API: Obama's Jobs Plan a 'Missed Opportunity'

- API: Obama's Jobs Plan a 'Missed Opportunity'

Friday, September 09, 2011
American Petroleum Institute

API President and CEO Jack Gerard called the president's jobs plan a 'missed opportunity' and said the oil and natural gas industry could create more than a million new jobs for Americans and more revenue for our government with a few sensible changes in national energy policy.

"The president missed an opportunity to pick the low hanging fruit of job creation," said Gerard. "Allowing the responsible development of more of America's vast domestic oil and natural gas resources could generate more than one million new jobs in just seven years, with thousands of shovel-ready jobs that could be created almost immediately."

Gerard cited a study released this week by Wood Mackenzie (PDF file), sponsored by API, that shows the oil and natural gas industry can create 1.4 million additional jobs and more than $800 billion in additional government revenue by 2030.

"Raising taxes on an industry that already contributes more than $86 million every day to the federal government takes us in the wrong direction," Gerard said. "It could put American jobs at risk, decrease oil and natural gas production, harm millions of retirees who rely on income from energy companies, and actually reduce revenue to the government over time."

The oil and natural gas industry actually created jobs in August, a month when there were zero net jobs created in the overall economy, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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API: Policy Shift Could Create 1.4 Million New Jobs

- API: Policy Shift Could Create 1.4 Million New Jobs

Wednesday, September 07, 2011
American Petroleum Institute

U.S. oil and natural gas policy changes could generate more than 1.4 million new jobs, $800 billion in additional government revenue, and 10 million barrels worth of added daily oil and natural gas production by 2030, according to a study by Wood Mackenzie released Wednesday by API. New jobs could be added in every state.

"Our industry has kept more than 9 million Americans employed through some of the toughest economic times in America's history, and we created thousands of jobs just last month," said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. "The study shows we could provide another 1.4 million jobs, with as many as one million created in just the next 7 years, and thousands of shovel-ready jobs available next year. It's time our national energy policy let America take advantage of this opportunity."

"The creation of these jobs is within the president's control," Gerard added. "The policy changes involve actions he can take unilaterally. They do not require a super committee of Congress, and they do not require new legislation."

The policy changes include opening non-park federal onshore and offshore areas to development where now prohibited, returning permitting in the Gulf of Mexico to historical levels, approving the Keystone XL and other pipelines, and establishing a regulatory environment that permits full development of the nation's oil and gas resources, including those locked in shale formations.

U.S. oil and natural gas consumption would not necessarily increase as a result, according to API. The changes would allow America to produce at home a much larger percentage of the oil and natural gas it consumes, reducing imports. "If the full potential of domestic oil and gas production could be achieved while also increasing imports of Canadian oil, all of America's liquid fuels could come from secure North American sources within 15 years," Gerard said.

Wood Mackenzie is a Scotland-headquartered consulting firm with extensive experience analyzing oil and natural gas industry issues. API sponsored the study.

API represents more than 480 oil and natural gas companies, leaders of a technology-driven industry that supplies most of America's energy, supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers more than $86 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested more than $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.

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Brazil's Pre-Salt Reserves to Boost Latin American Oil Production Growth

- Brazil's Pre-Salt Reserves to Boost Latin American Oil Production Growth

Friday, August 19, 2011
Rigzone Staff
by Karen Boman

Brazilian state energy company Petrobras' plans to develop its offshore pre-salt oil reserves will contribute in part to what Barclays Capital calls a "sizable upward shift" in hydrocarbons production through 2011 through 2020, according to Barclays' Global Energy Outlook. Brazil and Colombia are expected to experience increases hydrocarbons production during that time period, most concentrated in oil versus natural gas, Barclays noted.

Petrobras has unveiled plans to spend US $127.5 billion, or 57 percent of the resources under Petrobras' 2011-2015 Business Plan of US $224.7 billion, on exploration and production efforts. The company plans to increase total oil and gas output from 2.7 million boe/d in Brazil and abroad to 4 million in 2015 and 6.4 million in 2020.

Pre-salt output alone will add up to nearly 2 million boe/d in 2020, pushing the pre-salt's contribution to production from two percent today to 18 percent in 2015 and 40.5 percent by 2020. Petrobras will achieve this growth by setting up 30 extended well tests over the next five years, including 20 in the pre-salt cluster, and 10 in the post-salt area. Additionally, the company will spend US $1.3 billion per year on technology, which will include funding for efforts explore new frontiers, oil recovery and develop a new generation of offshore and undersea production systems.

Petrobras last month also confirmed the commercial potential of its Lula discovery in the pre-salt Santos Basin in water depths ranging from 6,890 feet to 7, 218 feet. Lula produced 28,436 b/d, according to Subsea IQ, and is the first well to produce from Brazil's high touted pre-salt offshore reserves. The well is interconnected to Cidade de Angra dos Reis FPSO and is the first of six production wells to be connected to the FPSO. Petrobras expects for the FPSO to produce around 100,000 b/d d throughout 2012.

Other companies are seeing significant potential in Brazil's pre-salt area. BG Group in June upgraded its estimate of its pre-salt Santos Basin interests to some 6 billion Boe net to BG Group with an upside potential of 8 billion BOE net. The new estimates results from the company's internal analysis of data gathered from drilling, appraisal and other data, including data collected from 29 wells drilled in BG's existing discoveries.

"Robust economics and solid progress with the fast-track development program will see gross installed production capacity rising steadily to reach more than 2.3 million boe per day by 2017," said BG Group Chief Executive Sir Frank Chapman.

