Shell Offshore Inc. reported its sixth oil discovery in the Norphlet geologic play in the deepwater US Gulf of Mexico.
Drilled to a total vertical depth of 29,000 ft, the Dover well encountered 800 net ft of pay in the Jurrassic Norphlet. The well is in 7,500 ft of water about 170 miles offshore southeast of New Orleans on Mississippi Canyon Block 612. Shell is the sole interest holder.
The discovery lies 13 miles from the Appomattox host platform and is considered an attractive potential tieback, the company said. The Appomattox host platform is on location in the gulf and is expected to start production before yearend 2019.
Shell’s major deepwater hubs are positioned for production expansion through near-field exploration and additional subsea tiebacks. The company expects its global, deepwater production to exceed 900,000 boe/d by 2020, from already discovered, established areas. The Appomattox host platform is owned by Shell (79%) and Nexen Petroleum Offshore USA Inc. (21%)
https://www.ogj.com/articles/2018/05/shell-makes-sixth-discovery-in-norphlet-deepwater-play.html
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
What Trump's Iran decision means for oil and gas prices
Global oil supplies were already getting tight before Trump vowed on Tuesday to exit the Iran nuclear deal and impose "powerful" sanctions on the OPEC nation.
Energy industry insiders say Trump's tough stance on Iran will probably keep oil and gasoline prices higher than they would otherwise be.
Iran ramped up its oil production by 1 million barrels per day after sanctions were lifted in early 2016. At least some of that oil will now be pulled from the market — at a time when oil prices are already rising because of production cuts by OPEC and Russia as well as instability in Venezuela.
Dan Eberhart, CEO of oilfield services company Canary LLC, drew a direct connection: "Withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal will support higher oil prices."
Trump telegraphed the move, and oil prices shot up in recent weeks as traders anticipated it. Crude topped $70 a barrel this week for the first time in nearly four years. Hours before Trump's announcement, federal government forecasters raised their estimate for 2018 oil prices by 10.5% to an average of $65.58 a barrel.
Crude oil prices swung wildly on Tuesday, eventually climbing back above $70 a barrel later in the day.
Gasoline prices, which generally follow oil prices, have jumped to a national average of $2.81 a gallon, according to AAA. A gallon of gas went for $2.34 a year ago. The typical family will spend about $200 more this summer driving season, according to the Oil Price Information Service.
"It will be more painful for motorists than the past two years — but nothing close to 2011 to 2014 when it was $3.40 to $3.60 a gallon," said Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis at OPIS.
No one knows exactly how high prices will go. That will be determined by a range of factors, including how much Iranian crude is restricted by the sanctions and whether other major producers — such as the United States — fill the gap.
Saudi Arabia will 'mitigate' supply shortages
OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia indicated it was ready to act. In a statement late Tuesday, the Saudi energy ministry said was "committed to supporting the stability of oil markets."
"The kingdom [will] work with major producers within and outside OPEC, as well as major consumers, to mitigate the impact of any potential supply shortages," the official Saudi Press Agency said, citing a statement from the ministry.
But there's another major question: Will tensions in the Middle East rise even further now that the United States is leaving the Iran deal? Heightened geopolitical fears in the Middle East often raise prices.
Several US military officials told CNN that there are increasing concerns Iran is on the cusp of an attack against Israel. It's not clear when an attack could come, nor what form it could take.
"The three or four-year period of quiet in terms of geopolitics impacting oil markets is over," said Canary's Eberhart.
Iran produced about 3.8 million barrels of oil per day in April, according to the latest S&P Global Platts OPEC survey. That's up from 2.9 million barrels per day in January 2016, when the nuclear deal took effect.
Just how much of Iran's growth in oil production is at risk — and when it could decline — is uncertain. The Treasury Department said on Tuesday that sanctions targeting Iran's oil trade and energy industry will come with a six-month lag.
Most analysts believe that at least some nations will ignore the new American sanctions and continue buying Iranian crude. China, Iran's largest customer, may be especially reluctant to cut Iran off because of the trade tensions between Beijing and Washington.
"Short of war, the only way Iran's crude sales could be disrupted is if European and certain Asian buyers revert back to their pre-2015 embargo policy — and there is virtually zero chance of that," Raymond James energy analyst Pavel Molchanov said in email.
Snapping sanctions back on Iran will have an immediate impact on less than 200,000 barrels per day of Iranian oil, according to analysts surveyed by S&P Global Platts. That figure rises to less than 500,000 barrels per day after six months.
That's still a sizable amount of oil, especially considering the strong demand around the world.
Other major producers could fill the hole left by Iran.
Saudi Arabia, for instance, has the ability to crank up output. Yet analysts say Saudi Arabia would like to keep prices rising ahead of the IPO of its state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco.
Production in the United States is surging thanks to the shale revolution. In fact, the Energy Information Administration lifted its 2019 domestic output forecast on Tuesday by nearly 4% to a record 11.9 million barrels per day.
"It's quite possible that surging US shale production could easily fill the gap left by Iran," Eberhart said.
One catch: Output is surging so much in the Permian Basin, America's biggest oilfield, that pipelines can't keep up. New pipelines are in the works, but won't be ready until later next year.
Monday, May 28, 2018
Pueblo Riverwalk construction advances; 'Skybridge,' 4th parking deck dropped
The project has been scaled back a bit but visitors to the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo are still getting an eyeful as construction advances on several Riverwalk additions.
Under the project, the city is adding a large exhibit hall and Professional Bull Riders-anchored sports performance center to the Pueblo Convention Center, a three-story parking garage across the street from the convention center and the Gateway Plaza outdoor space.
The total cost for the improvements is now projected to top $30 million.
Recently dropped from the project are a pedestrian "skybridge" and an optional fourth deck on the parking garage.
The extra parking deck was estimated to cost about $2.6 million, which the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority board of commissioners decided was too steep of a price given the overall project budget.
The three-story garage will provide about 480 spaces. The fourth deck would have added about 130 spaces.
The "skybridge" would have spanned Main Street and linked the new parking garage to the convention center.
The walkway poised concerns in terms of cost (possibly about $1 million) and the time needed for planning and construction, which would complicate the overall project schedule. The commission plans to revisit the issue of walkways and funding options in the future.
Meanwhile, talks continue between the city of Pueblo and the Urban Renewal Authority on the expected demolition of the old police annex building in the project area. The city envisions the space as a pad site for a future hotel.
Jerry Pacheco, director of the Urban Renewal Authority, said construction on the overall project is on schedule with the sports performance center and parking garage set for completion by year's end and the exhibit hall and Gateway Plaza set to be finished by next spring.
"What you see now is the steel (beams for the convention center expansion) coming into place," he said.
"We hope to be working on enclosing the building by the end of the month. It's gone nicely. We've had some good weather. The pile driving continues on the parking garage across the street," Pacheco said.
Colorado's fast-rising construction costs along with heavy statewide demand for construction services have posed the biggest challenge to the work, Pacheco said.
"We are undertaking a large project in the middle of a tight labor market competing with contractors who are bidding explosive jobs in Colorado Springs and Denver.... We're having to make really fast decisions," he said.
Pacheco credited the expertise and civic-minded spirit of Urban Renewal's board of commissions and H.W. Houston executives for keeping the project on schedule and controlling costs.
"To do a project like this in a tight timeline, it really has taken a herculean effort by very dedicated community leaders," Pacheco said.
Urban Renewal and H.W. Houston recently finalized the scope of work and cost for the 51,319-square-feet convention center addition and the parking garage portions of the project, Pacheco said. The price tag of about $29 million, up from an earlier estimate of $24 million and down from more recent estimates of more than $30 million, reflects in part the fast-rising construction costs in Colorado, he said.
The bulk of the project will be paid for by state sales taxes under the state Regional Tourism Act program and state and federal grants.
The project is the first of several phases of improvements for the Riverwalk area planned in coming years in connection with the state RTA program.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Electric and double-decker buses could help Tampa Bay's transportation woes
Electric and double-decker buses could be a part of Tampa Bay's public transportation system sooner than you think.
Bus companies from all over the world are in Tampa Bay this week hoping everyone will get a glimpse of the future.
