U.S. Gulf shipyards, operators stand to gain business south of the border

摘要

U.S. maritime businesses anticipate more work in Mexico, but they face competition from other foreign enterprises. Energy reforms passed by Mexico's Congress in December ended a 75-year grip by state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) and will allow direct private investment in the nation's oil and gas sector. Foreign vessel builders, including those along the U.S. Gulf, expect to land new business in Mexico. "We're waiting to see how the big oil companies respond to Mexico's reforms," Richard Sanchez, senior marine specialist at IHS Petrodata in Houston, said in late May. "Chevron and Russia's Lukoil appear to have the most interest. If the oil companies see enough incentives, they'll want to drill in Mexico. And that will mean work for their suppliers - including vessel builders along the U.S. Gulf."