Gunvor failed to prevent bribery in West Africa
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) of Switzerland has ordered Gunvor to pay almost 94 million Swiss francs ($94.7mn) for failing to prevent corruption in Congo Brazzaville and Cote d’Ivoire.
Europe
Lukoil signs up for Ghasha work with ADNOC
Lukoil has signed up for a 5% stake in the Ghasha concession, as a part of a broader package between the United Arab Emirates and Russia.
Cepsa to sell out of Medgaz link
Sonatrach has signed a deal to increase its stake in the Medgaz gas pipeline to 51%, from 43%. The remainder will be held by Naturgy.
“Freedom gas” in Ukraine scrutinised amid US corruption allegations
The US has set out charges against two men, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman. The two men, who were involved in schemes for LNG imports into Ukraine, are accused of violating campaign finance laws.
BP’s Dudley comes out swinging for gas
BP’s outgoing CEO Bob Dudley gave a defence of natural gas as one part of the world’s future energy mix, at a conference in London.
GECF concerned as sanctions threaten Yamal LNG expansion
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) has expressed “deep concern” about sanctions in the gas sector, the group has said after a meeting in Moscow.
Providence shares dented as Chinese partner fails to deliver, Total hands back licence
Shares in Irish oil explorer Providence Resources sank in London yesterday after the firm confirmed it would seek a new partner for its Barryroe asset off the south coast of Ireland.
GMS battles forward
Gulf Marine Services (GMS) has made progress in shoring up its future but much rests on its negotiations with lenders.
Solo plans European reorientation
London-listed Solo Oil is cutting assets it no longer sees a future in and shaking up its personnel, in part of its drive to become a mid-cap exploration and production company.
Japanese backers for Novatek’s transhipment plans
Novatek has signed deals with Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and the Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) on its LNG transhipment projects.
Total sets out cautious stance
Total’s investor presentation walked a fine line between commitments to new projects and steps to secure the confidence of investors.
NEOT seizes opportunity with Kairos bunkering
Finland’s NEOT has become the first company to bunker LNG from the Kairos vessel, in Sweden’s Port of Södertälje.
Dutch gas shutdown puts at risk future of Europe’s biggest hub
Even the seller of natural gas from Europe’s largest field was taken aback by the Dutch government’s decision last year to close it forever.
Neptune swoops for stakes in German fields
Neptune Energy will acquire interests in a number of oil and gas fields in Emsland and the Grafschaft Bentheim region in Germany from Wintershall Dea.
Exxon’s loss in European court could boost carbon market
ExxonMobil’s loss in a court case in Europe may translate into a gain for carbon prices in the continent’s emissions trading system.
Wood grows chemicals business with new contract in Germany
Aberdeen-headquartered Wood has been picked for a construction job at a chemicals plant in Germany.
Europeans have bigger issues than Brexit
For our European neighbours, there are other big issues around apart from Brexit.
ExxonMobil makes ‘world-leading’ discovery offshore Cyprus
US major ExxonMobil has made a huge gas find off the coast of Cyprus, which is being touted as one of “the biggest discoveries of the year”.
‘Frustrated’ Providence delays Barryroe survey after legal challenge
Providence Resources has decided to hand in a fresh application for surveys on the site of the Barryroe field following a legal challenge.
Wintershall Dea’s chief financial officer appointed
BASF and LetterOne have agreed to hire Paul Smith as future chief financial officer of Wintershall DEA.
Updated: Providence shares soar as extra wells added to Barryroe drilling campaign
Shares in Providence Resources jumped by almost 10% in London this morning after the Irish oil firm beefed up its drilling programme for the Barryroe field.
Total completes Irish oilfield acquisition
Providence Resources said today that it had completed the divestment of a 35% stake in an Irish oilfield to Total.
Ineos to build £2.4bn plant in Europe
Ineos has committed to building a £2.4 billion ethane cracker and a propane dehydrogenation unit in northern Europe.
Seismic vessel gears up for Newgrange data gathering mission
Irish oil explorer Providence Resources said today that Gardline's M/V Kommandor survey vessel was en route to the Newgrange prospect, where it will conduct a seismic data shoot.
As Trump riles Europe on trade, Putin offers more natural gas
As Donald Trump’s trade policy risks worsening economic conflict with the European Union, Russia’s Vladimir Putin is strengthening ties with the region.