Two of the most talked about on display, an enormous 60-foot-long bus that runs solely on electricity and a double-decker bus that is hoping to become more than a novelty.
Ollie Nielsen says, "If you're commuting, which is very common for the Tampa Bay area, thirty to ninety minutes to work, it's a great way to ride."
The double-decker buses are currently on a trial run in New York City.
As for the electric buses, one official says he expects Tampa to be converted in 10 years.
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Walker’s oil & gas advisor leaves for job at NANA
Gov. Bill Walker’s chief oil and gas advisor has taken a new job.
Later this month, John Hendrix will join the NANA Regional Corporation as the president of its commercial group. That group includes subsidiaries that do oil field and mining support services, as well as construction and capital projects.
Hendrix has been in Walker’s cabinet for nearly two years. When he was hired in 2016 for the $185,000 a year position, his focus was on figuring out how Alaska can produce more oil.
In a media release, Walker’s office congratulated Hendrix on the new position and said he’ll continue working on projects with the Office of the Governor.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Japan Is Replacing Its Aging Construction Workers With Robots
Japanese companies are facing a workforce automation problem. It’s not the kind you normally hear about, though — workers aren’t afraid they’ll lose their jobs to machines. Instead, the companies need to engineer robots to replace the droves of Japanese workers approaching retirement age.
Right now, over a quarter of the Japanese population is over the age of 65, and that number is expected to jump to 40 percent over the next 40 years. That’s bad news for industries that will need to replace those retiring workers, especially for industries like construction for which automation hasn’t caught on as quickly.
Some companies are working to develop new robots to aid in high-rise construction. Many have been developed, but few deployed. One, Shimizu, is about to test its newly-developed robotic welder, carrier, and all-purpose lifting tool.
It’s not been easy to get this far, and the robots are still nowhere near perfect, according to an article in Bloomberg Technology. The problem is that working on a building requires people or robots to actually, you know, move around within the building. In spite of improvements in autonomous machinery, engineers haven’t quite figured out how to make a robot that can do meaningful construction work while being able to move as they need to on a construction site.
But Japan’s construction industry needs these bots, like, now. When an industry is automated, workers are often displaced. But now, those employees are leaving either way, and the tech needed to fill in the gaps might not be ready.
Experts suspect robots can take over some of the welding, shipping, and basic tasks involved in constructing a new high rise. But even then, robot labor will only make up about 1 percent of each project, based on current technology.
Construction bots, which include assembly robots (the kind that work in factories) as well as autonomous, self-navigating vehicles like forklifts, will mainly work night and weekend shifts. Because the technology is so new, current workers would feel more comfortable not working in the same space, for safety purposes. This is required of autonomous vehicles on construction sites but will also be the case for assembly bots used in construction.
Right now, over a quarter of the Japanese population is over the age of 65, and that number is expected to jump to 40 percent over the next 40 years. That’s bad news for industries that will need to replace those retiring workers, especially for industries like construction for which automation hasn’t caught on as quickly.
Some companies are working to develop new robots to aid in high-rise construction. Many have been developed, but few deployed. One, Shimizu, is about to test its newly-developed robotic welder, carrier, and all-purpose lifting tool.
It’s not been easy to get this far, and the robots are still nowhere near perfect, according to an article in Bloomberg Technology. The problem is that working on a building requires people or robots to actually, you know, move around within the building. In spite of improvements in autonomous machinery, engineers haven’t quite figured out how to make a robot that can do meaningful construction work while being able to move as they need to on a construction site.
But Japan’s construction industry needs these bots, like, now. When an industry is automated, workers are often displaced. But now, those employees are leaving either way, and the tech needed to fill in the gaps might not be ready.
Experts suspect robots can take over some of the welding, shipping, and basic tasks involved in constructing a new high rise. But even then, robot labor will only make up about 1 percent of each project, based on current technology.
Construction bots, which include assembly robots (the kind that work in factories) as well as autonomous, self-navigating vehicles like forklifts, will mainly work night and weekend shifts. Because the technology is so new, current workers would feel more comfortable not working in the same space, for safety purposes. This is required of autonomous vehicles on construction sites but will also be the case for assembly bots used in construction.
The robot revolution is still off in the distance, but for the sake of Japan’s future constructions, maybe we should hope it comes around a bit sooner.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Russian Santa’s Hometown Seeks Construction Bids for Floating Laundromat
The hometown of Russia’s Santa Claus is reportedly accepting bids for the construction of floating laundromats.
“Ded Moroz” or Father Frost, Russia’s secular equivalent of Santa Claus, is believed to reside some 750 kilometers northeast of Moscow in the town of Veliky Ustyug, located at the confluence of the Sukhona and Yug Rivers.
The town’s authorities are auctioning off the laundromat contract, valued at 200,000 rubles ($3,100), the Vologda-based Newsvo.ru website reported Wednesday. The aquatic construction project will allow residents to wash their clothing while floating on the Sukhona River.
“These are specially equipped metal structures based upon several metal floats, joined together by wooden walkways and equipped with decks and tables,” the website reported, citing the contract.
The floating laundromats, expected to be installed at four locations, must be fastened securely to the shore with a cable, the contract states.
The town’s administration added 72,000 rubles to their laundry construction budget this year, as compared to three years ago.
https://themoscowtimes.com/news/russian-santa-hometown-seeks-construction-bids-floating-laundromat-61275
The town’s authorities are auctioning off the laundromat contract, valued at 200,000 rubles ($3,100), the Vologda-based Newsvo.ru website reported Wednesday. The aquatic construction project will allow residents to wash their clothing while floating on the Sukhona River.
“These are specially equipped metal structures based upon several metal floats, joined together by wooden walkways and equipped with decks and tables,” the website reported, citing the contract.
The floating laundromats, expected to be installed at four locations, must be fastened securely to the shore with a cable, the contract states.
The town’s administration added 72,000 rubles to their laundry construction budget this year, as compared to three years ago.
https://themoscowtimes.com/news/russian-santa-hometown-seeks-construction-bids-floating-laundromat-61275
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Construction worker killed by falling limestone on IU campus
A large piece of limestone being installed above a doorway fell and killed a construction worker at Swain Hall West on Indiana University’s campus Wednesday afternoon.
IU spokesman Chuck Carney confirmed Wednesday afternoon that the construction worker died.
Monroe County coroner Joani Shields said the victim was identified as 35-year-old William M. Brown Jr. of Bloomington. He worked for an independent contractor that had been hired by Indiana University to do renovations on the building. He was not an employee of IU.
An autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday morning in Terre Haute, Shields said.
A crew working on the second floor of the building renovation project, at 727 E. Third St., called 911 at 2:52 p.m.
The crew had been using equipment to lift and place limestone above an interior doorway at the north side of the building when it fell, according to preliminary reports given to emergency responders at the scene. Construction workers had started CPR on the man, who was hit in the head and chest by the limestone, according to Sgt. Brandon Hudson of the Bloomington Fire Department. Hudson estimated the piece of limestone was 6 feet long.
Yellow crime scene tape cordoned off the stairway leading to the scene of the fatality. Members of the Indiana University Police Department and Monroe County Coroner’s Office investigated.
Finch Constructors and Pepper Construction have been working on the $36 million renovation, which includes building a new entryway, upgrading heating, cooling and other mechanical systems and cleaning and tuckpointing the exterior limestone walls.
A substantial portion of the construction was to take place over the next several weeks.
No classes or activities in the building were canceled Wednesday afternoon, Carney said.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Residents not moved by Wake schools plan for multi-million dollar transportation hub
APEX, N.C. — The Wake County Public School System plans to build a multi-million dollar transportation facility within the next few years, but the project isn’t sitting well with some people in surrounding neighborhoods.
Planning for the Middle Creek Transportation Center is underway, but people living in the Apex neighborhoods surrounding the area are not happy about what it will become.
Janine Patel understands the Wake County school district is growing and changing rapidly.
“It’s a great area to live, so everybody wants to come here. I’m not a native of this area and we came here too, so I understand that,” she said.
She said the plan to build a Middle Creek Transportation Facility, however, is a growing pain.
“I feel like this particular location is not the best,” she said.
The plan is to build a nearly 23-acre transportation center for Wake County schools off Optimist Farm Road, near Middle Creek High and Elementary schools.