Other companies active offshore Brazil include OGX, which has identified the presence of hydrocarbons in the Santonian section of well 1-OGX-47-RJS in the BM-S-59 block in the shallow waters of the Santos Basin, according to Subsea IQ. The operator found a hydrocarbon column of about 430 feet in sandstone reservoirs of the Santonian section with about 167 feet of net pay. The OGX-47 well, named Maceio, lies about 68 miles off the coast of Rio de Janeiro in a water depth of 607 feet. The Ocean Quest semisub drilled the well.

Chevron reported last month that it plans to drill a well later this year in the pre-salt section beneath its Frade field offshore Brazil. The company will drill the well using Transocean semisubmersible Sedco 706, according to RigLogix. "If successful, we'll be in a great position to take advantage of our existing production facilities," said George Kirkland, vice chairman and EVP of Global Upstream and Gas at Chevron.

Petrobras' ambitious drilling plans include constructing newbuild rigs within Brazil; these plans make it likely that service companies will beef up investments in Brazil to meet their customers' needs. National Oilwell Varco (NOV) this week signed contracts to supply drilling equipment packages for seven drillships to Estaleiro Atlantico Sul, including drilling riser and pressure control equipment. The value, over the term of the deliveries, is approximately $1.5 billion. Pete Miller, Chairman, President and CEO of National Oilwell Varco, said the company is investing heavily in Brazil to manufacture more of the products and technologies National Oilwell Varco provides to its oil and gas customers, and to service the rapidly growing installed base of NOV drilling equipment in the region.

Sedco 706

The significant distance at which pre-salt reserves lie offshore Brazil means that operators will likely continue to favor floating production systems as field development solutions. Brazilian waters will be the most active region for future floating production projects, with 50 potential floater projects in the planning cycle, according to a recent report by International Maritime Associates Inc. Of the 50 potential projects, 26 are planned for ultra-deepwater, or water depths greater than 4,921 feet; five are planned for deepwater, or water depths between 3,280 feet and 4,921 feet, and 19 for water depths less than 3,280 feet.

Keppel Shipyard is on track to complete the modification and upgrade of FPSO OSX-1, the first floating production storage and offloading FPSO unit for OSX Brazil S.A. Chartered to OGX Petroleo e Gas Participacoes S.A., the FPSO will be deployed in the Waimea field in the Campos Basin offshore Brazil. The FPSO is expected to leave Keppel in this year's third quarter; production is expected to begin in this year's last quarter at a rate of up to 20,000 b/d from the OGX-26 well.

OGX in June unveiled its business plan related to discoveries in the Campos and Parnaibas basins. Waimea and the Waikiki production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2013. In 2013, the company expects to have three Floating Production Storage Offloading FPSOs (OSX-1, OSX-2 and OSX-3) and two Wellhead Platforms "WHPs" (WHP-1 and WHP-2) in place with a total of ten horizontal production wells onstream in these two projects. OGX expects to achieve 150,000 b/d of production from the Campos Basin in 2013 in these two production complexes from 10 horizontal wells producing an average of 15,000 b/d each.

The gas production ramp-up in the Parnaíba Basin is expected to begin in the second half of 2012. OGX has one project covering two accumulations in the PN-T-68 block, which is 46.7% owned by OGX, and is expected to achieve gross production of 5.7 million m3 of natural gas per day (approximately 200 MMcf/d), or approximately 36,000 BOE/d in 2013 (approximately 15,000 BOE/d net to OGX).

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American Petro-Hunter Starts Drill Site Ops at N. Oklahoma Proj.

- American Petro-Hunter Starts Drill Site Ops at N. Oklahoma Proj.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011
American Petro-Hunter Inc.

American Petro-Hunter announced that drill site operations have commenced in preparation for the next horizontal oil well at the Company's North Oklahoma Mississippi Project development.

Site arrangements are underway including permitting and requisite documentation in advance of the spud of the newly designated NOW-2H well. The directional drilling contractor has been secured and the Company expects a spud date shortly.

The well is a direct offset to the NOM-1H well, which began production in July and will involve a similar lateral drilling operation into the recently discovered Mississippi reservoir. The Company has purchased full working interest participation in up to 11 additional horizontal wells within the play with the NOW-2H becoming the 2nd well implemented under the planned development program.

The leases in the horizontal play are being developed on 80 acre parcels, however the well spacing will be evaluated after each well is put into production for a period of 30-45 days prior to engineering any additional infill wells. This prudently engineered plan will ensure the maintenance of reservoir integrity over the life of the proposed 24 month drilling schedule. The program is envisioned to involve the drilling of approximately one horizontal Mississippi formation well every 30 to 60 days.

Given the dramatically increased levels of activity in the area, rig availability has become a key scheduling issue. As a result, the Company and partners have accelerated the spud date of the NOW-2H and have further determined that the previously announced vertical NOS-2-22 required a shift to October based on current rig logistics which ultimately provides greater overall benefits allowing for improved operational efficiency across both wells.

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Venezuela to Compensate American Oil Companies for Nationalization?

- Venezuela to Compensate American Oil Companies for Nationalization?

Thursday, August 04, 2011
OilPrice.com
by John Daly

If Cuba's Fidel Castro is America's favorite Latin American bête noire, then Venezuela's Hugo Chavez qualifies as Washington's reigning Prince of Darkness.

