Ithaca Energy (TSX: IAE, LSE AIM: IAE) is moving forward on its Greater Stella Area project in the UK central North Sea.

All frontiers invariably inspire expeditions. This has been true for the exploration and development of hydrocarbon as it was for the discovery and exploration of Mt. Everest.

Ithaca Energy (TSX: IAE, LSE AIM: IAE) is moving forward on its Greater Stella Area project in the UK central North Sea.

Royal Dutch Shell PLC will build an FPSO and subsea infrastructure to develop the Stones ultra-deepwater project in the Gulf of Mexico.

ConocoPhillips Australia has contracted FMC Technologies (NYSE: FTI) to supply subsea equipment for Phase 3 of the Bayu Undan development in the Timor Sea.

ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) has contracted Prysmian Group to supply and install 50 km (31 mi) of submarine power cables in the Gulf of Mexico.

Afren has started front-end engineering design and fabrication planning for a new wellhead platform and production unit for the Okoro field extension offshore Nigeria.

Cairn Energy says preparations are under way for the planned first well on the Foum Draa permit offshore Morocco.

FoundOcean has completed installation and grouting for a clamp repair on an 18-in. pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico under contract from Saipem America.

As the industry gears up for its biggest event of the year, operators, contractors, and vendors are looking forward to the growing development opportunities in the offshore market.

LLOG Exploration Co. has ordered $30-million in subsea equipment from FMC Technologies (NYSE:FTI) for Who Dat field.

Noble Corp. has signed three-year contracts worth $1.3 billion with Plains Exploration & Production for a pair of newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships scheduled for delivery next year.

LLOG Bluewater Holdings LLC has contracted the newbuild drillship West Neptune for three years from Seadrill (XOSL:SDRL) for $662 million.