ICA Fluor construirá plataforma de Pemex

Fuente: El Economista

El consorcio mexicano estadounidense ICA Fluor obtuvo este martes el contrato para la construcción, puesta en marcha y mantenimiento de la plataforma marina Ayatsil C, "la primera de ese tamaño" que Petróleos Mexicanos ha puesto en operación en su historia.

En un comunicado de la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, la empresa destacó que dicha obra tendrá un peso de 11,832 toneladas y una profundidad de 132 metros y será destinada a las operaciones del mayor campo productor de

México: Ku Maloob Zaap, ubicado en la Sonda de Campeche.

La plataforma, que según la empresa estará terminada para el 2013, tendrá un costo de 95 millones de dólares, de los cuales ICA aportará 47.5 millones, que se verán reflejados en sus estados financieros del segundo semestre del 2012, según informó.

"ICA Fluor y su subsidiaria Industria de Hierro serán los responsables de la procuración, construcción, prueba, carga y amarre de la plataforma", aseveró Fluor, que a su vez informó de la adquisición en el portal estadounidense.

La adquisición de este equipo por parte de Pemex forma parte de la estrategia para aumentar la producción que se ha estabilizado en 2.5 millones de barriles diarios precisamente gracias a la contribución del campo Ku Maloob Zaap, mismo que en 2010 desplazó del primer sitio productor al megayacimiento Cantarell y que ahora es responsable de poco más del 34% de la producción total de Pemex, aportando 860,000 barriles diarios de crudo y 324,000 millones de pies cúbicos diarios de gas.

Es por ello que Ku Maloob Zaap goza de la mayor inversión por parte de Pemex Exploración y Producción, que este año tiene presupuestados 42,405 millones de pesos para su operación y funcionamiento.

kgarcia@eleconomista.com.mx

Llega a astilleros de Veracruz plataforma petrolera

Fuente: La Tarde

* “Lolair” presta servicios a su vez a plataformas de Pemex en la Sonda de Campeche, con su capacidad para operar a 488 metros de profundidad y ahora recibirá mantenimiento. Para realizarle trabajos de mantenimiento preventivo y correctivo, llegó al puerto de Veracruz la plataforma off shore semi-sumergible “Lolair”, misma que presta servicios a las plataformas petroleras en la Sonda de Campeche.

La plataforma entrará a los astilleros de Talleres Navales del Golfo, donde se realizará el mantenimiento de la estructura que se encuentra fondeada frente al puerto de Veracruz, en espera de entrar a los astilleros.

La plataforma “Lolair” puede operar hasta una profundidad de agua de 488 metros (1.601 pies), tiene 102 metros (335 pies) de largo y 51 metros (167 pies) de ancho y con un registro bruto de más de 15 mil toneladas.

La misma fue construida en Glasgow, Inglaterra, en 1981, para operar en el Mar del Norte y desde el año 2000 presta servicios a Pemex en la Sonda de Campeche.

Fue concebida para alojar a unas 220 personas, opera al interior un taller grande, con zona de aterrizaje, con hangar para helicópteros para re-alimentarse.

En Cantarell realizó trabajos de construcción y de apoyo a las plataformas compatibles. Es propiedad de Exeter Marine Ltd. y registrada en las Islas Marshall.

La plataforma llegó a las 1:40 horas de este miércoles y se estacionó en el fondeadero del Puerto de Veracruz, precisaron fuentes marítimo-portuarias.

A inicios de este año otra plataforma, la "Noble Leonard Jones", que era trasladada de Campeche a Estados Unidos para su mantenimiento, sufrió una avería frente a Veracruz y tuvo que entrar a reparación al astillero jarocho, generando como 500 empleos directos por más de cuatro meses.

El astillero de Veracruz, que llegó a generar más de 10 mil empleos y construir embarcaciones petroleras hace más dos décadas, sobrevive desde hace varios años de reparaciones y mantenimiento de naves de todo tipo, muchas de ellas dedicadas a la industria petrolera. (Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave / Milenio)

Llega plataforma ultraprofunda

Q2 2009 Results - Rising fleet utilisation

Source: Ad Hoc News

Operating profit for the second quarter came to USD 46.8 million and net profit amounted to USD 43.1 million. Utilisation of the rig fleet was 86 per cent in the second quarter, even though MSV Regalia was in the yard throughout the quarter. A good market outlook, combined with a robust financial position, provides a good basis for further profitable growth.

Financials (Figures in brackets refer to the corresponding period of 2008)
After the spin-off of Prosafe Production (the floating production division) in May 2008, only one division remains in Prosafe; the Offshore Support Services.

