 7 Tcf to about 40 Tcf with speaker introduced by Jeffrey more exploration. Various blocks Waterous. are now being awarded to interNoting that gas productivity national companies in associathis year has declined at a rate of tion with PDVSA. about 28%, Mosbacher expects Vierma, who holds a master’s the shortage will be exacerbated degree in petroleum geochembefore it improves. Shortages are istry, describes himself as a techintensifying, even during an econical person, and downplays the nomic slump. Once the econopolitical turmoil in Venezuela my recovers, the supply and and potential risks for investors. demand gap will widen. “Regardless of the political There is no quick fix on the regime, the gas and oil will be horizon, Mosbacher told attenthere and is important to the Keynote Speaker Luis Vierma, Vice Minister, dees. Even with high commodity country’s economy.” prices the number of active International enthusiasm and Ministry of Energy & Mining, Venezuela, was drilling rigs is less than 1,000 and investment in Venezuela is on the introduced by Maria Pineda, Managing Partner, was as low as 850 just six months rise, he said. Repsol, for example, Energenz, and Special Advisor to Waterous & Co. ago, as attractive, affordable is transferring the investments it prospects—particularly onshore— had been making in develop“Most of the companies that visit continue to dwindle, as does ments in Argentina to Venezuela, Venezuela are the huge companies. external financing, particularly he said. This conference provided an for the independent producer. Venezuela’s oil industry has recovered from the 60-day strike opportunity to meet with representatives Mosbacher said the small, private of smaller companies that I had not independent producer may be that affected the entire country previously met to explain to them the becoming an “endangered species.” and led to a temporary 90% many opportunities that exist for smaller Oil in the U.S. market, drop in oil production levels. companies in my country.” unlike gas, is a fungible commodOil production of about 3.45 —Luis Vierma, Vice Minister, Ministry of ity influenced by international millions barrels per day, slightly Energy & Mining, Venezuela supply fluctuations. Until interexceeded November, pre-strike national LNG becomes a more levels, he said. significant source of gas supply, Venezuela should adhere to its constitution concerning the referendum, and not be undu- the U.S. will be largely a U.S.-Canadian market because of the transportation component of gas, he said. ly influenced by international pressure, Vierma said. The U.S. gas market is nearly exclusively supplied by It was under Chavez’s pro-nationalist administration that Venezuelan law prohibited an international company domestic and Canadian production. Mexico is expected to from holding more than 49% working interests in new oil import more U.S. gas at least for the next five years before developments. Nevertheless, Vierma said great opportuni- that trend might eventually reverse with Mexico becoming ties exist for international companies that form joint ven- a net exporter again. Mosbacher said he does not expect producers to have tures with PDVSA. Vierma is adamant in his support of Venezuela’s active access to reserves offshore California and Florida any time participation in OPEC. Without OPEC management of soon, and that access to Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife supply from participating exporting countries, there would Refuge (ANWR) is also problematic in the near term. In the long term, some of those areas will likely become be even greater supply and price fluctuations, which in the long run would not benefit the producers or the buyers. accessible, but the timetable is more driven by politics than OPEC’s efforts to manage production so that oil prices economic certainty. Canadian gas accounts for about 15% remain $22-$28 per barrel are in the interests of all, includ- of U.S. supply, but that percentage is likely to decline until the McKenzie Delta and/or Arctic Canadian gas can make ing the U.S., he said. 4 WORLD OIL & GAS FORUM 2003 Asia’s Different Complexions and Consumption its way to market via pipelines still to be constructed. Despite all the hype about LNG being imported to the Indonesia has no choice but to try everything to attract forU.S. from international suppliers, the reality is that it will eign investment, said Hilmi Panigoro, Chief Executive take another decade before those proposed projects are built Officer, PT Medco Energi Corp. Tbk, Jakarta. Panigoro said declining oil production could be reversed with investand make significant inroads in the U.S. market, he said. ment and that removal of A few years ago it was a trend Pertamina’s monopolistic role among U.S.