Time line: exploration to extraction for the Falklands?
The news from the Falklands is getting very interesting particularly now that Rockhopper has increased their reserve estimates by around 50% after analyzing the Sea Lion's find. The Guardian also commented that:
"Geologists estimate that up to 60bn barrels of oil and gas equivalent could lie in the Atlantic waters, which would put the region on a par with the North Sea"
Out of interest does any of the experience hands have first hand examples of the typical time line from exploration to commercial extraction. That is if Rockhopper decide they wanted to start to extract, what's your best estimate on how long it would take before they need more than the current level of say half a dozen pilots down there to service the rigs.
Does anyone know of any helicopter companies preparing bids to service the drilling down that way or do BIH have the exclusive rights?
Obviously the Gulf of Mexico deep water drilling disaster could be influential... would the locals turn their back on the possible oil bonanza to ensure the safety of their natural environment?
PT