Consequently, no segment information is presented in the notes to the accounts.

In accordance with IFRS, the figures relating to Prosafe Production Public Limited are presented net on a separate line in the income statement of Prosafe SE. Thus, when references are made to prior periods below, these figures are exclusive of the discontinued operations.

First half 2009 Operating profit for the first half of 2009 came to USD 84.3 million (USD 105.4 million). MSV Regalia has undergone a major refurbishment throughout the period, and this reduced the utilisation of the rig fleet down to 82 per cent (93 per cent). The impact of the lower utilisation was partly offset by higher day rates for the rigs on hire.

The contract for Safe Astoria was terminated for convenience by the client in February. The client had originally contracted the rig for a period of around two years from December 2007. Prosafe receives 85 per cent of the day rate until the new contract with Shell starts in October.

Safe Concordia completed the contract in the US Gulf of Mexico in early February, and commenced operation for Pemex in the Gulf of Mexico on 8 May. Safe Bristolia commenced on a bareboat contract in the Gulf of Mexico in mid-March.

Safe Caledonia has operated for Total in the UK North Sea throughout the period, interrupted by a period of 40 days due to a planned yard stay.

Safe Scandinavia completed the contract with BP in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea in early June.

All other vessels have been fully utilised in the first half year of 2009.

Net financial costs amounted to USD 4.3 million (USD 29.5 million). This improvement reflects lower interest costs and increased market value of currency forwards as at 30 June 2009.

Tax costs expensed in the first half equalled USD 10.6 million (USD 3.3 million). The increased level is due to a provision relating to an unrealised currency gain in a Norwegian subsidiary.

Net profit amounted to USD 69.4 million (USD 72.6 million excl. discontinued operations), corresponding to diluted earnings per share of USD 0.31 (USD 0.32 excl. discontinued operations).

Total assets at 30 June amounted to USD 1 387.9 million (USD 1 362.7 million), while the book equity ratio declined to 13.7 per cent (14.7 per cent).

Second quarter Utilisation of the rig fleet was 86 per cent (99 per cent) in the second quarter. Operating profit amounted to USD 46.8 million (USD 63.4 million), which reflects the lower rig utilisation mainly due to the yard stay of MSV Regalia throughout the second quarter this year. USD 1 million relating to a settlement of a previous operation has been charged to the accounts for the second quarter.

Safe Astoria was on 85 per cent of contracted standby day rate in April and on 85 per cent of full operating day rate from 1 May 2009.

Safe Concordia commenced operation for Pemex in the Gulf of Mexico on 8 May, and Safe Scandinavia completed the contract with BP in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea in early June.

All other vessels have been fully utilised in the second quarter.

Net financial items amounted to USD 4.6 million (net costs of USD 14.7 million). The main reason for this change is increased market value of currency forwards as at 30 June 2009.

Tax costs expensed in the second quarter amounted to USD 8.3 million (USD 0.2 million). This increase is due to a provision relating to an unrealised currency gain in a Norwegian subsidiary.

Net profit amounted to USD 43.1 million (USD 48.5 million excl. discontinued operations), corresponding to diluted earnings per share of USD 0.19 (USD 0.21 excl. discontinued operations).

Dividend The board of directors resolved on 26 August 2009 to declare an interim dividend of NOK 0.35 per share. The holders of the shares at close on 9 September 2009 will be entitled to a dividend payment on 23 September 2009. The shares will trade ex. dividend on 7 September 2009.

Outlook Seven of the company's rigs are bareboat chartered to Interpetroleum Services, operating for Pemex offshore Mexico. Safe Bristolia started a one-year contract in Mexico in mid-March. Safe Concordia started a 240-day contract 8 May. The other five rigs have firm contracts as follows: Jasminia until December 2010, Safe Hibernia until May 2011, Safe Lancia until January 2010, Safe Regency until August 2013 and Safe Britannia until January 2013.

Safe Esbjerg is in operation for Mærsk Oil & Gas in the Danish North Sea until June 2011.

At the end of July 2009, Safe Scandinavia commenced a 65-day contract for Shell in the UK North Sea, after completing a five-year special periodic survey (SPS) at a yard in Invergordon, Scotland.

Safe Caledonia is operating on a long-term contract for Total in the UK North Sea until September 2010.

MSV Regalia started operation for BP at the Valhall field on 12 July. This contract has a firm duration until January 2011 with an option period of six months.