The $29 million design would include a 60,000 square foot maintenance building, a 19,000 square foot building for operations, 262 parking spaces for buses and 300 spaces for staff.
The plan is too much for Patel and others, who have been commenting on neighborhood chat boards with their concerns about the location and traffic impacts of the project.
“I really think it’s just not the best road to put it on. It’s really curvy, there’s an S-curve right there,” Patel said. “The traffic is already bad enough so safety and traffic are a big concern.”
A Wake County schools spokeswoman said the project will be completed in two phases. The lot for the facility will be laid by 2022 and the design phase will be voted on at a meeting next Tuesday.
Planning for the Middle Creek Transportation Center is underway, but people living in the Apex neighborhoods surrounding the area are not happy about what it will become.
Janine Patel understands the Wake County school district is growing and changing rapidly.
“It’s a great area to live, so everybody wants to come here. I’m not a native of this area and we came here too, so I understand that,” she said.
She said the plan to build a Middle Creek Transportation Facility, however, is a growing pain.
“I feel like this particular location is not the best,” she said.
The plan is to build a nearly 23-acre transportation center for Wake County schools off Optimist Farm Road, near Middle Creek High and Elementary schools.
The $29 million design would include a 60,000 square foot maintenance building, a 19,000 square foot building for operations, 262 parking spaces for buses and 300 spaces for staff.
The plan is too much for Patel and others, who have been commenting on neighborhood chat boards with their concerns about the location and traffic impacts of the project.
“I really think it’s just not the best road to put it on. It’s really curvy, there’s an S-curve right there,” Patel said. “The traffic is already bad enough so safety and traffic are a big concern.”
A Wake County schools spokeswoman said the project will be completed in two phases. The lot for the facility will be laid by 2022 and the design phase will be voted on at a meeting next Tuesday.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Pleasanton OKs Transportation Fee
The Pleasanton City Council approved a new transportation fee for the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone.
The vote was 3 to 0 at last week's city council meeting. Both Mayor Jerry Thorne and Councilmember Karla Brown were recused.
Thorne at one time owned Costco stock. It has been sold. Brown said at last Tuesday's meeting that she had acquired Costco stock through a third party investment firm. "I did not ask to have the stock purchased."
Thorne at one time owned Costco stock. It has been sold. Brown said at last Tuesday's meeting that she had acquired Costco stock through a third party investment firm. "I did not ask to have the stock purchased."
The fees of $28.28 per square feet for retail, $13.70 per square feet for hotels and $13.46 per square feet for office would be paid by future development in the area.
The price tag for all the roadwork came in at an estimated $21.47 million. Of that total, $6.4 million is to be paid by city traffic impact fee reserves. A cash payment of $6,785,000 will come from Costco for infrastructure work as part of its developer fee package.
The city will repay Costco through a tax sharing agreement in which 40% of the sales tax revenue generated by Costco will be taken until the debt is repaid.
The new transportation fee will be used by the city to pay down its debt to Costco.
The fee structure is based on project size and percent of total car trips generated. The fee would not be charged to current businesses.
The price tag for all the roadwork came in at an estimated $21.47 million. Of that total, $6.4 million is to be paid by city traffic impact fee reserves. A cash payment of $6,785,000 will come from Costco for infrastructure work as part of its developer fee package.
The city will repay Costco through a tax sharing agreement in which 40% of the sales tax revenue generated by Costco will be taken until the debt is repaid.
The new transportation fee will be used by the city to pay down its debt to Costco.
The fee structure is based on project size and percent of total car trips generated. The fee would not be charged to current businesses.
Credits would be available to developers to offset their fee total, including any right-of-way they donate to the city for roadwork and money already paid for previous work.
The area was rezoned last December to consists of 12 parcels on Johnson Drive and Commerce Circle.
The area was rezoned last December to consists of 12 parcels on Johnson Drive and Commerce Circle.
The traffic improvements are required to be finished before Costco can open its doors.
A lawsuit filed earlier by former City Councilmember Matt Sullivan and Pleasanton Citizens for Responsible Growth has challenged the council's approval of the environmental documents. The lawsuit asks the court to require the city to set aside its certification of the EIR and its approval of the project. It also requests a stay of the effect of the City’s actions during court proceedings.
Several case management meetings have been held with the court.
A lawsuit filed earlier by former City Councilmember Matt Sullivan and Pleasanton Citizens for Responsible Growth has challenged the council's approval of the environmental documents. The lawsuit asks the court to require the city to set aside its certification of the EIR and its approval of the project. It also requests a stay of the effect of the City’s actions during court proceedings.
Several case management meetings have been held with the court.
In other actions related to the economic zone, last November, Pleasanton voters rejected an initiative measure that would have barred any big box stores from being built within the 40-acre area.
Sunday, May 20, 2018
MnDOT to honor fallen, injured transportation workers
A Houston man killed while working on a bridge in 1962 was finally honored this morning.
As part of Worker Memorial Day observances, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) District 6 in Rochester honored John Biever, a Houston man who was struck by a truck while working on a Minnesota Highway 16 bridge in 1962. He was 54.
Bievers’ name was also added this year to the permanent Worker Memorial at MnDOT’s headquarters in St. Paul.
Durin the next two weeks, MnDOT will honor transportation workers killed or injured on the job. Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed April 28 as Worker Memorial Day in Minnesota to recognize the risks and high price transportation workers have paid in the construction and maintenance of the state’s transportation system.
Durin the next two weeks, MnDOT will honor transportation workers killed or injured on the job. Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed April 28 as Worker Memorial Day in Minnesota to recognize the risks and high price transportation workers have paid in the construction and maintenance of the state’s transportation system.
“We are honored that Mr. Biever’s family consented to the addition of his name on the memorial and that they will attend the Rochester event,” MnDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle said. “It certainly brings home the fact that lives are impacted forever when someone is taken from them so tragically.”
Since 1960, 35 MnDOT workers and 15 contractors have been killed while working on the state highways.
“With more than 250 construction work zones under way this year, there are hundreds of men and women on the roads, working to improve our roads and bridges and make them safer for everybody,” said Zelle. “We all need to do our part so all our workers return safely to their families at the end of the day.”
The Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis will be lighted orange April 28-30 as part of the observance. MnDOT’s headquarters in St. Paul will also host a moment of silence on April 30 at 2 p.m. for the workers who were killed.
MnDOT, in conjunction with local unions, will also host special events in several locations to honor workers who were killed or injured on April 30:
• Mankato at 2151 Bassett Drive at 8:30 a.m.
• St. Paul, 244 E. Maryland Ave. at the Maryland Avenue Truck Station at 10 a.m.
MnDOT urges drivers to stay alert in work zones with lane shifts, closures, moving workers and vehicles; watch for signs, equipment and workers; minimize distractions; avoid tailgating; follow posted speed limits and directional signs; be patient; expect delays; and avoid lane changes while navigating work zones.
• Mankato at 2151 Bassett Drive at 8:30 a.m.
• St. Paul, 244 E. Maryland Ave. at the Maryland Avenue Truck Station at 10 a.m.
MnDOT urges drivers to stay alert in work zones with lane shifts, closures, moving workers and vehicles; watch for signs, equipment and workers; minimize distractions; avoid tailgating; follow posted speed limits and directional signs; be patient; expect delays; and avoid lane changes while navigating work zones.
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Driverless shuttle offers glimpse into future of public transportation
MADISON, Wis. - It could be a glimpse into the future of public transportation.
A driverless shuttle made its way around the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Tuesday.
The 11-seat vehicle is made by a French company and is linked to research on driverless technology at the School of Engineering.
The shuttle travels at about 15 mph and can respond to the environment around it, stopping for traffic and pedestrians.
"It was a very interesting experience to see the dynamics of how the vehicle responds to the vehicles and the bikers, and as well as how the passengers respond to the actions the vehicle takes," UW freshman Christopher Archuleta said.
If you missed getting a ride Tuesday, you can try the driverless shuttle between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday. You can get on the shuttle at Russell Laboratories and the Department of Forestry and Entomology Building on Linden Drive.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Free construction job training offered
A new free training program aims to give people from low income households in Schenectady a chance to
get into the ongoing construction projects that are happening there.
