Shane McKee, country manager for Weatherford’s Trinidad operations, talks to TOGY about the company’s current operations, challenges facing hydrocarbons firms in the local market and the goals set by the country to raise production in the near future. Founded in 1987, Weatherford is now one of the largest oil and gas services companies in the world.
What are major challenges faced by companies involved in the hydrocarbons market in Trinidad and Tobago?
In Trinidad, one can find everything from low pressure oil wells which need to be pumped by artificial lift, through to exploration in deep water. Although it is not a large market, it runs the complete gamut. There are multiple deepwater operations starting up this year, which may include some of the deepest water depths to date for wells drilled in Trinidad.
It is common knowledge what the market and the industry are currently experiencing. The challenges are the same for us as for our peers in the services industry, and for that matter our clients also.
Like everyone, we’re trying to reduce costs as much as possible due to current pressure on pricing. Clients continue to reach out for price reductions and service companies have to be aggressive. This is the main challenge – doing more with less.
Apart from that, we need to maintain high employee morale and focus as the media is extensively covering the industry downsizing. Internal communication is very important.
What is the relationship between international and local firms in the country?
The difference between local and international firms, in some cases, comes down to technologies. We compete with, and additionally participate in projects with, local companies.
It’s important that we train our local employees in all aspects of management and sales in addition to the appropriate technical knowledge, therefore keeping local content at a very high percentage. To ensure our employees are equipped with the necessary skillsets to best service the client, we will sometimes send people up to the USA, over to Europe or to other geographic locations for training in specific areas of our operations.
What do you expect from the Trinidad and Tobago’s hydrocarbons industry in the near future?
I believe the current level of oil production is about 80,000-85,000 bpd. At a minimum this should be maintained, or preferably increased.
There are some very interesting and challenging projects that are starting up in this market in addition to ongoing ones. These projects should meet that end, and hopefully exceed everybody’s expectations.
Click here for more news and features from Trinidad and Tobago.
TOGY talks to Sylvain Itté, French Ambassador to Angola, about the strong economic and cultural ties between the two countries,… Read More
TOGY talks to Li Patrik, director of energy, environment, infrastructure at the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), about the difficulties of… Read More
TOGY talks to Río Negro province Secretary of Hydrocarbons Sebastian Caldiero about policies implemented by the provincial government to manage… Read More
TOGY talks to Heba Filobbos, area manager of the Northern Gulf for Halliburton, about the company’s experience working as an… Read More
TOGY talks to Christopher Gunson, partner at Amereller, about the oil and gas industry in the UAE and the surrounding… Read More
TOGY talks to Graeme Taylor, Vice President for Angola at Halliburton, about forecasted stabilisation, onshore potential and the qualities required… Read More
This website uses cookies.