Mexico’s New Frontier for IOC and Critical Collaboration

The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is widely recognized as one of the most abundant and productive oil and gas reservoirs globally. This has allowed the American offshore oil and gas sector to firmly establish its global leadership position, driven by a combination of strategic factors. The United States has showcased remarkable technological expertise in its offshore operations. Advances in deepwater drilling, subsea technology, and seismic imaging have facilitated effective exploration and extraction from complex deepwater reserves. This technological proficiency has garnered international recognition and investments, solidifying the USA’s role as a trailblazer in offshore oil and gas exploration.The region’s comprehensive infrastructure, encompassing pipelines, refineries, and export terminals, ensures the smooth transportation and processing of hydrocarbons. These combined elements position the USA as a worldwide energy frontrunner in offshore oil and gas activities, shaping global markets and exemplifying the fusion of cutting-edge technology, regulatory responsibility, and economic advancement. Notably, the Gulf of Mexico stands out as an abundant hydrocarbon basin due to its favorable geological characteristics, including diverse reservoirs and ample source rocks. This geological richness has translated into substantial reserves, contributing significantly to worldwide energy production.The geological formations and sedimentary basins within the Gulf of Mexico extend seamlessly across the maritime boundary shared by the United States and Mexico. This implies that the same hydrocarbon-bearing formations extend into Mexican waters, presenting a parallel opportunity for successful exploration.

PEMEX and Cantarell

For many decades, PEMEX (Petróleos Mexicanos) held a monopoly as the sole oil and gas operator in Mexico. This state-owned company was responsible for all aspects of the country’s oil and gas industry, from exploration and production to refining and distribution. The Cantarell Field was historically critical to Mexico’s oil production and economy. Discovered in the 1970s, the field quickly became one of the largest and most productive oil fields in the world. Its significant contributions to Mexico’s oil production and revenue had a profound impact on the country’s economy and energy sector. However, starting around 2004, Cantarell’s production began to decline rapidly due to reservoir depletion, leading to challenges for Mexico’s oil industry. The decline in Cantarell’s production led to a reduction in government revenue from oil exports, affecting budgetary allocations for public programs. As Cantarell’s production dropped, Mexico’s reliance on imported oil and refined products increased, impacting energy self-sufficiency.

Mexico Energy Reform

The decline of Cantarell highlighted the need for attracting foreign investment and expertise to explore and develop other oil fields. In response to these challenges, Mexico has sought to develop other oil fields to compensate for Cantarell’s decline. In 2013, the country implemented energy reforms to open the sector to private investment and encourage collaboration with international oil companies and continued over the following years with various rounds of bidding and contract awards. It marked a significant departure from Mexico’s longstanding approach to energy, aiming to create a more competitive and diverse energy market. This reform was enacted to modernize the sector, attract foreign investment, increase competition, and ultimately boost the country’s energy production and economic growth. New projects, such as those in the deepwater areas of the Gulf of Mexico, have aimed to boost production and offset the loss of Cantarell’s output.One of the most crucial aspects of the reform was the end of PEMEX’s monopoly on exploration, production, and refining of hydrocarbons. This allowed private companies, both domestic and foreign, to participate in the oil and gas sector through licenses, contracts, and production-sharing agreements.Oil and gas companies had several compelling reasons to consider working offshore in Mexico, particularly in the areas that share geological assets associated with the Gulf of Mexico. The proximity to the United States and the similarities in geological characteristics offered several advantages for exploration and production activities. Companies familiar with the geology and drilling techniques in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico were able to leverage this expertise in their operations offshore Mexico. The proximity of Mexico to American infrastructures offers several advantages, including reduced transportation costs and logistical convenience. Oil and gas extracted offshore Mexico can be easily transported to refineries and distribution networks in the United States, a major consumer of these energy resources.

Challenges Of IOC

Despite challenges and increased competition arising from energy reforms, PEMEX continues to occupy a pivotal role. PEMEX commands nearly 70% of Mexico’s oil production and is responsible for approximately 50% of the country’s natural gas production. International oil companies (IOCs) operating in Mexico encounter a multifaceted regulatory environment that demands an in-depth understanding of evolving laws, regulations, and contractual frameworks. Cultural disparities and language hurdles can impede effective communication between foreign enterprises and local stakeholders, potentially affecting collaboration and project execution. Adhering to local content requirements necessitates close collaboration with Mexican suppliers, contractors, and labor forces, which can pose a challenge for foreign entities. Engaging in Mexico’s oil and gas sector entails navigating intricate competitive bidding processes and contractual stipulations, which may be unfamiliar to international entities. The obstacles that International Oil Companies (IOCs) encounter in Mexico, which arise from intricate regulations, cultural disparities, and complex contracts, highlight the crucial role of collaborating with entities like Blue Marine Energia.