In 1960, Fidel Castro nationalized US business interests without compensation, bringing down on impoverished benighted country 51 years of sanctions that continue to the present day.

Similarly, four years ago Chavez completed the nationalization of foreign oil interests, transferring their shares to the state-owned petroleum company Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., more commonly referred to by its acronym PDVSA.

The screaming was heard echoing through the boardrooms and canyons of Wall Street.

Now the picture appears to be shifting, as Venezuelan Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez told reporters this week, "We've never said we wouldn't pay" the two U.S. multinational corporations Exxon-Mobil and Conoco-Phillips, "the only two that didn't accept our laws and didn't accept (the terms of a compensation deal for confiscated assets) and took the dispute to the World Bank's International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes, or ICSID."

As Ramirez is also the president of PDVSA, his comments should not be taken lightly. Ramirez added that the arbitration processes "are moving forward and we have to defend ourselves because those mechanisms are so perverse that if you don't show up they execute you."

Venezuela's oil industry had been under private control until 1974, when Venezuela nationalized it, setting up PDVSA. Venezuela's oil production is centered in the Orinoco Oil Belt, which analysts believe contains the world's largest reserves of extra-heavy oil, with an estimated 300 billion recoverable barrels.

In the 1990s PDVSA began a so-called "oil opening," where it allowed more and more foreign private companies to extract oil, via majority shares in joint ventures and the operating agreements.

In February 2007 Chavez announced a new law-decree to nationalize the last remaining oil production sites that are under foreign company control, to take effect on 1 May, allowing the foreign companies to negotiate the nationalization terms. Under the new regulations, the earlier joint ventures, involving ExxonMobil, ChevronTexaco, Statoil, ConocoPhillips, and BP, were transformed give PDVSA a minimum 60 percent stake. The process completed a government initiative begun in 2005, when the Chavez administration transformed earlier "operating agreements" in Venezuela's older oil fields into joint ventures with a wide variety of foreign companies. Thirty out of 32 such operating agreements were transformed by the end of 2005 - only two challenged the transition in court, and no guesses as to who the companies were. Most foreign companies accepted the new arrangements, including Chevron, Statoil, Total and BP, but ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips refused

Ramirez had not referred to the compensation issue since expressing confidence last November when he averred that Venezuela would emerge victorious in the arbitration proceedings, saying then that the multinational companies' aspirations were "unreasonable."

If not "unreasonable," then certainly "greedy," as according to media reports, Exxon-Mobil alone is demanding compensation ranging from between $7 and 12 billion.

Ramirez said that said Venezuela scored a victory at the Washington-based ICSID in June 2010, when the World Bank tribunal unanimously ruled that it did not have jurisdiction over any dispute that dated back prior to 2006.

When Chavez's government was sued before the ICSID for its 2007 nationalization policies ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips not only demanded compensation for seized assets, but also refunds for higher taxes and royalties paid prior to 2006.

Sure gonna be interesting to watch.

(John Daly is an energy and geopolitical specialist with OilPrice.com. The full article is available here.)

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Nordic American Tankers Expands Fleet by 27%

- Nordic American Tankers Expands Fleet by 27%

Friday, July 29, 2011
Nordic American Tankers Ltd.

Nordic American Tankers announced that Nordic Breeze, the first of the two vessels under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., is expected to be delivered to the Company August 23, 2011. This is more than one month earlier than expected.

The second vessel, Nordic Zenith, is expected to be delivered to the Company in the latter part of October 2011 which also is well in advance of the original schedule.

Both vessels are fully financed, and no equity offering is under planning.

Following the delivery of Nordic Breeze and Nordic Zenith, the Company has increased its trading fleet by 27% during 2011, from 15 vessels in 4Q 2010 to 19 vessels in 4Q 2011 -- all suezmax vessels of about 150,000 dwt each -- thereby bolstering the dividend and earnings capacity correspondingly.

As previously advised the market, the dividend and earnings report (including the dividend amount per share) for the second quarter 2011 will be published Monday August 8, 2011 before the opening of the New York Stock Exchange. Dividend will be paid August 31, 2011 to shareholders of record August 19, 2011.

Herbjørn Hansson, the Company's Chairman & CEO, commented, "Going forward, Nordic American is continuously seeking to expand its dividend and earnings capacity through further acquisitions; when the timing is right. Nordic American has ample financial resources and a strong balance sheet. After the delivery of the two Samsung vessels our net debt will still be very small. I am pleased that we will receive the vessels from Samsung earlier than planned, which is a clear advantage."

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American Eagle Energy Charges Ahead

- American Eagle Energy Charges Ahead

Friday, July 29, 2011
American Eagle Energy Inc.

American Eagle Energy provided a general operations update on the Company's projects. The Company's proposed merger with Eternal Energy Corp. continues to progress, subject to the completion of remaining, standard regulatory and administrative processes. American Eagle's individual project updates include:

Hardy Field, Saskatchewan, Canada

The first development well in the field, Hardy S HZ 1A4-16-4B4-9-4-21W2, was drilled and cased in May, 2011. Completion plans included a 29-stage fracture stimulation of the Bakken horizontal well that placed a total of 429,000 pounds of sand and 6,400 barrels of water in the 1370 meter lateral section. The well is currently being evaluated and is projected to be placed on pump in the first week of August. Additional locations are being considered for the 2011 drilling program pending the outcome of the well testing. The existing producing well, Hardy S Re 2D7-9-3D2-16-4-21W2, continues to average approximately 40 BOPD.

