Offshore staff

HOUSTON --Gulf of Mexico oil production is forecast to increase over the next ten years up to 2.1 MMb/d of oil, the MMS said at the Offshore Technology Conference.

Additionally, the MMS told reporters gas production in the region is forecast to recover over the next three years up to 8.3 bcf/d of gas.

Activity used in the forecast included the expected start-up of 16 new deepwater projects by year-end, according to the MMS. The agency added a major contributor to the increased gas forecast is the startup of theIndependence Hub facility. The platform is fitted with capacity to handle 1 bcf/d of gas.

5/1/2007