The contribution of offshore oil production to total non-OPEC supply is estimated to have increased from 25% in 1990 to 30% in 1995. About 80% of the significant projected growth in non-OPEC supply up to 2000 is expected to be offshore. An appreciable contribution to this growth in offshore production has been made by new technology, including 3D and END d seismic evaluations, horizontal drilling, sub-sea completions, multi-phase pipelines, and floating production storage and off-loading vessels. This study reviews offshore prospects in some 45 countries. A preliminary North Sea study completed in 1995 has been updated and discussions of offshore prospects for countries in North and South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australasia have been added to provide a truly global perspective. The role of technology and the potential impact of the offshore rig and gas markets are commented on, and detailed field-by-field tables are provided in an appendix.