Spyglass Project, Divide County, ND

The Spyglass Project is a Bakken and Three Forks play in northern Divide County, North Dakota. The first closing of the sale of half of the respective working interests in the Spyglass Project by American Eagle, and its proposed merger partner Eternal Energy Corp., to a third party occurred on May 26, 2011. The first transaction netted approximately $7.165 million divided equally between American Eagle and Eternal Energy. The previously announced second closing is now scheduled for August 2, 2011, and relates to the potential sale of an undivided 50% interest in approximately 800 additional net acres for roughly $700,000. In addition, the Company will complete the closing on the sale of an undivided 50% interest in 227 net acres for approximately $200,000 from the original closing. The proceeds from both of these subsequent closings will be divided equally between American Eagle and Eternal Energy

American Eagle and Eternal Energy requested regulatory approval for six 1,280-acre spacing units in an area of the Spyglass Project in which they expect to operate. Well permitting for two company-operated horizontal wells in these spacing units has started with the intention of drilling them in late 2011.

Approximately 5,000 acres of additional leasehold has been acquired in the western portion of the Spyglass project through purchase of two land packages and ongoing leasing efforts.

American Eagle and Eternal Energy have participated in drilling of three outside-operated wells in the second quarter of 2011 that are pending completion. One of these wells, fracture stimulated in mid-July, is the second offsetting Three Forks well to yield average flowing rates above 500 BOPD. The other two are expected to be fracture stimulated in August. American Eagle and Eternal Energy have elected to participate in 4 additional wells, with working interests ranging from 4.19% to 7.03%, operated by Crescent Point Energy Corp., SM Energy Company, and Samson Resources Company that are expected to be drilled in the current quarter.

Glacier Project, Glacier & Toole Counties, MT

The American Eagle Glacier Project is located in Montana portion of the Alberta Bakken play. The Company and its two partners control Bakken/Three Forks rights in slightly over 75,000 net acres.

Two vertical evaluation wells were drilled during the second quarter of 2011.

The FX 81-3 well was drilled to evaluate the Banff, Bakken, Three Forks, Nisku and Devonian Formations by deepening an existing well in the Southwest Cut Bank Sand Unit where American Eagle and its partners, FX Energy and Big Sky Operating, own a controlling interest in approximately 10,000 net acres about 6 to 10 miles southeast of multiple vertical and horizontal wells being completed by both Rosetta Resources, Inc and Newfield Exploration Company. The 81-3 well encountered oil shows in the Banff, Bakken and Three Forks and is scheduled to be fracture stimulated in August.

The FX American Eagle Big Sky 14-29 well was drilled in May as the first earning well associated with a large farm-in block east of the Cut Bank well structurally higher on the Kevin Sunburst Dome. A core of the Bakken and Three Forks encountered excellent oil saturation within a thick section including the Middle Bakken and Three Forks. The 14-29 well is scheduled to be fracture stimulated in August.

A third vertical assessment well is currently expected to be drilled in September, 2011 to evaluate the eastern portion of the Company's leasehold. Depending upon the results of the testing of the vertical wells, one or more horizontal wells are projected to be drilled during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Benrude Project, Roosevelt County, MT

The Benrude Project is high-impact Nisku Formation development project in Montana. A contract with Dawson Geophysical was signed for a focused 3-D seismic survey designed to optimize the structural location for the proposed development well. After acquiring and analyzing the seismic data, the new well is currently expected to be drilled in early 2012.

Richard Findley, the Company's Chief Executive Officer stated, "American Eagle has made significant progress on several of our projects despite the operational constraints associated with the exceptionally wet spring and high activity levels in these areas. The drilling of our Hardy and Glacier wells represents major steps forward for both of these projects and the consummation of several acreage acquisitions bodes well for future growth potential of the Company. The non-operated production results in Spyglass provide significant confirmation of the high potential of the Spyglass Project and furthers our efforts to build solid cash-flow and reserves as we move our focus towards company-operated drilling of our higher interest wells"

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American Petro-Hunter Outlines Upcoming Drilling in Ok.

- American Petro-Hunter Outlines Upcoming Drilling in Ok.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011
American Petro-Hunter Inc.

American Petro-Hunter provided an outline of plans for the next two wells to be drilled at the Company's field development program at the North Oklahoma Project. These next wells in the series have been designated as NOS-2-22 and NOW-2H.

Preparations are now underway to commence drilling of the NOS-2-22 well with a scheduled spud date in approximately 2 weeks. The well is a direct offset to the producing NOS-1-22 well and has been engineered as a 3,500 foot vertical to exploit the productive oil bearing sand formation discovered in previous drilling. This is the first of potentially 3 offsets planned on this particular lease. With production facilities already in place, the drilling is hoped to add an additional 50 BPOD net to the Company by September. An exact spud date will be announced shortly.

The NOW-2H is scheduled as the second upcoming well and is a direct offset to the producing NOM-1H horizontal at the Company's Ripley leases. The well is slated to commence drilling in early September and will include a similar lateral targeting the newly discovered Mississippi reservoir.

As previously announced, American Petro-Hunter has locked in participation on an additional 11 horizontal wells at the Ripley Leases and the NOW-2H is the first of these to be drilled under the development program which is envisioned to involve the drilling of approximately one horizontal Mississippi well every 30 to 60 days. This judicious schedule would allow for a predictable time frame to drill, complete and emplace production facilities for both oil and gas sales every other month.

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American Standard Spuds 2nd Well in Permian Basin Program

- American Standard Spuds 2nd Well in Permian Basin Program

Monday, July 25, 2011
American Standard Energy Corp.

