New rules in effect for ultradeep drilling in Gulf of Mexico

摘要

The U.S.Minerals Management Service has tweaked its lease rules in an attempt to encourage ultra-deep drilling in the federal offshore.As of January 2006,the agency is allowing operators to suspend operations on wells deeper than 25,000 feet(true vertical depth)below the ocean surface.This provision could help operators extend leases beyond their primary terms,as granting of a"suspension of operations"or SOO temporarily prevents a lease from expiring.