Azerbaijan: Absheron discovery enters development phase

Total E&P Absheron and State Oil Co. of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) will drill a well in 450 m of water to begin production from the Absheron discovery offshore Azerbaijan. Source: News


Aramco, Rowan form offshore drilling joint venture company

Rowan Cos. PLC and Saudi Aramco have signed, through their respective subsidiaries, an agreement to create a 50-50 joint venture that will own, operate, and manage offshore drilling rigs in Saudi Arabia. Source: News


Peakes joins Noble Corp. as SVP, CFO

Adam C. Peakes has been selected as senior vice-president and chief financial officer of Noble Corp. PLC. The move is effective Jan. 23. Source: News


Concho picks up more Delaware basin acreage

Concho Resources Inc., Midland, Tex., has agreed to acquire 24,000 gross (16,400 net) acres in the northern Delaware basin from an undisclosed buyer for $430 million. Source: News


India gets bids for small fields in 34 of 46 contract areas

Thirty-four contract areas received bids in India’s effort to develop small fields, according to the country’s Press Information Bureau. Forty-six contract areas were offered across nine sedimentary basins. Source: News


DOI cuts most Alaska tracts in latest 2017-22 OCS leasing-plan move

The US Department of the Interior released a proposed final program (PFP) for the 2017-22 US Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing that removed all tracts offshore Alaska. National oil and gas associations, other business organizations, and members of Alaska’s government immediately criticized the Nov. 18 action. Source: News