American Standard announced 2nd spud for 10 net well drilling program in Andrews County, Texas.

The JW #5 rig is on location, rigging up and is expected to spud within 24 hours on the University 8 #1 location in Andrews County, Texas.

The Company intends to drill the University Andrews 8 #1 well to the Strawn and completed in the Strawn, Wolfcamp, Spraberry and Lower Clearfork formations. The Company will own 100% working interests in all 10 wells.

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Baker Hughes' 2Q Earnings Shine on N. American Drilling

- Baker Hughes' 2Q Earnings Shine on N. American Drilling

Monday, July 25, 2011
Baker Hughes Inc.

Baker Hughes announced net income for the second quarter 2011 of $408 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, which excludes expenses of $70 million, before and after-tax ($0.16 per diluted share) associated with increasing the allowance for doubtful accounts and reserves for inventory and certain other assets in Libya. Including these expenses, net income attributable to Baker Hughes, a GAAP measure, for the second quarter 2011 was $338 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, compared to $93 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the second quarter 2010 and $381 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, for the first quarter 2011.

Revenue for the second quarter 2011 was $4.74 billion, up 41% compared to $3.37 billion for the second quarter 2010 and up 5% compared to $4.53 billion for the first quarter 2011.

Results presented for the second quarter of 2010 included the results of BJ Services from the date of acquisition on April 28, 2010.

Chad C. Deaton, Baker Hughes chairman and chief executive officer, said, "Our performance was solid this quarter with steady improvement of our international profit margin. As expected, the sequential profit improvement in US Land and the Gulf of Mexico nearly offset the seasonal decline in Canada.

"International profit before tax margin now exceeds 13 percent, excluding the Libya charge, up more than 120 basis points sequentially and up 675 basis points year over year. The largest sequential improvement was in the Europe, Africa, Russia/Caspian segment.

"In North America, US Land revenue increased sequentially at a rate more than double that of the rig count, with strong incremental margins as the service intensity of the unconventional oil and gas plays continued to increase. Furthermore, demand for pressure pumping exceeds industry supply in North America. Gulf of Mexico revenue and profit increased modestly as new permits allowed only a limited resumption of deepwater activity.

"Looking forward, we continue to see improvement in North America driven by increased activity in unconventional oil and gas plays and increased service intensity driving opportunities for advanced directional drilling, complex multi-stage completions and pressure pumping. The Canada rig count has already rebounded from second quarter lows and we are mobilizing for the normal seasonal increase in activities going forward. Our continued investment in products and services for the unconventional resource plays supports the long-term strength of the North American market. While the increase in deepwater activity makes us optimistic, the pace of permits being issued has slowed significantly. In addition, we expect to incur incremental expenses associated with the increase in deepwater Gulf of Mexico regulation in the second half of 2011.

"Globally, spare oil production capacity is tight and we expect growing demand in China, India, developing Asia and the Middle East to support high oil prices and sustain increases in international spending. Activity is expected to increase in the second half of 2011 and into 2012 led by steady improvement in Brazil and the Middle East. If activity increases as we anticipate for 2012, conditions should support pricing improvements."

Debt decreased by $233 million to $3.61 billion and cash and short-term investments decreased by $458 million to $937 million compared to the first quarter 2011. Capital expenditures were $594 million, depreciation and amortization expense was $331 million, and dividend payments were $65 million in the second quarter 2011.

Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter 2011 was $1.02 billion, up $63 million sequentially. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that excludes certain identified items, such as the Libya charge in the second quarter 2011.

Operational Highlights

North America

Baker Hughes advanced technologies including AutoTrak™Curve, FracPoint™ multi-stage fracturing system with In-Tallic™ disintegrating frac balls and extended stage FracPoint systems continue to gain traction in customer applications. These technologies will contribute to our ability to substantially differentiate from our competition.

In the emerging Niobrara play, we were awarded a one-year contract to supply directional drilling, drilling fluids, cementing, open hole and cased hole wireline, micro-seismic and pressure pumping services for a major International Oil Company ("IOC").

We were awarded two substantial integrated service contracts for large independent operators in the Permian Basin, where we have a particularly large pressure pumping presence. The product lines awarded include Pressure Pumping, Completion Systems, Bits, Production Chemicals and Wireline Services.

In the Bakken, a new customer chose FracPoint to perform a 40-stage fracturing program, and has awarded all services, including pressure pumping, directional drilling and completion tools on the rig to Baker Hughes. To date, six of these systems have been deployed for this customer.

In the Gulf of Mexico, we expanded our presence in the ultra-deep gas Shelf market with a multi-million dollar award from an IOC to provide drilling fluids and evaluation on a High Temperature High Pressure exploratory program.

Latin America

Baker Hughes was recently awarded a three-year contract to provide drilling systems, bits and completions for three deep wells in the Huron block in Colombia. Also in Colombia, a customer awarded us a one-year integrated project in the Llanos Basin on seven wells to perform drilling, completions and pumping operations.

In Brazil, activity was strong as we completed the first six wells of a 37-well campaign in a heavy oil field in the Campos Basin. In what is currently the biggest development program by an international operator in Brazil, Baker Hughes was contracted for a number of services, including drilling and evaluation, drill bit systems, completion systems, ESP systems and gravel pumping services. The first four wells are already on production.