"Get up, get out and go talk to someone,” owner of Happy Electric Michael DeOrio said. “Because we are here and we can help you."
get into the ongoing construction projects that are happening there.
"Get up, get out and go talk to someone,” owner of Happy Electric Michael DeOrio said. “Because we are here and we can help you."
DeOrio said there's a shortage of skilled workers in the trade field.
"I'm going to be hiring a lot of people coming up,” DeOrio said. “I would like them to be local people who want to work."
"I'm going to be hiring a lot of people coming up,” DeOrio said. “I would like them to be local people who want to work."
But there's also a need for people who know the administrative side of the business. That's where the program with SUNY College and Career Counseling Center and the City of Schenectady comes in. It gives low income residents of the city a chance to get started in the construction industry.
"If they want to get into administration we’ll put them into community college, if they wanted to get more specific training saying a trade you know we get them into the different unions whether it be carpenter, laborers, pipe fitters or whatever,” City of Schenectady Affirmative Action Officer Ron Gardner said.
Glens Falls native and Vice President of JR Young construction Lemarr Young said he got where he is today by working his way up.
"I myself started as a laborer working for my uncle,” Young said. “Then I became a project administrator ultimately becoming an estimator, project manager now I'm vice president of his firm."
Young said many people overlook trade jobs.
"College isn't for everyone and entering into the trades is actually a really strong opportunity to gain economic success,” Young said.
The overall purpose is to build connections.
"It's all about relationships,” Gardner said, “It's all about connecting the dots, there are many organizations out there that do training and do training for specific task at a specific point in time but nobody really connects the dots, 'OK when you're done what's next? How do we pair you up to where the real opportunities are?'"
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. You can apply at the SUNY College and Career Counseling Center at Center City in Schenectady.
There are only 30 spots in the program and applications from Schenectady city residents will be prioritized but anyone who meets low income qualifications can apply.
"If they want to get into administration we’ll put them into community college, if they wanted to get more specific training saying a trade you know we get them into the different unions whether it be carpenter, laborers, pipe fitters or whatever,” City of Schenectady Affirmative Action Officer Ron Gardner said.
Glens Falls native and Vice President of JR Young construction Lemarr Young said he got where he is today by working his way up.
"I myself started as a laborer working for my uncle,” Young said. “Then I became a project administrator ultimately becoming an estimator, project manager now I'm vice president of his firm."
Young said many people overlook trade jobs.
"College isn't for everyone and entering into the trades is actually a really strong opportunity to gain economic success,” Young said.
The overall purpose is to build connections.
"It's all about relationships,” Gardner said, “It's all about connecting the dots, there are many organizations out there that do training and do training for specific task at a specific point in time but nobody really connects the dots, 'OK when you're done what's next? How do we pair you up to where the real opportunities are?'"
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. You can apply at the SUNY College and Career Counseling Center at Center City in Schenectady.
There are only 30 spots in the program and applications from Schenectady city residents will be prioritized but anyone who meets low income qualifications can apply.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Shell to shed downstream business in Argentina
Royal Dutch Shell PLC has signed an agreement to sell its downstream business in Argentina—including the 100,000-b/d Buenos Aires refinery—to Raizen Group, Sao Paulo, for $950 million in cash proceeds.
Alongside the refinery and about 645 retail outlets, the sale will include Shell’s LPG, marine fuels, aviation fuels, bitumen, chemicals, and lubricants businesses, as well its supply and distribution activities in the country, Shell said.
The agreement is consistent with Shell’s strategy to simplify its portfolio through a broader $30-billion divestment program and follows a strategic review of Shell’s Argentinian downstream business that began in August 2016, the company said (OGJ, Jan. 2, 2018; Dec. 22, 2016).
Following close of the transaction later this year, the businesses acquired by Raizen will continue their existing relationships with Shell through various commercial agreements, which represent an estimated value of $300 million.
“We plan to continue thriving in Argentina’s downstream market through Raizen,” said John Abbott, Shell’s downstream director, adding that Shell will remain an important fuel supplier to Argentina under the proposed deal.
Raizen—a 50-50 joint venture formed in 2011 between Shell and Cosan, also of Sao Paulo—is a leading biofuels producer and fuels distributor in Brazil, where it currently manages more than 6,000 Shell service stations.
Alongside the refinery and about 645 retail outlets, the sale will include Shell’s LPG, marine fuels, aviation fuels, bitumen, chemicals, and lubricants businesses, as well its supply and distribution activities in the country, Shell said.
The agreement is consistent with Shell’s strategy to simplify its portfolio through a broader $30-billion divestment program and follows a strategic review of Shell’s Argentinian downstream business that began in August 2016, the company said (OGJ, Jan. 2, 2018; Dec. 22, 2016).
Following close of the transaction later this year, the businesses acquired by Raizen will continue their existing relationships with Shell through various commercial agreements, which represent an estimated value of $300 million.
“We plan to continue thriving in Argentina’s downstream market through Raizen,” said John Abbott, Shell’s downstream director, adding that Shell will remain an important fuel supplier to Argentina under the proposed deal.
Raizen—a 50-50 joint venture formed in 2011 between Shell and Cosan, also of Sao Paulo—is a leading biofuels producer and fuels distributor in Brazil, where it currently manages more than 6,000 Shell service stations.
The sale does not include Shell’s upstream interests in the Vaca Muerta shale formation, as the Dutch company said it continues to see substantial long-term growth potential in Argentina’s shale
resources.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
RPC, Inc. Announces Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend
RPC, Inc. Announces Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend
ATLANTA, April 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- RPC, Inc. (NYSE: RES) announced today that its Board of Directors declared regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share payable June 11, 2018 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on May 10, 2018.
RPC provides a broad range of specialized oilfield services and equipment primarily to independent and major oilfield companies engaged in the exploration, production and development of oil and gas properties throughout the United States, including the Gulf of Mexico, mid-continent, southwest, Appalachian and Rocky Mountain regions, and in selected international markets. RPC's investor website can be found on the Internet at www.rpc.net.
ATLANTA, April 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- RPC, Inc. (NYSE: RES) announced today that its Board of Directors declared regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share payable June 11, 2018 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on May 10, 2018.
RPC provides a broad range of specialized oilfield services and equipment primarily to independent and major oilfield companies engaged in the exploration, production and development of oil and gas properties throughout the United States, including the Gulf of Mexico, mid-continent, southwest, Appalachian and Rocky Mountain regions, and in selected international markets. RPC's investor website can be found on the Internet at www.rpc.net.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Transportation Services Improves Pedestrian Experience on University Drive
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 24, 2018) — University of Kentucky Transportation Services, in cooperation with the UK Pedestrian Advisory Committee, funded the addition of pedestrian lighting along the Kroger Field side of University Drive between the Blue Lot bus shelter and Cooper Drive, adjacent to the Red Lot.
“The pedestrian lighting improvement along the University Drive corridor has significantly improved the pedestrian environment and increased the visibility and walkability for those who park in the campus periphery,” said Lance Broeking, director of UK Transportation Services and chair of the Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PAC).
This pedestrian enhancement is the latest in a series of projects undertaken by the PAC since its formation in August 2017. The committee spearheaded the all-way pedestrian scramble crosswalk at Prall Street, promoted the installation of raised crosswalks on Hilltop Avenue at the Rose Street Garage and on University Drive at Lewis Hall, and funded the installation of a series of raised crosswalks on Complex Drive.
The PAC has a number of infrastructure improvements planned for completion this summer, prior to the return of students in the fall. These projects will continue the momentum of pedestrian improvements created over the past year, by adding, improving and enhancing the pedestrian infrastructure in a variety of locations across campus.
For more information about the Pedestrian Advisory Committee, visit www.uky.edu/transportation/pedestrian.
Monday, May 14, 2018
FL workforce report cites projected growth in health care, construction
GENEVA — If you’re looking for a job in the Finger Lakes, the health care and construction industries are showing the most robust growth projections.
That’s according to a “State of the Workforce” report unveiled Friday. Finger Lakes Works enlisted the help of William Smith College senior Katherine Campbell, who over several months parsed data to provide a glimpse of local workforce trends. Campbell, an economics major and mathematics minor, presented her 61 pages of findings to local economic developers and employers, including representatives from Finger Lakes Community College, Eastview Mall, Lyons National Bank, the New York state Department of Labor, del Lago Resort & Casino and state Sen. Pam Helming’s office.
