The U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) identified proposals, alternatives, and mitigating measures of two environmental analyses covering Sales 189 and 197. The two sales are proposed offshore oil and natural gas leases for the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and are included in the 2002-2007 oil and natural gas leasing program. Sale 189 is tentatively set for December 2003, while Sale 197 is scheduled for March 2005.
The general area to be studied includes unleased whole blocks in 100 to 196 mi south of Alabama, and 70 to 148 mi offshore Louisiana. This is the same area offered in Eastern GOM Sale 181 in December 2001. The area consists of 1.5 MM acres. About 800,000 acres are available for bid in the two sales.
McNulty sold to managing director
Technip-Coflexip sold its affiliates McNulty Offshore Ltd. and Captain Frank McNulty & Sons Ltd. to the managing director of McNulty Offshore Ltd. for an undisclosed amount. Technip-Coflexip had a 90% stake in both companies following the purchase of Aker Deepwater Co. in January 2001. According to the terms of this agreement, Technip-Coflexip has also sold the Newcastle-based yard, together with all activities and resources dedicated to it, to McNulty's Managing Director.