-based exploration will allow the government to and production companies, even make available new blocks for the small producers, to have the industry to bid and present international portfolios. That opportunities for foreign E&P trend is reversing itself as many companies. producers have learned the hard Panigoro was joined on the lessons of international political Asian panel by Hideki risk and the time value of money Hayakawa, General Manager, tied up in international projects, Japan National Oil Co.; Linmin often with long lead times before Gu, President, Sinochem USA yielding any cash flow. With turInc.; and Douglas De Filippi, moil in Africa, the Middle East, Managing Director, Waterous & and elsewhere, more midsize and Co., Houston/Singapore. small U.S. producers, despite the With Asian consumption as a decline in attractive domestic whole continuing to outstrip opportunities, are still opting to Jeffrey Waterous, Chairman, Waterous & Co., focus their operations closer to left, and keynote speaker and former U.S. Secretary existing and projected sources of all forms of hydrocarbon supply, home. Mosbacher said his com- of Commerce Robert Mosbacher, Chairman, focus is on the well-capitalized, pany illustrates that trend, hav- Mosbacher Energy Co. larger NOCs in Asia to expand, ing divested portfolios in panelists said. Security, diversity Venezuela, Colombia, Indonesia of supply and direct participation and the U.K. in hydrocarbon projects are leadIn the past, as former chairing China, Japan, Korea and man of the National Petroleum Malaysia to seek supply from all Council, Mosbacher has lecquarters of the world. For many tured frequently about the need smaller domestic players, stratefor a national energy policy and gies of opportunistic in-country energy independence. Now, he acquisitions and nimble exploitaconcedes that energy independtion are prominent and made posence for the U.S. is probably sible through the departures or unattainable, so the best it can dilutions of interests of many do is to diversify its sources of North American and European supply. Active as finance chairportfolios. man or co-chairman in every Asia Panel: Linmin Gu, President, Sinochem USA China’s remarkable economic Republican presidential cam- Inc., Houston; Hideki Hayakawa, General Manager, growth (soaring from US$3.14 paign since Gerald Ford, Japan National Oil Co., Houston; Douglas R. De Mosbacher says that political Filippi, Managing Director, Waterous & Co., Houston; trillion in 1993 to US$10.24 trillion in 2002) has caused growth risk is a factor that every astute Hilmi Panigoro, CEO, PT Medco Energi Corp. Tbk., Jakarta. of its oil consumption to far outbusinessperson must consider. pace production. Consumption He expects oil prices will stahas increased nearly 6%, while bilize at an average of about $25 “More focused and personalized than production has increased about per barrel, while natural gas other conferences. The program increased 2%. China, which had virtually prices in the U.S. will stabilize at everyone’s understanding and provided an no oil imports in 1994, is expect$4 to $6 per thousand cubic feet, excellent networking opportunity.” ed to import 60% of its oil by and that the days of $2 natural —Hilmi Panigoro, CEO, 2010. gas are over. He cautions, howevPT Medco Energi Corp., Tbk, Jakarta Not surprisingly, Chinese er, that business obituaries are filled by those who guessed wrong and believed too strong- companies have been the most active buyers of oil reserves, with a focus on Indonesia illustrated by CNOOC’s purly in their own estimates. 5 WORLD OIL & GAS FORUM 2003 single digits. Total has to be highly selective as its technical committee assesses about 250 new opportunities annually, with the company making 15 to 20 major investment decisions, Obadiah said. Although remaining active in the North Sea, BP’s divestiture of its Forties Field assets to Apache is illustrative of BP’s view that greater opportunities exist elsewhere and that it needs to balance its resources to support both the development of new profit centers and the securing of the long-term viability of its current core areas, Gair said. In addition to Russia, where BP has just announced the formation of a new venture with TNK, BP is focused on developing five new profit centers, in Trinidad, Angola, Azerbaijan, Indonesia and the deepwater Shuffle of European Legacy Assets David J. Gair, Vice President, M&A, BP Plc, London. Gulf of Mexico. As BP implements its strategic drive it has A number of major producers are recently announced disposals of divesting some of their more “It was useful to hear directly from assets in the U.S. (the Gulf of mature “legacy” assets, giving rise representatives of a number of to opportunities for new entrants companies and countries, comparing what Mexico and the Permian Basin), Venezuela, Thailand, Malaysia to move into these still-prolific they said to what I thought was going on and the U.K. areas. While the North Sea will in their organizations based on press remain a core area for companies comments. It was a real coup for the such as BP and Total, these forum to have the Vice Minister of Energy