Demographically, Campbell noted that Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties all have poverty levels below the national average but on the flip side lag behind that national average in both median household and per capita income. Ontario County is also the only local county experiencing population growth.
Campbell used Bureau of Labor statistics data as well as data from a Monroe Community College analysis in the report.
“Health care exhibited huge growth in all four of the counties,” Campbell said. “I found health care was the most promising industry.”
Those on hand said that assessment mirrors national trends. Although Campbell said her research identified the most growth potential in the health care, construction and information fields in all four counties, current employment snapshots differ from county to county.
In Ontario, the largest employment sector is made up of health care jobs (16.23 percent), followed by retail (16.5 percent) and manufacturing (12.65 percent). Ontario County is home to Eastview Mall in Victor, likely accounting for retail’s strong showing.
In Seneca, manufacturing had the highest percentage of current jobs (19.1 percent), followed by retail (18.9 percent) and health care (9.1 percent). ITT Goulds Pumps and Waterloo Premium Outlets are in Seneca County.
In Wayne County, manufacturing had the largest percentage of current jobs (20 percent), followed by health care (11.7 percent) and retail (11.5 percent).
In Yates, health care led the way (16.1 percent), followed closely by manufacturing (15 percent) and retail (10 percent).
Campbell pointed out that the accommodations/food services sector had the greatest growth relative to its sector size in Ontario County. That also occurred in Seneca County, where data showed a huge jump consistent with the opening of del Lago Resort & Casino in Tyre just over a year ago (an increase of 1,370 jobs in that sector).
Karen Springmeier, executive director of Finger Lakes Works, noted that at a job fair held at Finger Lakes Community College last week, half of the employers on hand were associated with the health care field.
In an earlier interview, Springmeier noted how growth in the accommodations/food services area reflects how the Finger Lakes region is trying to enhance its tourism potential and becoming not just a winery destination but also a food technology corridor as well.
In addition to new restaurants, there is the example of gourmet-food delivery company RealEats choosing Geneva as its production base and Cheribundi evolving from a start-up at the Ag-Tech Park in Geneva then moving its production to the former Tops grocery store in the town. In Wayne County, Mott’s and Baldwin-Richardson Foods continue to be stalwart employers, she said.
Although the data point to declines in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, Springmeier said anecdotally there is still a demand for workers in those fields.
“When you talk to area manufacturers and agriculture people, they are in need of a skilled work force,” she said, noting Guardian Glass in Geneva is hiring. “Again, that’s where I think we have the skills gaps.”
About 10 years ago, Springmeier said manufacturers made up 26 percent of the region’s employers. Although that percentage may have decreased, the manufacturers here are still hiring and that field should not be discounted by job-seekers.
“It’s a good industry for people to get into because there’s growth opportunity and wage increases,” she said.
That sentiment was echoed by several on hand Friday when the report was released. Michael Manikowski, economic developer for Ontario County, said the number of manufacturing jobs may be shrinking long term, but there is a rising need for skilled works in that sector.
“Certainly we see that in my county for sure,” he said. “We need higher quality and less quantity.”
Campbell’s report also noted the strong wages in the manufacturing sector, although one person in the audience said that may be a factor of an older workforce with years of experience.
“I’d like to see what it looks like for people under 40,” he said.
Steve Griffin, CEO of the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center, wondered whether sometimes the four-counties’ data get lumped into a greater aggregate that consequently reinforces the perception that manufacturing is on a downward trend — because that’s not what he’s seeing in Yates County.
Manikowski said he was pleased to see the data reflect projected growth in the construction industry because that has been an area of emphasis among economic developers.
The report also provided data on educational demographics and Manikowski was heartened to see that 15 percent of Ontario County residents had earned an associate degree, well above the national average.
“They tend to stay and tend to contribute to our economy,” he said. “Retention is also important.”
That’s according to a “State of the Workforce” report unveiled Friday. Finger Lakes Works enlisted the help of William Smith College senior Katherine Campbell, who over several months parsed data to provide a glimpse of local workforce trends. Campbell, an economics major and mathematics minor, presented her 61 pages of findings to local economic developers and employers, including representatives from Finger Lakes Community College, Eastview Mall, Lyons National Bank, the New York state Department of Labor, del Lago Resort & Casino and state Sen. Pam Helming’s office.
Demographically, Campbell noted that Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties all have poverty levels below the national average but on the flip side lag behind that national average in both median household and per capita income. Ontario County is also the only local county experiencing population growth.
Campbell used Bureau of Labor statistics data as well as data from a Monroe Community College analysis in the report.
“Health care exhibited huge growth in all four of the counties,” Campbell said. “I found health care was the most promising industry.”
Those on hand said that assessment mirrors national trends. Although Campbell said her research identified the most growth potential in the health care, construction and information fields in all four counties, current employment snapshots differ from county to county.
In Ontario, the largest employment sector is made up of health care jobs (16.23 percent), followed by retail (16.5 percent) and manufacturing (12.65 percent). Ontario County is home to Eastview Mall in Victor, likely accounting for retail’s strong showing.
In Seneca, manufacturing had the highest percentage of current jobs (19.1 percent), followed by retail (18.9 percent) and health care (9.1 percent). ITT Goulds Pumps and Waterloo Premium Outlets are in Seneca County.
In Wayne County, manufacturing had the largest percentage of current jobs (20 percent), followed by health care (11.7 percent) and retail (11.5 percent).
In Yates, health care led the way (16.1 percent), followed closely by manufacturing (15 percent) and retail (10 percent).
Campbell pointed out that the accommodations/food services sector had the greatest growth relative to its sector size in Ontario County. That also occurred in Seneca County, where data showed a huge jump consistent with the opening of del Lago Resort & Casino in Tyre just over a year ago (an increase of 1,370 jobs in that sector).
Karen Springmeier, executive director of Finger Lakes Works, noted that at a job fair held at Finger Lakes Community College last week, half of the employers on hand were associated with the health care field.
In an earlier interview, Springmeier noted how growth in the accommodations/food services area reflects how the Finger Lakes region is trying to enhance its tourism potential and becoming not just a winery destination but also a food technology corridor as well.
In addition to new restaurants, there is the example of gourmet-food delivery company RealEats choosing Geneva as its production base and Cheribundi evolving from a start-up at the Ag-Tech Park in Geneva then moving its production to the former Tops grocery store in the town. In Wayne County, Mott’s and Baldwin-Richardson Foods continue to be stalwart employers, she said.
Although the data point to declines in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, Springmeier said anecdotally there is still a demand for workers in those fields.
“When you talk to area manufacturers and agriculture people, they are in need of a skilled work force,” she said, noting Guardian Glass in Geneva is hiring. “Again, that’s where I think we have the skills gaps.”
About 10 years ago, Springmeier said manufacturers made up 26 percent of the region’s employers. Although that percentage may have decreased, the manufacturers here are still hiring and that field should not be discounted by job-seekers.
“It’s a good industry for people to get into because there’s growth opportunity and wage increases,” she said.
That sentiment was echoed by several on hand Friday when the report was released. Michael Manikowski, economic developer for Ontario County, said the number of manufacturing jobs may be shrinking long term, but there is a rising need for skilled works in that sector.
“Certainly we see that in my county for sure,” he said. “We need higher quality and less quantity.”
Campbell’s report also noted the strong wages in the manufacturing sector, although one person in the audience said that may be a factor of an older workforce with years of experience.
“I’d like to see what it looks like for people under 40,” he said.
Steve Griffin, CEO of the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center, wondered whether sometimes the four-counties’ data get lumped into a greater aggregate that consequently reinforces the perception that manufacturing is on a downward trend — because that’s not what he’s seeing in Yates County.
Manikowski said he was pleased to see the data reflect projected growth in the construction industry because that has been an area of emphasis among economic developers.
The report also provided data on educational demographics and Manikowski was heartened to see that 15 percent of Ontario County residents had earned an associate degree, well above the national average.
“They tend to stay and tend to contribute to our economy,” he said. “Retention is also important.”