Safe Astoria will start a 243-day contract, including mobilisation and demobilisation, for Shell in the Philippines early October 2009. Safe Astoria is now in layup at the Kemaman yard in Malaysia, after SEIC in the beginning of February terminated the contract for convenience.

Prosafe receives 85 per cent of the day rate from SEIC until the new contract with Shell starts in early October.

Within the harsh and semi-harsh offshore environments where most of Prosafe's accommodation rigs operate, there is a good supply-demand balance and the number of new-builds to be delivered over the next few years is limited.

In the North Sea, the majority of the fixed installations are mature and require greater maintenance and modifications to uphold production and safe operation.

Increased recovery and tie-ins of satellite fields to existing installations have extended the lifetime for many fields in the North Sea with ten to 20 years.

Therefore, we foresee a good outlook for modification and maintenance projects over the next years, and we expect that some of these projects will require additional accommodation offshore in order to carry out the projects efficiently.

The market for semi-submersible accommodation rigs remains strong in Mexico, where Pemex has high activity offshore in order to keep up production of the Cantarell field.

In summary, we expect a good long-term demand for semi-submersible accommodation rigs, especially in Mexico and the North Sea, with growth potential in other deepwater regions.

Risk Prosafe's main operational risks are the day rate level and the utilisation rate of the accommodation fleet. The company's results also depend on operating costs, interest expenses and exchange rates. These risks are described in detail in the chapter 'Risk management and sensitivities' and in the Directors' report in the Annual Report 2008.

Statement from the board of directors and president & CEO We confirm that, to the best of our knowledge, the financial statements for the first half year of 2009, which have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Statements, give a true and fair view of the company's assets, liabilities, financial position and results of operations, and that the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required under the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-6 fourth paragraph.

Prosafe is the world's leading owner and operator of semi-submersible service rigs.

Operating profit reached USD 232.2 million in 2008. The company operates globally, employs approx. 400 persons and is headquartered in Larnaca, Cyprus. Prosafe is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to www.prosafe.com.

Floating rigs not completely immune to economic crisis

Source: Energy Current

HOUSTON, TEXAS: The floating rig market is expected to weather the current global financial storm and emerge relatively strong compared to the over-supplied jackup market. However, no segment of the offshore industry is completely insulated from the current world financial crisis and the drop in oil prices.

Some softening in floating rig day rates and backlog is evident, although the long-term nature of most existing contracts will prevent the floating rig market from going into free-fall if oil prices stabilize this year.

New rig construction slows

The number of new floaters being delivered continues at a steady pace, but the rigs that are being delivered now were obviously ordered months ago, when oil and gas markets were stronger and global energy demand forecasts indicated the world's appetite for hydrocarbons would grow significantly. The pace of new offshore rig orders was slowing anyway, as many yards and equipment suppliers were at full capacity and construction costs increased. The collapse in oil prices and the global financial crisis has taken away opportunities and incentive for speculative new construction, and recent orders are generally on the strength of contract commitments.

For example, Jurong Shipyard has secured a rig order from Gander Drilling Ltd., a subsidiary of SeaDragon Offshore Ltd., to complete and deliver a Moss Maritime full dynamically positioned (DP-3) semisubmersible drilling unit. The deal includes an option for an additional unit.

The six-column bare deck hull, built in a Russian yard, is expected to arrive at Jurong this month. On arrival, the yard will perform the construction, outfitting, furnishing, equipping, testing and completion of the bare deck hull. The contract value for the first unit is US$247.3 million.

This new rig will be built for a water depth rating of 10,000 feet (3,048 m) and maximum drilling depth of 30,000 feet (9,144 m). Scheduled for delivery by the end of 2010, the ultra-deepwater, harsh-environment semi has already secured a five-year charter contract with Mexico's state oil company PEMEX.

Other factors beyond financial issues are having an affect on some rig deliveries. Ensco International Inc. pushed back the commencement of operations of ultra-deepwater semisubmersible ENSCO 8500 from April 2009 to June 2009. The two-month delay is due to a recent decision to install different deck cranes on the rig. Ensco elected to replace the equipment because of mechanical and reliability issues with the original deck cranes.

ENSCO 8500 is contracted to Anadarko and Eni for work in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The replacement of ENSCO 8500's cranes is not expected to impact delivery of the other 8500 Series rigs, which are under construction or on order at the Keppel FELS shipyard in Singapore.

ENSCO 8500 the first of seven new ultra-deepwater semisubmersible drilling rigs ordered by Ensco International. The rig will be capable of operating in water depths of up to 8,500 feet (2,591 m) and drill to depths of up to 35,000 feet (10,688 m).