In Argentina, Baker Hughes performed its first hydraulic fracturing stimulation job in an unconventional hydrocarbon shale reservoir. The multistage fracturing operation for YPF in the Neuquen Basin was successful.

Baker Hughes was the preferred provider of electric submersible pump equipment and services for a 200 well field in the South and Tarapoa Blocks in Ecuador. This award solidifies our place as the preferred provider for artificial lift in these fields that we have enjoyed for the last ten years.

Europe/Africa/Russia/Caspian

In Nigeria, we installed our first permanent downhole fiber optic gauge in Africa allowing real time production monitoring to facilitate production from a gas reservoir.

In Gabon, Baker Hughes was awarded an offshore completions contract by a major oil company. The package consisted of injector well completions with our innovative Dual Flow Head system which allows simultaneous injection into an upper and lower zone, and full downhole gauge systems, chemical injection mandrels, gas lift, production packers and flow control devices.

In Russia, a major National Oil Company ("NOC") awarded us with a 310 electrical submersible pump systems lease contract, replacing a competitor. We achieved this based on our strong technology offering in artificial lift and the service capability of recently acquired Oil Pump Services company.

In Continental Europe, we secured a sand control contract to provide completions fluids, pressure pumping and tools to an IOC in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Middle East/Asia Pacific

In China's Shengli oilfield we performed a multi-stage FracPoint completion on a horizontal well.

In India, we launched a BEACON Real-Time Operations Center that will provide geomechanical and drilling optimization support for three deep water rigs operated by a NOC where Baker Hughes provides integrated services.

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American Standard Adds Rig for Permian Basin Drilling Program

- American Standard Adds Rig for Permian Basin Drilling Program

Thursday, July 21, 2011
American Standard Energy Corp.

American Standard announced the addition of a second rig for its 10 net well drilling program in Andrews County, Texas.

ASEN has secured the JW Rig #5 which will be moving onto the University 8 #1 location this week in Andrews County and is expected to spud Monday July 25th.

The Viking Rig #20 initiated the 10 net well drilling program and has spud the University 42 #2 well in Andrews County.

ASEN intends to drill the University Andrews 42 #2 well to the Devonian and then subsequent wells will be drilled to the Strawn and completed in the Strawn, Wolfcamp, Spraberry and Lower Clearfork formations. The Company will own 100% working interests in all 10 wells.

ASEN will have these dedicated two Rigs for the duration of this Phase 1 of our Permian Basin development program and expects to maintain them for future Phases. With the addition of the second rig, we project completion of this project to be cut by three months.

Scott Feldhacker, CEO of ASEN commented, "With over 4000 permits filed by various operators in the Permian Basin this year to date ASEN is demonstrating its abilities to aggregate the services needed to develop its assets in a marketplace of high demand."

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American Petro-Hunter Adds Acreage in South Oklahoma

- American Petro-Hunter Adds Acreage in South Oklahoma

Wednesday, July 20, 2011
American Petro-Hunter Inc.

American Petro-Hunter has executed a Purchase and Sale Agreement which entitles American Petro-Hunter to acquire a 40% Working Interest in a minimum of 3,000 acres of lands in South-Central Oklahoma. The Company has designated the new acreage as the "South Oklahoma Project."

The acreage covers highly prospective Mississippi Limestone targets which, through detailed sub-surface geological mapping and extensive engineering, show Mississippi targets similar and analogous to the recently discovered oil and gas reservoir now being exploited at the North Oklahoma Project. Based on the commercial success of the NOM-1H horizontal well, and the Company's recently announced development plan for the Northern project area which includes an additional 11 horizontal wells, the new South Oklahoma Project offers considerable opportunities to increase the Company's presence in this increasingly important and highly productive region. Additional lands may be acquired and added to the 3,000 acres as leasing is ongoing.

Currently, the Company and engineers have identified 5 key areas under the 3,000 acres which, if developed on 160 acre spacing, could allow future development of 18 additional locations for horizontal wells. Over the next several months, targets will be refined and prioritized with plans to spud the first well in late 4Q or early 2012. The Northern and Southern project development strategy aims for synchronized operations with new drilling commencing every other month, thus ensuring a continuous area wide drilling program throughout the next 24 to 36 months.

Company President Robert McIntosh stated, "By adding these new South Oklahoma projects to our asset base, the Company forecasts the regional drilling of up to 29 horizontal wells in the future which, based on the results we have seen to date, will give American Petro-Hunter a key presence in the emerging Mississippi play and demonstrates that growth by the drill bit is a formula for success in Oklahoma."

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American Standard Begins Tx. Drilling Program

- American Standard Begins Tx. Drilling Program

Tuesday, July 19, 2011
American Standard Energy Corp.

American Standard announced initial spud for its 10 net well drilling program in Andrews County, Texas.

ASEN intends to drill the University Andrews 42 #2 well to the Devonian and then subsequent wells will be drilled to the Strawn and completed in the Strawn, Wolfcamp, Spraberry and Lower Clearfork formations. The Company will own 100% working interests in all 10 wells.

The Viking Rig #20 has arrived on location, is rigging up, and is expected to spud the University 42 #2 well in Andrews County within the next 24 hours.

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American Petro-Hunter Plans 11 Horizontal Wells for Okla. Project

- American Petro-Hunter Plans 11 Horizontal Wells for Okla. Project

Monday, July 18, 2011
American Petro-Hunter

American Petro-Hunter is pleased to announce updated plans regarding the Company's continued participation in a proposed field development horizontal drilling program of the Mississippi formation at the North Oklahoma Project.