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Waikiki sidewalk construction project to begin in May
WAIKIKI (HawaiiNewsNow) - Sidewalk improvements will be performed along Kalakaua Avenue for 275 calendar days as part of a construction project in Waikiki.
Beginning May 1, construction crews will be working on Waikiki sidewalks from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. The project is slated to be completed in January of 2019.
The project will be carried out in chronological order starting at the area near the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, and ending at the area near the Aston Wakiki Beach Hotel.
The project will include the modification and addition of landscape strips, improving drainage, upgrading curb ramps, and repairing existing sidewalks, among other improvements. On-street parking will be prohibited during working hours, and drivers should anticipate delays due to detours, as well as lane closures.
Illegally parked vehicles in these areas may be towed at the owner's expense if necessary.
Beginning May 1, construction crews will be working on Waikiki sidewalks from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. The project is slated to be completed in January of 2019.
The project will be carried out in chronological order starting at the area near the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, and ending at the area near the Aston Wakiki Beach Hotel.
The project will include the modification and addition of landscape strips, improving drainage, upgrading curb ramps, and repairing existing sidewalks, among other improvements. On-street parking will be prohibited during working hours, and drivers should anticipate delays due to detours, as well as lane closures.
Illegally parked vehicles in these areas may be towed at the owner's expense if necessary.
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Strategic Oil & Gas Ltd. Announces New President & CEO
CALGARY, Alberta, April 23, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Strategic Oil & Gas Ltd. (“Strategic” or the “Company”) (TSXV:SOG) is pleased to announce that Tony Berthelet will be joining the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer and will join the Board of Directors effective May 21, 2018.
Mr. Berthelet most recently served as Vice-President, Development and Operations with an intermediate publicly-traded oil and gas company in Calgary. During his tenure Mr. Berthelet successfully led a technical team of 200 field and office staff responsible for light oil, heavy oil and waterflood development of various assets across Alberta. Mr. Berthelet has extensive experience with focused asset development, corporate strategy, implementing operational efficiencies and growing production and value from light oil plays.
Cody Smith, currently the Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of Strategic, will continue with the Company in his role as Chief Operating Officer, ensuring a seamless leadership transition.
ABOUT STRATEGIC
Strategic is a junior oil and gas company committed to becoming a premier northern oil and gas operator by exploiting its light oil assets primarily in northern Alberta. The Company maintains control over its resource base through high working interest ownership in wells, construction and operation of its own processing facilities and a significant undeveloped land and opportunity base. Strategic’s primary operating area is at Marlowe, Alberta. Strategic’s common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SOG.
https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/04/23/1485386/0/en/Strategic-Oil-Gas-Ltd-Announces-New-President-CEO.html
Cody Smith, currently the Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of Strategic, will continue with the Company in his role as Chief Operating Officer, ensuring a seamless leadership transition.
ABOUT STRATEGIC
Strategic is a junior oil and gas company committed to becoming a premier northern oil and gas operator by exploiting its light oil assets primarily in northern Alberta. The Company maintains control over its resource base through high working interest ownership in wells, construction and operation of its own processing facilities and a significant undeveloped land and opportunity base. Strategic’s primary operating area is at Marlowe, Alberta. Strategic’s common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SOG.
https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/04/23/1485386/0/en/Strategic-Oil-Gas-Ltd-Announces-New-President-CEO.html
Friday, May 11, 2018
Williams seeks FERC approval for Southeastern Trail expansion
Transco, a wholly owned subsidiary of Williams Partners LP, has filed an application with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission seeking authorization for its Southeastern Trail expansion project, which would create 296,375 dekatherms/day of additional firm transportation capacity to the US Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
Subject to FERC approval, the expansion project will consist of 7.7 miles of 42-in. pipeline looping facilities in Virginia, horsepower additions at existing compressor stations in Virginia, and piping and valve modifications on other existing facilities in South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana to allow for bidirectional flow.
Williams Partners has executed precedent agreements with utility and local distribution companies located in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia for firm transportation service under the project.
The company held an open season for the project last summer and executed long-term binding precedent agreements with five natural gas shippers for 100% of the firm transportation capacity.
The certificate application reflects an expected capital cost of $404.8 million and a target in-service commitment of Nov. 1, 2020.
https://www.ogj.com/articles/2018/04/williams-seeks-ferc-approval-for-southeastern-trail-expansion.html
Subject to FERC approval, the expansion project will consist of 7.7 miles of 42-in. pipeline looping facilities in Virginia, horsepower additions at existing compressor stations in Virginia, and piping and valve modifications on other existing facilities in South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana to allow for bidirectional flow.
Williams Partners has executed precedent agreements with utility and local distribution companies located in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia for firm transportation service under the project.
The company held an open season for the project last summer and executed long-term binding precedent agreements with five natural gas shippers for 100% of the firm transportation capacity.
The certificate application reflects an expected capital cost of $404.8 million and a target in-service commitment of Nov. 1, 2020.
https://www.ogj.com/articles/2018/04/williams-seeks-ferc-approval-for-southeastern-trail-expansion.html
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Lackawanna College and Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation celebrate fulfillment of $2.5 million endowment
Lackawanna College joined Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation for a Fourth Anniversary Celebration at POSH at the Scranton Club. The event honored the College’s four-year partnership with Cabot and the fulfillment of their $2.5 million endowment to Lackawanna College’s School of Petroleum & Natural Gas located in New Milford, Pa.
Senator John Blake and PA Representatives Marty Flynn, Sid Michaels Kavulich, and Johnathan Fritz attended the event. Cassandra Coleman, Director, Governor’s Northeast Regional Office, is also was in attendance.
The donation, announced April 11, 2014, marked the largest single private donation in the history of Lackawanna College and was fulfilled a year ahead of schedule.
“We are grateful to Cabot Oil & Gas for its support and commitment to our College, and the benefits specifically felt by our students. Cabot’s generous $2.5 million investment – the largest single ever received by Lackawanna College – has been a game-changer,” said Mark Volk, President of Lackawanna College. “Beyond the fiscal impact, their guidance, support, and access to industry leaders enabled us to create a world-class program that prepares our graduates using state-of-the art equipment to ensure that they are job-ready and fully qualified to meet the needs of the industry. Cabot’s foresight and support will positively affect the industry, the region, and our students for years to come.”
$1 million in funds were directed toward the College’s existing endowment to help meet the short-term and long-term needs of the school and to support student programs and scholarships. An additional $1.5 million was used for state-of-the-art equipment, training, staff and faculty development, and student interactive experiences and internships.
“Cabot is proud of its partnership with Lackawanna College School of Petroleum & Natural Gas and excited to have met our fundraising goal in four years. During this time the school transformed into a nationally recognized program but most impressive is the quality of the graduates making significant impacts across the Marcellus Shale play,” said George Stark, Director of External Affairs for Cabot.
The School of Petroleum & Natural Gas offers four associate degrees in Petroleum and Natural Gas Industrial Mechanics, Petroleum and Natural Gas Business Administration, Petroleum and Natural Gas Measurement, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Technology.
**In our photo- from left, Pa. Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich, District Director for U.S. Rep. Tom Marino Dave Weber, Pa. Rep. Marty Flynn, Lackawanna College President Mark Volk, Cabot Oil & Gas Director of External Affairs George Stark, Pa. Sen. John Blake, and Director of the Governor's Northeast Regional Office Cassanda Coleman.
http://www.pahomepage.com/community/lackawanna-college-and-cabot-oil-gas-corporation-celebrate-fulfillment-of-25-million-endowment/1119993232
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Houthi Missile Hits Saudi Oil Tanker
A Saudi oil tanker was targeted by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement on Tuesday afternoon local time off Yemen’s port of Hodeidah, sustaining minor damages and completing its course north, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya reported, citing the Arab coalition that is fighting the Houthis in Yemen.
One of the Saudi oil tankers was attacked west of Hodeidah, a port currently under Houthi control, Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led Arab coalition told Al Arabiya.
The attack was thwarted after one of the Arab coalition’s ships intercepted the attempt. Sustaining minor damage, the oil tanker completed its course accompanied by the coalition ship, Al Arabiya reports.