Recent floating rig deliveries include the semisubmersible Deepsea Atlantic that Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) handed over to its owner, Odfjell Drilling, on Feb. 6.

The sixth generation deepwater semi is capable of drilling to a total depth of 37,500 feet (11,430 m) while operating in up to 10,000 feet (3,048 m) of water. The rig has a contract with StatoilHydro to work offshore Norway for the next four years for production and exploration drilling at the Gullfaks field.

Seadrill has added a trio of new rigs to its fleet with the deliveries of two semisubmersibles and a drillship. Seadrill took delivery of ultra-deepwater drillship West Capella from Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) in South Korea. After completion and general mobilization activities, the drillship relocated to Nigeria to commence operations under a five-year contract with Total.

The rig is capable of drilling to a total depth of 37,500 feet (11,430 m) while operating in up to 10,000 feet (3,050 m) of water.

In addition, Seadrill has taken delivery of deepwater semi West Aquarius from the DSME shipyard in Pusan, South Korea. After completing mobilization activities, the rig headed to Indonesia to begin a three-year exploration contract with ExxonMobil.

West Aquarius is able to run parallel drilling operations. The rig has a dynamic positioning system, and can operate in water depths of up to 10,000 feet (3,000 m).

Finally, Seadrill took delivery of deepwater semi West Eminence from SHI. The unit has been chartered by Petrobras under a six-year contract for operations in the Santos Basin beginning in June. West Eminence is a sixth generation, high specification, deepwater semi. West Eminence is designed with a dynamic positioning system and a water depth capacity up to 9,842 feet (3,000 m).

Long-term deals still prevalent

A number of new contracts and extensions have been signed for semisubmersibles and drillships during the last quarter. DryShips subsidiary Ocean Rig has received a letter of award from Petrobras for a three-year charter of semi Leiv Eiriksson for exploration drilling in the Black Sea. The contract is valued at US$630 million. The three-year term includes 60 days of mobilization and disassembly and reassembly of the derrick structure for transit through the Bosporus Strait. The contract is expected to commence in direct continuation of the rig's current contract with Shell, which ends in September.

Saipem has been awarded a new contract for the charter of semisubmersible Scarabeo 6 worth approximately US$400 million. The contract has been assigned to Saipem by Burullus Gas Co., extending its charter of Scarabeo 6 to the fourth quarter of 2014. The rig will continue to operate in Egyptian waters where it is presently working for the same client.

Vantage Drilling Co. ultra-deepwater drillship Platinum Explorer has received a five-year contract award from ONGC, while ultra-deepwater drillship Titanium Explorer has received an eight-year contract from a subsidiary of Petrobras. Both rigs are under construction at DSME in Okpo, South Korea.

Upon completion, Platinum Explorer will be mobilized to India in the fourth quarter of 2010. Expected revenues over the five-year contract term are around US$1.1 billion. Titanium Explorer will mobilize in the third quarter of 2011 to the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Petrobras has the right to re-locate and utilize the Titanium Explorer on a worldwide basis. Expected revenues, excluding mobilization and cost escalations, are around US$1.6 billion.

However, as expected given the current economy, not everything is perfect in the floating rig market.

Houston-based international drilling contractor Atwood Oceanics Inc. is continuing to pursue contract opportunities for semisubmersible Atwood Southern Cross in all of the worldwide markets in which it can work. However, the company does not expect to receive any contract commitments for the rig before the second half of the year. The rig hot stacked in the Canary Islands.

Transocean terminated its agreement with Philippines-based Burgundy Global Exploration Corp. for the use of semisubmersible C. Kirk Rhein, Jr. Transocean canceled the contract as a result of Burgundy failing to post its required escrow. The rig contractor is "pursuing appropriate remedies."

C. Kirk Rhein, Jr. was scheduled to undergo a 45-day mobilization to the Philippines for the contract with Burgundy with day rates of over US$500,000 from February to July, or to December if the option was exercised. Instead, the rig is stacked cold in Malaysia.

Floater demand continues to rise

Global demand for floating drilling rigs continues to outpace supply, but the gap will close somewhat over the next year as new rigs are delivered.

According to data compiled for ODS-Petrodata's World Rig Forecast-Short Term Trends, worldwide floating rig demand will approach 250 rigs early next year, and this will exceed supply by at least 20 rigs. Demand in the deepwater segment is expected to remain strong despite the recent unpleasantness in the global financial and oil markets. However, over the longer term, oil prices in the US$60 to US$80 ranges would be more conducive to high floating rig fleet utilization than would prices in the US$40 to US$50 range.