Russian and Western Companies Tango majors are also developing new for Venezuela as one of its speakers. M&A activity centered on profit centers in a number of Also, I appreciated meeting Paul Russian reserves and companies countries. Rodzianko of Access Industries, Eastern Europe, particularly a major shareholder in TNK with whom BP seems to signal the coming of age Russia and the former Soviet recently announced a major transaction.” for Russian capitalism. Russian companies are looking to become Union states have become —David Gair, Vice President, Mergers & global, and global companies are increasingly attractive with an Acquisitions, BP Plc, London increasingly looking at Russia. improving economic environConsider these three examment enabling large investments. These were among points made by panelists David Gair, ples: Russia’s largest oil producer, Yukos, is acquiring Vice President, M&A, BP Plc, London, and Victor Sibneft, the No. 5 Russian company. Combined, the newly Obadiah, President and CEO, TotalFinaElf E&P New formed company, YukosSibneft, will be the world’s fourth Ventures, Houston, on the European panel, which was largest private producer of oil. Meanwhile, BP and the Alfa Group and Accessmoderated by Simon Ashby-Rudd, Managing Director, Renova (AAR) have formed a partnership to combine Waterous & Co., London. The majors have learned not to place too large a per- their interests in Russia to create the country’s third centage of their overall portfolios in any one country, or biggest oil and gas business. The new company will incorregion, as European producers are increasingly less depend- porate TNK and Sidanco. Also, Marathon, through its ent on home-based assets. Europe, for example, accounts acquisition of Khanty Mansiysk Oil Corp., a U.S.-based for just 36% of the production of Total, Obadiah said. Still, company with operations in western Siberia, is making its for that company, Europe accounts for the highest percent- first foray into Russia. Worldwide interest is Russia is intensifying as that age of its total production, although Africa, prompted by West African activity, is closing in with 28%, compared country emerges as the world’s premier non-OPEC producer. Russia currently produces about one- third of the world’s with 18% in the Middle East. South America, Asia and North America are all in the natural gas and holds about 25% of the globe’s gas reserves. chase of Indonesia Repsol and PetroChina buying Devon Indonesia. Chinese companies also have equity ambitions in the Middle East, North Africa and South America. Japan is attempting to reduce its dependence on nuclear generation and Middle East-produced oil, leading to a shift to gas as an increasing source of its energy supply, panelists said. Gas currently accounts for just 12% of Japan’s consumption, but its short-term goal is to increase that to 20%. Japan is the world’s largest LNG importer, as LNG provides nearly 100% of Japan’s gas supply. There is no crossborder pipeline in Japan, but Russia is increasingly being eyed as a possible future supplier because of its proximity to Japan and relative political stability. 6 WORLD OIL & GAS FORUM 2003 Russian oil exports have steadily risen since 1993, ly eyed as a possible destination. But Matias said that when they bottomed at 3.2 million barrels per day. They while Russia and OPEC have separate agendas, and are projected to climb to more than 5 million barrels per sometimes strained relations, Russia shares OPEC’s day by year’s end. In comparison, Saudi Arabia exports objective of managed production resulting in oil prices ranging from $22 to $28 per barrel, with about $25 being about 7 million barrels of oil per day. the optimum price. Russia’s oil exports mostly go Matias also gave a presentato nearby Europe, with only a tion on behalf of Nikolai token amount reaching the Bogachev, President, TambeinU.S. Shipping costs create a eftegaz, Moscow. Other panel lower netback for Russian crude participants were Paul Rodziandestined for the U.S., than for ko, Senior Vice President, AcEurope. Russia is considering cess Industries Inc., New York, a building a deepwater port that major shareholder of TNK; and would allow larger tankers to Jan-Hendrik Rover, Head of ship more oil affordably to the Equity Funds, Project and AssetU.S., but that project would Based Financing, HVB Group, cost about $2.5 billion and need Munich. U.S. expertise and investment. Vladimir Matias, Head of Russia Panel: Dr. Jan-Hendrik Rover, Head of Equity Middle East Wildcards Project Finance and Private Funds, Project and Asset Based Financing, HVB Post-war Iraq is the latest wildcard Equity, International Moscow Group, Munich; Vladimir Matias, Head of Project Bank (HVB Group), says the Finance & Private Equity, International Moscow Bank in the petroleum-rich Middle East. opportunity for international (HVB Group), Moscow; Paul Rodzianko, Senior Vice Iraq’s reserves, because of economic sanctions, are under-explored