HOWARD, ROBERT L., Shell Oil Company, Houston, TX

ABSTRACT: Rebuilding the Gulf of Mexico through Integration and Cooperation

Rebuilding the domestic oil and gas industry requires a new era of cooperation and teamwork. Strategic partnerships between explorers and producers, majors and independents, industry and government, are essential to the future of the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico is unique among U.S. basins due to the wide spectrum of operating environments within its bounds. The Onshore Tertiary is very mature and the Shelf is rapidly maturing, while the Deepwater is truly a frontier arena for exploration and production. Maximizing the synergy among these provinces, particularly with regard to infrastructure and operating practices, is critical to restoring the economic viability of the area.

This presentation will reflect on each of the three arenas. The current environment of each arena will be discussed. Special attention will be given to the exploration and production challenges our industry must meet. These include technical and business concerns alike. The status and challenges of each arena will clearly illustrate the interdependence of these areas. The solutions to these problems will show the need for integration and cooperation within, and between areas. Finally, a few examples

will be presented which demonstrate the cooperative efforts which have already begun to rebuild the profitability of the Gulf of Mexico.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.