Arriban plataformas petroleras desde Sudáfrica

Fuente: Tabasco Hoy

Por: Notimex
Villahermosa, Tabasco

Un par de plataformas de la empresa Noble Corporation arribó hoy al puerto de Dos Bocas, procedentes de Sudáfrica, para ser reparadas, lo que representará una derrama de 10 millones de dólares para esa parte de la entidad, reportó la Sedeco.

En un comunicado, la Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico (Sedeco) del estado señaló que tales trabajos representarán una derrama económica de 10 millones de dólares y la generación de 400 empleos directos e indirectos.

Las plataformas, denominadas Heavy Lift, serán reparadas en la terminal marítima y llevan como nombres Noble Carl Norberg y Noble Roy Butler, las cuales entrarán en operación con Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) Exploración y Producción a principios de 2009, a fin de incrementar las actividades en los yacimientos ubicados en la región.

Expuso que con la llegada de estas estructuras de quinta generación a litorales tabasqueños, Dos Bocas se consolida como el puerto petrolero más importante del golfo de México.

Ello, "ya que cuenta con las condiciones apropiadas para el desarrollo de este tipo de operaciones", aseguró el titular de la Sedeco, Mario de la Cruz Sarabia, tras acudir a la terminal marítima para constatar la llegada de las estructuras.

Destacó que la ejecución de este proyecto de la compañía que cuenta con 87 años de experiencia en actividades de perforación, convierte a la entidad en pionera en acciones de mantenimiento y reparación de plataformas en el país.

"Actualmente el puerto cuenta con condiciones necesarias para la ejecución de este tipo de trabajos, ya que después del dragado efectuado en 2008, se alcanzó una profundidad de 11 metros en los sectores de navegación", abundó.

Anticipó que para aprovechar más estas oportunidades de inversión, se llevan a cabo negociaciones con otras empresas e incrementan el número de operaciones y el volumen de negocios en la terminal.

Por su parte, el director de la Administración Portuaria Integral (API), Roberto de la Garza Licón, mencionó que la empresa texana proveedora de servicios de perforación para la industria del gas y petróleo, Noble Corporation, cuenta con infraestructura instalada en diversos países.

Trabajadores de empresas subcontratistas indefensos en la sonda de Campeche

Boletín N°. 3315 CAMARA DE DIPUTADOS

Arriesgan la vida de 13 mil 500 trabajadores empresas subcontratistas de Pemex: Cuauhtémoc Velasco
Los múltiples accidentes en la Sonda de Campeche se deben a la inseguridad y falta de mantenimiento de las plataformas petroleras, a la deficiente o nula capacitación, así como a las constantes violaciones a los derechos humanos laborales de los trabajadores de compañías subcontratistas de Pemex, denunció el diputado Cuauhtémoc Velasco Oliva, secretario de la Comisión de Energía.
Subrayó que Petróleos Mexicanos ha dejado de utilizar sus plataformas en labores de exploración y explotación de crudo, para arrendar las de compañías privadas, nacionales y extranjeras, que presentan graves deficiencias y no cumplen las normas mínimas de seguridad e higiene que establecen los acuerdos internacionales.
Al operar bajo estas condiciones, precisó, las empresas subcontratistas no sólo ponen en riesgo la vida de 13 mil 500 trabajadores en esa zona del Golfo de México, sino que ya han ocasionado el 50 por ciento de los accidentes registrados.

Por lo anterior, rechazó categórico las conclusiones que la Comisión Especial Independiente, encabezada por el Premio Nobel Mario Molina, dio a conocer el pasado viernes 31 de octubre en torno a la tragedia en la plataforma Usumacinta, donde perdieron la vida 22 trabajadores, porque encubren a los responsables y resulta frustrante para los deudos.

Es absurdo, dijo, que dicha Comisión exonere a Petróleos Mexicanos y a la Compañía Perforadora Central, propietaria de la plataforma colisionada y sobre la que pesan innumerables denuncias, pero más lamentable es que la responsabilidad de las muertes haya recaído en los propios trabajadores.

Dio a conocer el legislador de Convergencia que en su reciente visita a la Sonda de Campeche recabó información y testimonios de primera mano que echan por tierra gran parte del contenido de la investigación. La respuesta, aseguró, está en la negligencia y la corrupción que involucran a Pemex, a las empresas que contrata y a la Secretaría del Trabajo.