According to the Arab coalition, the port of Hodeidah is still being used as a launch pad for “terrorist operations” as well as missiles and weapons smuggling.
The Houthi Shiite rebel group is aligned with Iran and has been fighting a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen since 2015.
Houthi rebels have fired or claimed to have fired many missiles on Saudi Arabia since then, but they have caused little damage, and many of those missiles have been intercepted by the Saudi military.
At the end of last year, the Houthis threatened that they would start attacking oil tankers and warships sailing under enemy flag if the Gulf coalition fighting it in the country does not reopen its ports.
Yemen lies along one of the main global oil chokepoints in the Red Sea. Millions of barrels of crude oil pass Yemeni shores from the Suez Canal en route to Europe every day.
More recently, the Houthi movement claimed to have fired a ballistic missile targeting Saudi Aramco in the southern Saudi province of Najran two weeks ago. Aramco responded to the reports by saying that all oil and gas facilities, plants, and refineries in Saudi Arabia were operating normally.
Missile strikes from Yemen to populated areas in Saudi Arabia continued at the end of last month.
Human Rights Watch said on Monday that “Houthi forces in Yemen violated the laws of war by launching ballistic missiles indiscriminately at populated areas in Saudi Arabia on March 25, 2018.”
“But just as unlawful coalition airstrikes don’t justify the Houthi’s indiscriminate attacks, the Saudis can’t use Houthi rockets to justify impeding life-saving goods for Yemen’s civilian population,” Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said yesterday.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Utility Regulators Want Review Of Vermont Gas Pipeline Construction
The Vermont Public Utility Commission wants an independent investigation into allegations of shoddy construction of the Addison natural gas pipeline.
In an order released on Wednesday, the commission noted that Vermont Gas Systems — which built the 41 mile project — has already agreed to an outside review of its construction practices.
Rachel Smolker, a project opponent from Hinesburg, pored over state records and the company’s own documents to raise many of the concerns, including improper construction techniques and a failure to document safe construction practices. She was pleased by the commission’s order.
“We’re very grateful and that’s exactly what we asked for. And that is what makes sense,” she said. “The concerns about construction that we brought to the PUC’s attention are multiple and they represent compounded risks that the public shouldn’t have to bear the burden of.”
Vermont Gas spokeswoman Beth Parent says the pipeline is safe, but that the company welcomes the review.
“We've heard the concerns and right now we're focused on how we can support an expert outside review so we can move forward,” she said.
The 41-mile pipeline has seen cost overruns and legal challenges since it was first approved in 2013.
In February, the Department of Public Service recommended a $25,000 fine because workers allegedly laid the pipe in some areas directly on the ground in a trench instead of on a layer of sand needed for protection and to prevent corrosion. The department also sought additional testing to ensure safety.
The Public Utility Commission suspended that enforcement case while the independent review takes place.
Monday, May 7, 2018
Worker killed at Wynn Boston Harbor casino construction site
A worker died after a job-site accident Tuesday at Wynn Boston Harbor, where federal construction safety authorities have three open investigations involving injuries.
Joe Teixeira, 56, of Seekonk, a four-year employee of J. Derenzo Co., was operating an excavator when a piece of heavy construction material fell on the vehicle’s cab. Teixeira was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he died.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we learn of the loss of longtime J. Derenzo Co. employee and friend, Joe Teixeira, resulting from injuries sustained at the Wynn Boston jobsite,” said Jessica Tocco, a Derenzo spokeswoman. “Our deepest-felt thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family, friends and co-workers, as well as everyone impacted by this incident. We offer our condolences and support in the aftermath of this tragic event.”
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident, along with three other open cases. Last month, a worker was injured when a scissor lift tipped over, and in January a worker fell down an elevator shaft. Late last year, a worker was hit by an excavator bucket.
Another case was closed after OSHA investigators found no violations.
The $2.4-billion Everett casino project is the largest private construction development in state history, officials have said, with approximately 1,500 workers on-site every day. Workers have logged more than 2.3 million hours so far.
At the site yesterday, workers continued construction. Wynn spokesman Greg John said work has continued after the accident, and said there will not be any delay in the opening date, scheduled for June 24, 2019. Wynn executives told construction supervisors about the death in a meeting this morning, and some held a moment of silence.
“It could happen to any of us,” said one worker, who declined to give his name. “He was doing what he’s done for years.”
Another worker said accidents are part of the job.
“There’s hazards in all this stuff,” he said.
Last year, 21 construction workers were killed on the job in Massachusetts, according to MassCOSH, an occupational safety advocacy group.
The project is embroiled in controversy following media reports earlier this year about alleged sexual misconduct by since-deposed Wynn Resorts mogul Steve Wynn. The state Gaming Commission is re-investigating Wynn in light of the allegations, as well hefty settlements that were undisclosed in the original background check.
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/04/worker_killed_at_wynn_boston_harbor_casino_construction_site
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Big Oil Shuns Unexplored Acreage In Largest U.S Oil & Gas Lease Sale
The world’s biggest oil companies preferred to bid on areas close to existing infrastructure and largely stayed out of unexplored acreage in last month’s lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico, which drew bids on just 1 percent of the total area up for grabs, despite the U.S. Administration touting it as the largest oil and gas lease sale in U.S. history.
The lease sale offered 77.3 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico comprised of 14,431 blocks. The number of blocks that received bids was 148—just 1 percent of the blocks offered. The sum of high bids was US$124.8 million, with bids totaling US$139 million.
The top companies based on the total number of high bids submitted ranked as follows: BP, Chevron, Shell, Total, and Hess Corporation, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) said. In terms of the single highest bids, Total led the ranking, followed by Shell and Chevron.
“Today’s lease sale is yet another step our nation has taken to achieve economic security and energy dominance,” Interior Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Joe Balash said after the lease sale.
However, according to a Reuters analysis on the areas and bids, Big Oil was targeting mostly areas very close to existing infrastructure to maximize the discovery potential and minimize development costs of a potential discovery. Out of the 105 new U.S. leases in the Gulf of Mexico at water depths of more than 656 feet, 85 leases were adjacent to existing leased acreage or platforms, while another 17 leases lie within two miles from existing infrastructure or leases, the analysis showed.
Both BP and Shell told Reuters that with this lease sale they were targeting acreage close to their respective facilities and production in order to build onto their existing acreage.
The focus on highly developed areas in this lease sale highlights the trend that companies are not yet willing to splash money on prospecting in far-off and unexplored areas, just as they started to generate more cash and profits after the downturn.
“Spending a lot of money to prospect is probably not going to be looked upon with favor by investors,” Michael Cohen, director of commodity research at Barclays, told Reuters.
However, according to a Reuters analysis on the areas and bids, Big Oil was targeting mostly areas very close to existing infrastructure to maximize the discovery potential and minimize development costs of a potential discovery. Out of the 105 new U.S. leases in the Gulf of Mexico at water depths of more than 656 feet, 85 leases were adjacent to existing leased acreage or platforms, while another 17 leases lie within two miles from existing infrastructure or leases, the analysis showed.
Both BP and Shell told Reuters that with this lease sale they were targeting acreage close to their respective facilities and production in order to build onto their existing acreage.
The focus on highly developed areas in this lease sale highlights the trend that companies are not yet willing to splash money on prospecting in far-off and unexplored areas, just as they started to generate more cash and profits after the downturn.
“Spending a lot of money to prospect is probably not going to be looked upon with favor by investors,” Michael Cohen, director of commodity research at Barclays, told Reuters.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Russia Considers $50B Investment In Iranian Oil & Gas
Russian energy companies could spend as much as US$50 billion on oil and gas exploration in Iran, a presidential aide told media.
Yuri Ushakov said companies including Rosneft, Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, Lukoil, Zarubezhneft, and Tatneft were “systemically working on development of fields in Iran.”
The official’s comments come after Zarubezhneft became the second company—after French Total—to sign the new petroleum contract devised by Tehran to lure international oil and gas companies back into its oil and gas.
Zarubezhneft will invest US$740 million in the development of two oil fields in western Iran—Aban and West Paydar—with plans to boost production to 105 million barrels over a period of 10 years.
Last year, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said the company was willing to sign up for several projects in Iran and invest around US$6 billion in their development. In February, it inked a deal with local IDRO Oil to present a joint bid for a third field, Susangerd, in southwest Iran.
