The Mexican government’s controversial decision to open up the oil and gas sector to private investment is starting to show results, but will the move pay off for the country? We take a look at recent licensing auctions and discoveries to assess how privatisation is progressing and what it will mean for the long-term future of the Mexican oil and gas sector.

Also in this issue, we review France’s new ambitions in international exploration, and take a look at the next generation of automation technology for offshore operations.

Plus, we find out how thermophilic bacteria could be used to provide a new low-impact exploration technique for oil and gas, learn about the benefits of mobile apps for field operators, and take a look at efforts being made across the industry to reduce operational costs by cutting data waste from offshore maintenance procedures.

In this issue

Privatising Mexican Oil
The Mexican government’s decision to open its oil sector, historically monopolised by national oil company Pemex, to private investment has been a controversial process. Chris Lo investigates whether, with a major recent discovery by private partners and bidding on new offshore rounds now gaining momentum, privatisation has proven its worth to an oil-exporting nation that has been struggling with declining production rates?
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France’s International Ambitions
The French Government is being lauded for its commitment to clean energy at home, yet less has been said of their investments abroad. Julian Turner talks to Richard Mallinson, partner and geopolitical analyst at Energy Aspects about France’s international ambitions.
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Next Generation Automation
During the downturn, automation became a key theme in the offshore oil industry as companies looked to cut costs and reduce headcounts. As the price finally recovers will the industry start investing in tech again and, if so, what will the next generation of rigs look like? Patrick Kingsland investigates.
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Bacterial Threats and Opportunities
Sulphate-reducing bacteria are a huge problem for offshore oil producers but research might help identify new hydrocarbon deposits in the future. Chris Lo finds out more from Dr Casey Hubert of the University of Calgary about the role these bacteria play.
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Modern Field Operations
Clara Fuge, vice president for product management at P2 Energy Solutions, explains how mobile technology connects field operations and the back office, making pumping by exception a reality
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Cutting Data Waste
In order to ensure the most efficient offshore operations, data must be put effectively to use. OPEX thinks it has a solution to data wasting, as vice president Gerry Ward explains to Molly Lempriere.
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Next issue preview

The world’s largest gas field, South Pars, has become embroiled in a political stalemate between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, who along with ally Egypt, accuse Qatar and Iran of funding terror. As the vast field is both shared and strategically important for all parties, it has become a central pawn in the conflict. We find out how this could change the way the project is developed.

We also find out whether a Native Alaskan corporation will succeed at drilling where others have failed in the Arctic, ask whether big oil’s carbon offsetting programmes such as BP’s Target Neutral are doing enough, and speak to Statoil about its future recruitment strategy for the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Plus, we take a look at the launch of the Prelude FLNG and hear from Fluenta how oil and gas companies can fight of cyber attacks on offshore operations.

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