investment in Russia’s petroleum President, Access Industries Inc., New York. and under-developed, with insuffiindustry is unprecedented. While conceding that ongoing debates “The forum gave an excellent global view. cient investments. The world is waiting to see what government over production sharing agreeAbsolutely great in many aspects. and economy emerges. ments (PSAs) have been an The mix of representatives provided Despite under-investment, obstacle, Matias believes that a unique opportunity to communicate Iraq still holds the second-largest through joint ventures and the in a very open way. The high caliber proven oil reserves in the Middle existing tax structure with corpoof representatives helped with the rate income rates at 24%, Russia understanding of rationale of some other East, behind only Saudi Arabia. Dunia Chalabi, responsible for still offers attractive opportunicompanies, and even entire regions.” the Office of the Middle East & ties, even without PSAs. —Vladimir Matias, Africa, International Energy Russia and the former Soviet Head of Project Finance & Private Equity, Agency, told attendees that oil states present vast underpriced, International Moscow Bank production in Iraq peaked in long-term assets, currently trad(HVB Group) 1979 at 3.5 million barrels per ing at $1 to $2 per BOE on a day, and was down to just 2.1 miltotal reserves basis. That results in an increasingly active consolidation and restructuring lion barrels per day in 2002. The production target for Iraq is 6 million barrels per market with attractive investment opportunities particularly from distressed midsize and small producers, Matias day within six to eight years, she said. An investment of said. HVB Group, which helped arrange the SeverTek about $38 billion is needed for that target to be met. The joint venture between Lukoil and Fortum and recently led source of such huge investment will likely be strongly influa Gazprom financing, has formed an alliance with enced by the government that emerges. Even without increased production from Iraq, the Middle Waterous & Co. for A&D services. Matias notes that Russian companies have traditionally East is the globe’s petroleum kingpin and is likely to stay that dealt with Iraq and that those relationships and knowledge way for the foreseeable future. In fact, Chalabi says Middle of the reserves would be of benefit to any potential partner, East OPEC producers will capture most of the world’s increase from Western countries or elsewhere. Russia-based compa- in oil demand after 2010. Worldwide, she says, natural gas demand is projected to nies are also increasingly interested in E&P activity in the grow the fastest in absolute terms and nonhydro renewables Middle East and in North Africa, he said. The U.S. will have to compete with other regions as fastest in percentage terms, but oil is projected to remain Russia’s share of European energy supply is expected to the dominant fuel at least until 2030, with the Middle East reach about 70% by 2020 and Japan is being increasing- providing much of the world’s supply growth. 7 WORLD OIL & GAS FORUM 2003 Middle Eastern OPEC members hold 63% of the world’s infrastructure and political stability present huge chaloil and gas liquids reserves, with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, lenges, panelists agreed. Willem De Meyer, General Manager, E&P, Petro SA, the UAE and Kuwait the largest holders among reserves. Iran is interested in expanding its participation along Cape Town, the state oil company of South Africa, told the integrated value chain, with particular interest in attendees that prolific oil provinces in Angola, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea, and attracting investments for deepwater plays offshore Angola expanding its petrochemical and Nigeria, along with stranded industry. Iran not only wants to gas in Angola, Nigeria and East increase its volume of oil and gas Africa, offer a varied source of exports via new pipelines and opportunities. LNG projects, it also wants to be Developers must realize, howa bigger piece of the petrochemever, that for the host governical industry. Its 800 Tcf of gas ments, the oil and gas resources reserves are largely untapped. are viewed as a resource that must Seyed Alavi, Director, Institbe turned into local economic ute for International Energy wealth, while exercising environStudies, Iran, and a former longmental preservation and encourtime senior officeholder for the aging social development. National Iranian Oil Co., said De Meyer was joined on the Iran plans to increase its petroAfrica panel by Charles Tchen, chemical production from levels Special Advisor to the Director of about 1 million tons, seven or Middle East Panel: Seyed Alavi, Director, Institute General, Ministry of Energy, eight years ago, to 20 million for International Energy Studies, Tehra; Dunia Gabon; Tom Schull, General tons by 2005, and eventually by Chalabi, Office of the Non-Member Countries, more than 30 million tons. That Middle East & Africa, International Energy Agency, Manager, Global Exploration, ChevronTexaco; and Jeffrey will require about $10 billion of Paris; and Omar Shawaf, Vice Chairman, Saudi Consulting Services, Riyadh. Waterous, Chairman, Waterous investment. & Co. The ILSA sanctions prohibit “The conference was extremely wellThe U.S. is increasingly foU.S. companies and their foreign organized and structured and featured a cused on West Africa—and not subsidiaries from conducting diverse mix of all of the industry. ” just Nigeria and Angola—as it business with Iran, a prohibition —Dunia Chalabi, scours the world for new, nonthat Alavi says is in the interest Office of Non-Member Countries, Middle Eastern oil supplies, the of Iran and the U.S. to lift. Alavi, Middle East & Africa, panelists said. The region is parwho had not been in the U.S. for International Energy Agency ticularly interesting to the U.S. over 24 years, and whose presbecause, with the exception of ence was facilitated by Stephanie Nigeria, none of the West Jason, President of the InterAfrican producers is a member of national Forum Institute, made a OPEC. special contribution to the forum. The region’s political instability Chalabi and Alavi were was underscored by demonstrajoined on the Middle East panel tions in Nigeria after the reelection by Omar Shawaf, Vice Chairof its president, amid widespread man, Saudi Consulting Services, accusations of voter fraud that Riyadh, the largest civil engiprompted mass demonstrations. neering firm in Saudi Arabia, and Though it is one of the world’s active in infrastructure projects largest oil exporters, Nigeria reincluding gas to power facilities, mains desperately poor and has a and by Jeffrey Waterous, Chairhistory of coups and unrest. man, Waterous & Co. Africa, a Diamond in the Rough Africa is a multifaceted diamond, with a variety of untapped opportunities, but the lack of energy Africa Panel: Tom Schull, General Manager, Global Exploration, ChevronTexaco, San Francisco; Willem De Meyer, General Manager, E&P, PetroSA, Cape Town; and Charles Tchen, Special Advisor to the Director General, Ministry of Energy, Gabon. 8 WORLD OIL & GAS FORUM 2003 Latin America: Distinctive Montages Latin America, from an oil and gas perspective, can be described as consisting of various neighbor- ing regions with distinct characteristics in which the play- totaling US$31 billion between 2002 and 2006, with ers seek differing objectives. Such is true when comparing US$15 billion in the E&P sector. Internationally, the company has an E&P presence in the Southern Cone region, with Brazil, Venezuela and Andean countries, said Latin America panel moderator 12 countries in North, Central and South America, and in Arturo Vilas, Managing Director, Waterous & Co., Buenos West Africa, and has 11 billion BOE of proved reserves, and produces 1.75 million BOE Aires. per day—an increase of 70% The Southern Cone, broadly since 1997. defined as Argentina, Bolivia, Steven Crowell, Chief Chile and Southern Brazil, was Executive Officer, Pluspetrol characterized by Alejandro Resources Corp., Buenos Aires, Bulgheroni, chairman of Pan discussed the Andean countries American Energy, as a region of Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, with significant gas reserves of with particular focus on Peru. about 115 Tcf, representing The company, since 1995, has more than 60 years at current consolidated its operations in demand. That region’s comthat country and is now Peru’s bined GDP of US$886 billion top oil producer. places it at a level surpassing Pluspetrol is one of the key Canada, and slightly lower than sponsors of the Camisea gas France. project. Showing proven reserves The combined population of Latin America Panel: Alejandro Bulgheroni, of almost 9 Tcf of gas and 600 the Southern Cone, about 244 Chairman, Pan American Energy, Buenos Aires; million barrels of liquids, Camimillion, exceeds Canada, France Steven Crowell, CEO, Pluspetrol Resources Corp., sea is located across the Andes and the U.K. combined. But, the Buenos Aires; and Renato Bertani, President, mountains, about 400 kilomeregion’s per-capita energy con- Petrobras Amercia Inc., Rio de Janeiro. ters east of Lima, in an environsumption is less than 15% of mentally sensitive region. ConCanada’s. struction started in 2001 and Gas accounts for about 50% commercial operation is schedof Argentina’s consumption, uled for late 2004. compared with just 6% in Brazil. Those figures, Bulgheroni sugNorth America: U.S. and gested, combined with an excelCanada Compared lent gas transportation infrastrucNorth American companies are ture, position the Southern Cone well poised for growth as a for steady growth of gas conresult of healthy cash flow sumption and overall energy fueled by strong prices, a panel intensity of its economies. of three leading independent Renato Bertani, president of producers agreed. Petrobras America, discussed the Sizeable capital budgets for expected developments for the both exploration and acquisiBrazilian oil industry following tions are common throughout the recent inauguration of a Robert S. Boswell, Chairman and CEO, Forest Oil the North American industry Labor Party government. Under Corp., Denver, addresses the Forum. today. With declining gas the new administration, Petrobras, a publicly traded company where majority control is reserves and production in North America, a looming gas held by the Brazilian government, will try to balance eco- supply crunch is causing many companies to focus on gas nomic development with increased concern for social reserve replacement. A number of U.S.