During a visit of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in Iran last November, the two countries signed six preliminary agreements on oil and gas projects that would see up to US$30 billion in Russian investments flow into Iran’s energy industry.
Russia is a natural partner for Iran in energy, unlike Western oil supermajors that are wary of investing in the country over fears that Washington may reimpose economic sanctions that could force them to abandon any deals struck with the country.
Total has been an exception, becoming the first Western company to re-enter Iran’s oil and gas industry after sanctions were lifted in 2016, agreeing last year to invest US$1 billion in the development of the huge South Pars gas field. At the time, Washington had extended a sanction waiver for Iran. Now that the threat of sanctions has again reared its head, Total plans to request a waiver, chief executive Patrick Pouyanne said recently.
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Russia-Considers-50B-Investment-In-Iranian-Oil-Gas.html
Friday, May 4, 2018
U.K. construction PMI falls sharply
LONDON--Business activity in the U.K.'s construction sector dropped in March following five months of marginal growth, a survey showed Wednesday.
Financial-information company IHS Markit said its purchasing managers' index for the construction industry fell to 47.0 in March, down from 51.4 a month earlier.
The 50-point mark separates expansion from contraction.
"Total construction output fell at the fastest pace since July 2016, driven by the sharpest reduction in civil-engineering activity for five years and a renewed fall in commercial work," Tim Moore, associate director at IHS Markit, said.
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/uk-construction-pmi-falls-sharply-2018-04-04-44855215
Financial-information company IHS Markit said its purchasing managers' index for the construction industry fell to 47.0 in March, down from 51.4 a month earlier.
The 50-point mark separates expansion from contraction.
"Total construction output fell at the fastest pace since July 2016, driven by the sharpest reduction in civil-engineering activity for five years and a renewed fall in commercial work," Tim Moore, associate director at IHS Markit, said.
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/uk-construction-pmi-falls-sharply-2018-04-04-44855215
Thursday, May 3, 2018
The Oil & Gas Technology Centre trials autonomous offshore robot
The Oil & Gas Technology Centre is set to trial an autonomous robot on French energy company Total E&P’s onshore Shetland Gas Plant before being used on its offshore Alwyn platform.
It is hoped that the robot, which will be used for autonomous operational inspections, will improve safety, enhance productivity and reduce costs.
The project sees Austrian robot specialist taurob and Germany’s Technische University join The Oil & Gas Technology Centre and Total E&P in a partnership to use an autonomous ground robot for the first time on an operational oil and gas installation.
“We are on the cusp of delivering technology that will improve safety, reduce costs and even prolong the life of North Sea operations,” said Total E&P UK head of technology & innovation Dave Mackinnon. “Robots represent an exciting new paradigm for the oil and gas offshore industry and Total is proud to be part of it.”
The trial is a result of Total’s Autonomous Robots for Gas and Oil Sites (ARGOS) challenge, which was launched in 2017 with the aim of developing an autonomous robot that can perform routine tasks and respond to challenges in an oil and gas operational environment.
“After winning the ARGOS Challenge we are excited to enter the industrialisation phase together with Total and the Oil & Gas Technology Centre,” said taurob managing director Matthias Biegl.
“During the next 18 months our ATEX certified and autonomous robot will be further enhanced to be eventually deployed on an offshore platform in the North Sea”
Under the pilot scheme, the robot will initially be deployed at Total’s Shetland gas plant before being sent to join the 120 workers on the company’s Alwyn platform.
The robot is certified to work in gas environments without risk of ignition and can perform visual inspections, read dials, level gauges and valve positions, navigate through narrow pathways and up and down stairs, measure temperature and gas concentration, and detect and navigate around obstacles and humans.
During the 18-month project the partnership will develop a further two versions of the successful ARGOS robot that are more robust and reliable, have improved functionality and can be operated by workers offshore without the requirement for onsite robotics experts.
The Oil & Gas Technology Centre’s asset integrity solution centre manager Rebecca Allison said: “Robotics has the potential to transform the offshore oil and gas industry. We have countless repetitive, dirty and potentially dangerous tasks carried out every day.
“Integrating robots for these tasks will help upskill our workforce and improve the quality of the jobs. Projects like this will help inspire and attract the next generation oil and gas workforce.”
https://www.offshore-technology.com/news/oil-gas-technology-centre-trials-autonomous-offshore-robot/
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Va. transportation officials: Distracted driving an ‘epidemic’
WASHINGTON — There were 843 traffic deaths in Virginia last year, and officials point to an alarming trend in the circumstances surrounding those fatal crashes.
“Distracted driving is just as dangerous as drinking and driving in the commonwealth,” said Virginia Deputy Transportation Secretary Quintin Elliott at a Commonwealth Transportation Board meeting last month.
There were 248 deaths linked to drunk driving in Virginia last year. There were 208 fatalities resulting from crashes in which distracted driving was determined to be a factor, but officials think the actual number is more grim.
“Distracted driving is becoming a serious epidemic as it relates to safety on our roadways. And 208 are only the numbers that [police] could identify. As we all know, that number is probably much higher,” Elliott said.
In 2017, more than 15,000 injuries came from the 26,000-plus crashes that involved “self-reported” distracted driving, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles said. The real number of causalities remains unclear.
“There’s no way for us to tell. There’s no standardized field sobriety test for distracted driving,” said Deputy DMV Commissioner George Bishop.
Bishop said that unless swift action is taken, he believes the number of deaths linked to driver distraction will surpass alcohol-related traffic deaths in the near future.
With the number of crashes found to involve driver distraction continuing to rise, the Virginia DMV is partnering with public safety and homeland security officials to curb the upward trend in traffic fatalities.
“Awareness of the issue really is one small way that we’re trying to combat distracted driving. … We’re fighting against a very strong impulse, which is the impulse to pick up that phone,” Bishop said.
Legislation introduced in 2017 authorized the DMV commissioner to begin offering license plates that support highway safety, with a focus on distracted driving. An awareness campaign late last year aimed at high school students generated nearly 200 design submissions for the new plates. The winner will be announced on April 18 in conjunction with Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Through April, a statewide safety campaign aims to curb traffic fatalities.
During the second week of the month, variable electronic message signs will flash messages reminding drivers to drive safely and courteously through work zones. Virginia State Police also plan to enhance enforcement in a number of long-term work zones on interstate highways late in the week. Twelve people were killed in work zone crashes in 2017.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
U.S. construction spending barely rises in February
The Commerce Department said on Monday construction spending edged up 0.1 percent after being unchanged in January.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast construction spending accelerating 0.5 percent in February. Construction spending increased 3.0 percent on a year-on-year basis.
February’s marginal increase in construction spending could have implications for first-quarter gross domestic product growth estimates, which are mostly below a 2 percent annualized rate.
In February, spending on public construction projects tumbled 2.1 percent, almost reversing January’s 2.3 percent rise. February’s drop was the largest since June 2017.
Spending on federal government construction projects plunged 11.9 percent, the biggest decline since October 2004, after surging 13.4 percent in January.
State and local government construction outlays fell 1.0 percent after rising 1.3 percent in January.
Spending on private construction projects increased 0.7 percent after falling 0.7 percent in January. Outlays on private residential projects edged up 0.1 percent to the highest level since January 2007. They rose 0.1 percent in January.
Spending on nonresidential structures rebounded 1.5 percent in February after dropping 1.7 percent in the prior month.
February’s marginal increase in construction spending could have implications for first-quarter gross domestic product growth estimates, which are mostly below a 2 percent annualized rate.
In February, spending on public construction projects tumbled 2.1 percent, almost reversing January’s 2.3 percent rise. February’s drop was the largest since June 2017.
Spending on federal government construction projects plunged 11.9 percent, the biggest decline since October 2004, after surging 13.4 percent in January.
State and local government construction outlays fell 1.0 percent after rising 1.3 percent in January.
Spending on private construction projects increased 0.7 percent after falling 0.7 percent in January. Outlays on private residential projects edged up 0.1 percent to the highest level since January 2007. They rose 0.1 percent in January.
Spending on nonresidential structures rebounded 1.5 percent in February after dropping 1.7 percent in the prior month.
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