|
VIEWPOINT: TECHNOLOGY
AND ATTITUDE MEET DEEPWATER CHALLENGES
|
Luke R. Corbett, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Kerr-McGee
|
|
|
By Luke R. Corbett,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Kerr-McGee
 |
believe that technology is a key component to success in deep waters |
worldwide.
Rapid advances in technology continue to open new areas that
were beyond cost-effective reach just a few short years ago.
Kerr-McGee’s most
recent deepwater gulf developments, Nansen, Boomvang and Red
Hawk, are examples of cost-effective, innovative solutions
to deep water opportunities that tapped the creativity and teamwork
of our employees and contractors from around the world. The
solution -- the world’s first truss spars.
The truss spar is just one example of the "can and will do" attitude of offshore pioneers. A few years ago, people would have said that exploration and development in waters more than a mile deep was impossible.
|
My favorite definition of impossible is "what no one could do, until somebody does it." Our industry’s offshore experts simply are not deterred by the thought of "impossible."
Today’s engineers provide creative solutions to build and deploy some of the most advanced production systems in a cost effective way. That allows the industry to economically venture into ever deeper waters. Pioneers brought our industry to where it is today, and I have no doubt that they will continue to disregard the prospect of something being "impossible" so we can continue to explore and conquer new frontiers around the world.
Unbridled and unselfish teamwork is also an important part of developing and deploying new technological advancements. To accomplish industry milestones, we depend on employees, partners and contractors to refine, evaluate and test ideas until they are perfected and ready for use. In our industry, one operator or contractor rarely can conquer new frontiers alone. It requires relationships based on trust, commitment and a focus on the mission at hand.
As we focus on adding value to projects and to the bottom line, we also must measure success in terms of the safety and environmental stewardship. As an industry, we have proven around the world that we can produce oil and gas safely while minimizing the impact to our environment.
The debate will continue: energy versus the environment. I believe these are not mutually exclusive. Our industry must showcase our safety and environmental advancements to prove that our operations and the natural environment can and do co-exist. Then, we must motivate policymakers to recognize these accomplishments and support sound policies that remove barriers to access and development of energy supplies.
For success, our industry must be able to find and develop resources economically, employing the best available technology in a safe and environmentally-responsible manner. At Kerr-McGee, we recognize that maximizing returns from our assets and opportunities will require that we foster a pioneering spirit among all employees so they’re confident in bringing forward innovative, creative and opportunistic ideas. In addition, we must continue to do business with companies, like ABS, that adhere to our values, in terms of quality, commitment, safety and environmental stewardship.
I have no doubt that this year and next year and in the years to come, the world will continue to challenge our industry to provide energy in an economical, safe and environmentally-friendly manner. I believe we will meet the world’s demands because of the "can and will do" attitude of industry pioneers who don’t believe in "impossible."
|