Reveló que el día del accidente se observaron dos omisiones graves: no se aplicó procedimiento precautorio alguno para suspender labores, a efecto de disminuir la vulnerabilidad de la tripulación ante los efectos anunciados del clima adverso y que 21 de las 81 personas abordaron la plataforma con documentos falsos; es decir, no contaban con licencia de mar y carecían de la capacitación suficiente para enfrentar este tipo de contingencias.

Además de estas irregularidades que ameritan fincar responsabilidad, señaló que las empresas subcontratistas de Pemex obligan al trabajador a firmar contratos en blanco, no pagan salario por día de descanso ni prestaciones de ley como aguinaldo y vacaciones, el reparto de utilidades es nulo o se otorga en cantidades irrisorias que hacen pensar que evaden el fisco.
Se regatea, dijo, el servicio médico a los trabajadores durante su estancia en las plataformas, la mayor parte del personal es contratado mediante triangulaciones. Agregó que el 90 por ciento de las deficiencias se registran en el rubro de seguridad industrial y la parte que más sacrifican las empresas contratistas es el de bienestar de sus trabajadores.

Agregó que en la mitad de las plataformas se observan ínfimas condiciones habitacionales, en otras no existen botes salvavidas ni balsas, señalamientos ni rutas de evacuación, equipos de radiocomunicación, extintores ni sistemas de alarma. Éstas y otras violaciones a los derechos laborales y humanos han sido solapadas por Pemex y la STPS que a la fecha no han rescindido un solo contrato a estas empresas.

En el caso de Perforadora Central, destacó que a esta empresa de capital mexicano Pemex le ha pagado en los últimos cuatro años 9 mil millones de pesos por el arrendamiento de sus plataformas Usumacinta, Tonalá, Hakuryu-V y Grijalva. Por el alquiler de esta última la paraestatal paga un millón 300 mil pesos diarios.

Desde 2004 a la fecha Petróleos Mexicanos ha erogado por concepto de arrendamiento de plataformas 22 mil millones de pesos en total, precisó Velasco Oliva.

Dio a conocer que en 2007 en la Sonda de Campeche entraron en operación 40 plataformas --actualmente existen 100--, de las cuales 31 son propiedad de los consorcios texanos Mexdrill Offshore, Noble Contracting, Nabors, Todco, Pride Drilling y su subsidiaria México Drilling, que en su mayoría presentaban graves deficiencias en infraestructura y sistemas de seguridad.
Incluso, indicó, dos de ellas --Ocean New Era y The 205-- fueron declaradas no aptas por supervisores de Pemex sin que se les rescindieran los contratos.

El diputado Velasco Oliva informó que desde la Cámara de Diputados buscará revertir las conclusiones de la Comisión Investigadora Independiente, a fin de que el accidente ocurrido hace más de un año en la plataforma Usumacinta no se sume a la larga lista de casos de impunidad y tragedias.
Asimismo, dijo que promoverá iniciativas que garanticen mayor seguridad y capacitación al personal que labora en las plataformas petroleras fijas y móviles, mejorar las normas oficiales aplicables e incrementar la capacidad instalada en zonas navales y capitanías de puerto en materia de salvamento, búsqueda y rescate de personas, embarcaciones y artefactos navales en la Sonda de Campeche.

Fuente: comunicación social, camara de diputados H. congreso de la unión 09-11-2008

Pride International, Inc. Announces Agreement to Sell Platform Rig Fleet

Source: Foxbusiness

HOUSTON, May 6, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) ---Pride International, Inc. (NYSE:PDE) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its fleet of platform rigs and related equipment to Blake International, LLC for $66 million in cash. The platform rig fleet consists of eight units in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, of which four are under contract, two units under contract in Mexico and two units previously retired from service. The sale is expected to close on or before July 15, 2008, subject to certain closing conditions.

The sale of the platform rig fleet is consistent with Pride's stated strategic direction to focus its offshore drilling operations in deepwater and other high specification assets.

Pride International, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is one of the world's largest offshore drilling contractors, operating a fleet of 64 rigs, including two deepwater drillships, 12 semisubmersible rigs, 28 jackups, 10 platform rigs, five managed deepwater rigs and seven Eastern Hemisphere-based land rigs. The Company also has three ultra-deepwater drillships under construction with expected deliveries in 2010 and 2011.

The Pride International, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3388

Statements regarding the proposed sale of the platform rig fleet, expected timing of closing, as well as any other statements that are not historical facts in the report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions identified above or as disclosed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of these factors, actual results may differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements.