What on earth do “Water Protectors”, “Doxxing”, or “Valve Turners” have in common? These arcane terms describe different tactics used within the murky world of pipeline activism and protest. Pipeline protests – a familiar headache in the oil and gas industry – had been in a kind of remission until … Read more
When does it make sense for a business to consider investment in security protection measures such as alarms, barriers, cyber controls, or guards? Spending on security protective measures for small to medium sized businesses is a big deal even in the best of times. In the absence of a well-calculated … Read more
Pearl Harbor, the French ‘Maginot Line’ of early World War II, or fighting the war on terror exclusively with Predator Drones are all examples of how using tactics from the “last war” are bound to fail in the present. The feared American dreadnoughts of World War I were quickly sent … Read more
The recent Forbes article ‘4 riesgos para las empresas en la reforma energética’ (4 Risks for Companies in the Energy Reform), highlights underlying business challenges for international companies considering participation in the Mexico oil market. Regulatory and legal framework Opposition to public reform Lack of infrastructure and local talent Security … Read more
To paraphrase Mark Twain’s wry remark, “reports of the demise of the oil & gas industry have been greatly exaggerated.” Sure, crude prices have dropped to around $50 a barrel and gas is sitting at only $2.50, but if activity in Houston is any indication, the industry is gearing up … Read more
Sub-$70/barrel oil is rapidly changing the operational climate for US oil and gas production. As highlighted in the December 4th Houston Business Journal article, “Oil price drops means businesses need to mitigate risk now,” a reevaluation of financial risk and mitigation measures is necessary to remain viable and profitable in … Read more
Oil field theft is not new, but with the rapid development in the Eagle Ford Shale, the opportunity for extensive and pervasive theft has expanded. Today’s article in the San Antonio Business Journal highlights the impact that such theft has on not just the companies from whom the oil was … Read more
When it comes to pipeline safety and security, our two neighbors provide an interesting and illustrative contrast. To our north, Canada’s oil and gas industry’s safety and security standards, with regards to pipelines, mirror and even surpass those of the U.S. The oil and gas sector is privately owned and … Read more
I have often said that opportunities along the U.S.–Mexico border are as vast as it landscape. However, those opportunities are not without risk. Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter’s most recent press release highlights the real threat that exists in South Texas [Porter Voices Concerns Over South Texas Pipelines Commissioner Visits Sites … Read more
“When it comes to pipelines, security is today where corrosion was 20 years ago.” This candid assessment, from Phillip Nidd, Vice President of Operations at Dynamic Risk USA, really distilled our impressions and understanding of security’s role at the 29 September – 3 October 2014 International Pipeline Conference in Calgary, … Read more