Based on the commercial success of the recent NOM-1H horizontal well, the Company and working interest partners have determined that the development plan for this newly defined Mississippi oil and gas reservoir can accommodate the drilling of a minimum of 11 horizontal wells.

The drilling schedule, which includes direct offsets to the producing NOM-1H, will involve the drilling of approximately one horizontal Mississippi well every 30 to 60 days with plans to commence the program in early September. The schedule allows for a predictable time frame to drill, complete and put in requisite production facilities for both oil sales plus a gas line hook up every other month.

This aggressive drilling schedule signifies there will be well drilling, completion and potential production activity on the Ripley project leases for the remainder of 2011 and throughout 2012. In total, 12 production wells are targeted for the full development of the project.

The operator has further advised the Company that the same group of professional oil and gas contractors and engineers will be involved in all aspects of the engineering design, vertical and directional drilling of the proposed program as the group performed well above expectations on the drilling and completion of the NOM-1H well.

Company President Robert McIntosh states, "We couldn't be more pleased with the proposed engineering plans to drill 11 more horizontal wells on the Ripley leases. Our commitment to this project is indicative of how this area has become a core asset and means we aim to be very busy drilling wells in this area for the foreseeable future. The continued success of this project is poised to dictate our growth and will prove instrumental in meeting our long range production targets."

About American Petro-Hunter, Inc. (OTC.BB:AAPH - News)
The Company is a goal-oriented exploration and production (E&P) Company aiming to become an intermediate level oil and gas producer within 12 months. The Company is in production at the Poston Project in Trego County, Kansas and the North Oklahoma Project. With the achievable target of becoming a 1,000 BOE producer as our goal, American Petro-Hunter is actively on the "hunt" for domestic petroleum assets. Visit us at: www.americanpetrohunter.com

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Well Completion Prog. Underway at American Petro-Hunter's N. Oklahoma Proj.

- Well Completion Prog. Underway at American Petro-Hunter's N. Oklahoma Proj.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011
American Petro-Hunter Inc.

American Petro-Hunter advised that the well completion program is fully underway and that production testing of the Mississippi oil formation is currently ongoing at the recently drilled NOM1H Horizontal well at the Company's growing North Oklahoma Project. The well is being readied and prepared for the onset of commercial production.

The completion phase of the well, including swab and production testing, is being undertaken in combination with the immediate installation of long term production facilities including a pumping unit, tank battery, ancillary metering and electrical equipment on the lease. The determination to rapidly move forward and complete the production facilities was based on a confident expectation that the Company will be generating oil sales from the lease near the end of June or early July.

A decision to move ahead with a full completion program was initiated when NOM1H reached the engineered T.D. of the 1,600 foot horizontal leg with excellent oil and gas shows encountered in the form of strong oil fluorescence; gassy oil shows and gas kicks along the drilled lateral. Subsequent results have offered continued favorably trending data, and as such, have reinforced the Company's expectations for viable commercial production at the lease.

The NOM1H well is the first of a planned series of horizontal wells designed to test and develop oil and gas in the 100 foot thick limestone Mississippi Formation.

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Delta Air Lines Reports Generally Higher May Traffic, Surpassing American Airlines

- Delta Air Lines Reports Generally Higher May Traffic, Surpassing American Airlines



Jun 7, 2011

Delta Air Lines (DAL) today posted its May traffic results, with system traffic up 2.2% from the year-ago month on a 2.2% increase in capacity making it the world's largest carrier by traffic, surpassing American Airlines. Load factor is still at 83.9%, which is flat with last year.

Domestic traffic also increased by 1.9% versus last year on a 0.4% increase in capacity. Load factor for domestic increased to 85.1%. International traffic is up 2.6% versus last year on a 5% capacity increase, with load factor down 2 points to 82.2%.

The higher traffic is due to the consolidation of Delta's subsidiary Northwest Airlines, which was completely integrated into Delta network in January of 2010.

DAL shares are down slightly 0.21% to $9.60.

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American Petro-Hunter: Production Testing Underway at N. Oklahoma Proj.

- American Petro-Hunter: Production Testing Underway at N. Oklahoma Proj.

Monday, June 06, 2011
American Petro-Hunter Inc.

American Petro-Hunter reported that the recently completed NOS122 well is undergoing production testing and appears to be a strong producer and is outperforming expectations to date.

The NOS122 well is located at the Company's North Oklahoma Project. The production test and evaluation phase has been ongoing over the past few weeks with high gravity light oil produced to the storage tank from a 6 foot pay zone. The oil cut has been steadily over 90% with some associated gas. The well has been producing oil at rates in a broad range generally between 50 and 70 barrels per day.

Although a stable daily production rate hasn't yet been established, the Company has been informed by the operator that the pay zone would benefit from a light fracture stimulation which would in all likelihood allow a significant increase in daily rates. The partners are now preparing a simple fracking plan that will be implemented in the upcoming days.

The establishment of a full tank battery and ancillary production facilities is in the final stages of construction on the lease. Currently, oil in the onsite storage tank is being prepared for sale to the local purchaser and inaugural sales are expected shortly. As reported earlier, the partners have identified a minimum of 3 additional offsets to the NOS122 for future development.

Company President Robert McIntosh stated, "We are very pleased at the early test results at NOS122 and to be producing oil at levels that have exceeded our expectations. The plan to stimulate the reservoir and bring on even more oil, as well as our intent to drill additional wells very shortly, is rapidly moving this leasehold into becoming a key component of our growing production portfolio."