-based companies have retrenched issues. Petrobras, however, is expected to continue the from areas of high perceived political risk during the past implementation of its aggressive growth targets, project- 18 months, and whether this is a short-term phenomenon ing production of 2.6 million barrels per day by 2005, up is yet to be seen. While adopting a variety of strategies, from the current 1.8 million. The growth is to be most companies have pursued concentrated portfolios with achieved through partnerships with international com- a strong North American presence, although more companies, consolidation of its international expansion and panies are setting their sites on opportunities in South selective growth. That will lead to company investment America and Africa. 9 WORLD OIL & GAS FORUM 2003 The challenge for buyers is to obtain quality assets in an Panelists on the subject of North America were Robert Boswell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, undersupplied market. Internally generated cash flows are providing the majorForest Oil Corp., Denver; Duane Radtke, President, Dominion E&P Inc., Houston; David Trice, President ity of capital for companies at present, even as the opportuand CEO, Newfield Exploration Co., Houston; Craig nity for external financings and public market support for oil and gas stocks is returning, George, President and CEO, Waterous said. Equity issues in Vintage Petroleum Inc., Tulsa; the U.S. and Canada, while Scott Sheffield, Chairman, improving, remain low relative to President & CEO, Pioneer previous years, and have not Natural Resources USA, Irving, reflected the strength in comTexas; and Adam Waterous and modity prices, Waterous said. Christopher Slubicki, Senior Gas transactions, in both the Managing Directors and PrinU.S. and Canada, are in greater cipals, Waterous & Co. demand than oil assets, and U.S. Strong demand and underassets are receiving more intersupply of quality prospects in est per offering than are North America make for a sellCanadian assets. More than er’s market for quality oil and gas 60% of U.S. asset transactions asset offerings, said Adam are gas-weighted, compared with Waterous, senior managing Christopher Slubicki, Senior Managing Director, about 50% in Canada. Asset director, Waterous & Co. Asset Waterous & Co.; Craig George, President and transaction activity in the U.S. and corporate offerings, which CEO, Vintage Petroleum Inc.; Adam Waterous, averaged about $7 billion per were scarce in 2002, will increase Senior Managing Director, Waterous & Co. year, compared with $3 billion this year, he said, in presenting in Canada. study results. Larger companies are the Strong commodity prices most significant group of buyers have given the North American of assets, however smaller comexploration and production panies are more active in industry strong cash flows, causCanada than in the U.S. U.S.ing companies of all market capbased buyers accounted for italization categories to be about 6% of the companies actively pursuing mergers and acquired in Canada during 2002, acquisitions. Potential buyers are a dramatic decrease from the flush with cash flow. Plus, 80% in 2001. Proved reserves for increased equity financing— U.S. asset transactions have from both public and private averaged $5.40 per BOE during sources—has provided potential buyers with additional ample capital to make acquisitions. the last few years, compared with $6.45 for Canadian Interest rates remain very low by historical standards, assets, Waterous said. Production values for U.S. asset further lowering the cost of capital and providing incen- transactions have averaged $20,500 per BOE per day durtives for companies to be more aggressive in acquisition ing that time period, compared with $17,000 for Canadian asset transactions. ■ pursuits. JUNE 2003 A supplement to: Hart Publications, Chemical Week Associates 4545 Post Oak Place, Suite 210 Houston, Texas 77027-3105 713-993-9320 Fax: 713-840-8585 www.OilandGasInvestor.com LESLIE HAINES, Editor Ext. 151, [email protected] NISSA DARBONNE, Managing Editor Ext. 165, [email protected] Contributing Editor: GARY CLOUSER CARLA CHESHIRE, Graphic Artist 10 WORLD OIL & GAS FORUM 2003 COPYRIGHT 2003, OIL AND GAS INVESTOR/ HART PUBLICATIONS, HOUSTON, TEXAS