SHELF LIFE

摘要

Small independent E&Ps operating in the Gulf of Mexico's Outer Continental Shelf are struggling to find their sea legs as they cope with volatile commodity prices, and new regulations regarding decommissioning of offshore facilities could take them out at the knees. The Notice to Lessees (NTL), "NTL 2016-NO1, Requiring Additional Security," was released by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in September. It was crafted to protect U.S. taxpayers from any financial burden arising from offshore operators' potential inability to fund the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas platforms, subsea wells and associated assets—but exposes operators to more stringent financial requirements than ever before.