American Petro-Hunter has a 50% working interest in the NOS122 and oil is sold to Sunoco, the regional purchaser.

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American Standard Enters LOI for Shale Acreage

- American Standard Enters LOI for Shale Acreage

Thursday, June 02, 2011
American Standard Energy Corp.

American Standard has entered into four non-binding Letters of Intent (LOI) to acquire acreage in its three primary areas of operations: the Bakken of North Dakota and the Eagle Ford and Permian Basin plays of Texas and New Mexico. An LOI was signed for each of the following:

• Bakken: ASEN has entered into an LOI to purchase approximately 15,000 acres in the Bakken shale play of North Dakota. This acquisition would increase the Company's total acreage in the Bakken to approximately 48,000 net acres. The agreement covers acreage in the heart of the play being mostly in Mountrail, Burke, Williams McKenzie and Divide Counties. A significant portion also lies in the newest "hot spot" of the Bakken being Stark and Dunn counties.
• Eagle Ford: ASEN has agreed to a transaction that when completed will increase its acreage holdings in the Eagle Ford oil window from 10% Working Interest in 12,000 net acres (two rigs presently running with 8 wells in various stages of development) to a total of over 20,000 net acres. The average well on ASEC holdings has come in at Initial Production (IP) flowing daily rates in excess of 1,000 BOE. Upon completion of these acquisitions ASEN will have positions in LaSalle, Wilson, Gonzales and Maverick Counties.
• Permian Basin:
  • Wolfcamp Shale: West Texas: ASEN entered into an agreement to purchase 100% Working Interest in over 12,800 acres of the "Wolf camp Horizontal Play" (10,000 acres of which are Held By Production). This position is in the fairway of Crockett and Reagan Counties. The acreage is contiguous to the recent University of Texas leases auctioned in April for over $2,700 per acre by companies such as Pioneer, El Paso, Devon, EOG and Conoco Phillips.
  • Avalon, Wolf-Bone Play: South Eastern New Mexico. A tentative agreement has been reached whereby ASEN will acquire various non-operated working interests in over 65,000 gross acres (approximately 14,400 net acres). The leases are located in Eddy and Lea Counties including two 100 % Working Interest Sections on the Texas side being immediately to the south in Loving, Reeves and Culberson Counties. All of the acreage included in the agreement is Held By Production. Operators of the wells will be Apache, Yates Petroleum, Heyco, Oxy, COG, XOG, Nadel and Gusman, Mewbourne, Nearberg, Chesapeake, Devon and BP.

Recent entry of major oil companies and large independents in these plays has made it difficult for other companies to compete. However, upon completion of these acquisitions with its strategic partner, ASEN will be in a position to participate in a larger number of leases, which not only reduces risk but provides ASEN with more drilling opportunities normally available to a company of similar size.

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O&G Shows Found at American Petro-Hunter's Ok. Well

- O&G Shows Found at American Petro-Hunter's Ok. Well

Wednesday, June 01, 2011
American Petro-Hunter Inc.

American Petro-Hunter updated the progress of drilling activities currently underway at the NOM1H horizontal well located at the Company's North Oklahoma Project.

The well is making good progress and should reach its engineered lateral depth within the next few days. The operator has informed the Company that during the drilling of the horizontal section excellent oil and gas shows were encountered. The Company is very pleased to report it has been advised of strong oil fluorescence; gassy oil shows and gas kicks which are regarded as very positive developments.

Subsequently, the Company wishes to advise that the probability for the well to be completed as a commercial oil and gas producer is considered high. Once the well reaches the target distance of the lateral leg, the well bore will be immediately swab tested and further evaluated.

The NOM1H well is the first of a planned series of horizontal wells designed to test and develop oil and gas in the 100 foot thick limestone Mississippi Formation.

Company President Robert McIntosh stated, "We are extremely encouraged by the excellent oil and gas shows from our first horizontal well and couldn't be more pleased by the efforts of our operator and their engineering team as the initial information from them is beyond our expectations. As the well approaches completion, we are certain the partners will expedite the final tests and evaluation in anticipation of our inaugural horizontal well production."

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American Eagle Energy Spuds 1st HZ Bakken Well

- American Eagle Energy Spuds 1st HZ Bakken Well

Thursday, May 19, 2011
American Eagle Energy Inc.

American Eagle Energy has spud its first horizontal Bakken development well in the Hardy Field (Bakken Formation) of Southeast Saskatchewan. Proposed merger partner Eternal Energy Corp., as well as Passport Energy Ltd., are working interest partners in the well. The Hardy S 1A4-16-4B4-9-04-21W2 is the initial earning well for the farm-out agreement among the companies.

The new well is located approximately one-half mile west of American Eagle's current Hardy 7-9 producing well (owned equally with Eternal Energy) and has a projected total depth of 3,515 meters with a lateral section in the Bakken Formation of about 1,370 meters. A multi-stage fracture stimulation is planned for the completion of this new well.

Pursuant to the previously announced agreement among the three companies, American Eagle and Eternal Energy will each maintain a 37.5% working interest in the new well, but each will only pay 30.75% of its drilling, completing and equipping costs.

"American Eagle is pleased to be able to secure a rig early in the drilling season so that we can get this development work initiated," stated Richard Findley, the Company's Chief Executive Officer. "This well is an important component of the Company's 2011 capital program, as we continue to build cash flow and a solid reserves position and to develop our significant inventory of Bakken well locations in both the Williston and Southern Alberta Basins."

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