Welcome to The Explorers magazine for 2014, an annual publication put out by Petroleum News (Alaska).
For the first time this magazine is being released at the end of the major North Slope exploration season versus just before it begins.
The actual well count is in, versus only the planned wells.
So we can offer a more complete picture of an exploration season, but paradoxically it’s not necessarily up-to-date. While Eric Lidji was writing this issue’s articles several had to be updated because news from the companies, which we track weekly, is coming in very quickly.
For example, Buccaneer filed bankruptcy and Miller bought Savant while he was writing.
Still, with an actual exploration well count, it is a more accurate publication.
Producer elements gone
Another change that contributes to the magazine’s accuracy is splitting out the producers - i.e. oil and gas production activities - into a separate annual magazine, The Producers, released in November at the annual Resource Development Council conference.
Some companies are in both The Explorers and The Producers, but there are no more “looking for new oil in old places” features that skewed the exploration picture. Keeping the exploration and production activities separate offers a more accurate representation of the industry in Alaska.
Udelhoven, Lounsbury
Finally, Lounsbury is advertising on this page. The company was the second advertiser to sign an annual contract with Petroleum News (Alaska) back in 1996 when the newspaper was founded.
Udelhoven, our very first contracted advertiser, is also still with us (see page 81).
Both companies were, and are today, strong supporters of the industry.
Special thanks to Udelhoven and Lounsbury - and to all the other advertisers that are part of the magazine. Your support of the industry and Alaska’s exploration companies is appreciated.