Blue Marine Energia: Your Trusted Partner in Offshore Excellence

Blue Marine is a 100% Mexican company, founded in 1998, and local leader in the market of services for the offshore energy industry enabling enhanced production and asset operations optimization.Blue Marine Energia brings to the table extensive experience of more than 20 years in partnership with PEMEX, leading to a deep comprehension of Mexico’s regulatory framework. Their familiarity with the local culture positions them to bridge gaps in communication, fostering efficient cooperation and meaningful engagement with stakeholders.With more than 1,600 employees across operations, administration, commercialization, and financial support, we are focused on all the segments of the value chain. We possessing a profound grasp of regulatory intricacies, a commitment to operational excellence, strong local affiliations, robust risk management strategies, and cultural acumen, Blue Marine Energia adeptly navigates these challenges, significantly contributing to the success of project development. The remarkable history of operational efficiency and dedication to industry best practices by Blue Marine Energia translates into projects characterized by streamlined processes and minimized potential for delays. Furthermore, their well-established connections with local stakeholders empower them to facilitate smoother operations and effectively fulfill requirements for local content. Our commitment to Quality, Health, Safety, and the Environment complies with the highest standards.  We have a well stablished HSE Policy, and Action Plans, which, together with our continuous certification processes lead the group to achieve above standard results.  In December 2019, our Group achieved the certification ISO 37001:2016 for the anti-bribery management system.  Our group was one of the first companies in México to implement the system & attain the certification.

Blue Marine Business Units

At the heart of our mission is the commitment to safeguard offshore oil and gas facilities. We ensure the operational continuity of existing infrastructure and maintain the integrity and security of production facilities. From platform maintenance and modifications to specialized underwater facilities, to well services and production enhancement our expertise is geared towards supporting your offshore endeavors.

Blue Marine Oil & Gas

As pioneers in the offshore asset sector, oil and gas processing, and comprehensive services, we present cutting-edge vessel services and equipment tailored for crude storage and blending. Our expertise encompasses a broad spectrum, including early-stage production scenarios where pipeline infrastructure and/or production platforms are absent. We specialize in characterizing offshore oil wells and providing assistance in the reactivation of currently operational wells. Our company boasts a fleet of three Dynamically Positioned FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading vessels) designed for Well Stimulation and Production Enhancement. These FPSOs are engineered to prevent the burning of hydrocarbons, recover crude oil through extended testing and well cleaning, collect fluids from wells, and subsequently separate and stabilize the extracted oil. The stabilized crude is either reinjected into the well, primed for productive output, or stored within the FPSO’s tanks. Additionally, our strategic partnerships and synergies enable us to offer a range of business models, from project engineering to constructing sophisticated production-focused vessels for rental purposes. This includes options for financial leasing with operational and maintenance support, as well as vessels dedicated solely to existing ship operations. With an in-depth understanding of FPSO operations, well services, and production enhancement procedures, BLUE MARINE has cultivated a record of success through enduring, multi-year campaigns marked by exceptional performance. This track record has fostered strong dedication from our established clients. With a history of achieving production outcomes surpassing those of local competitors by 5 to 10 times, BLUE MARINE possesses unparalleled expertise in executing complex offshore projects across diverse environments. Our experience spans over 17 years of operating FPSOs, underscoring our position as the company with the most extensive track record in the Gulf of Mexico.

Blue Marine Subtec

At Blue Marine, we take pride in offering a comprehensive suite of specialized services, tailored to meet the unique demands of offshore operations. From platform installations and interconnections to pipeline laying and geophysics, our capabilities span the entire spectrum of offshore activities. We improve our clients’ operations by providing services that guarantee the operational continuity of existing infrastructure, as well as the integrity of production facilities and their security. With a deep knowledge in the sector, we safeguard the offshore oil and gas facilities.  For new and existing infrastructures, we offer specialized services in:

• Platform maintenance, modifications and upgrades including electrical and mechanical components.
• Installation and interconnection on platforms
• Installation and laying of pipelines
• Geophysics and geotechnics
• Specialized underwater facilities
• Installation of FPSO’s
• Forfeiture on platforms

Blue Marine ShippingWe are experts in the maintenance and operation of specialized construction ships, as well as processing and storage vessels: tankers, suppliers and ships for the transport of state-of-the-art personnel.  One of the strengths of BM Shipping is in its human capital specialized in high-tech vessels, in charge of meeting the needs of customers through excellent service.All our operations are governed under strict regulatory and management controls and cover the entire value chain and development of the industry. The implementation of logistics strategies for each of our markets has allowed us to position ourselves as “partners†of our clients’ projects, who fully trust the solutions we offer them.  Having a first-class fleet gives us the opportunity to optimize operations in these areas:

• Naval technical maintenance
• Risk management and insurance
• Crew management and training
• Technical inspection, programming, and management of dry docks
• National and international procurement
• Flag and registry management services
• Management services, safety, and quality certifications
• Logistics services, agency, changing of the guard and work permits.

Blue Marine currently manages a fleet of 14 specialized vessels and is in the process of acquisition of additional vessels.

Contact Details

If you’re seeking a partner to enhance your offshore operations in Mexico or International locations, look no further. Our experienced team is ready to collaborate, strategize, and propel your projects towards unparalleled success. Reach out to us to explore how Blue Marine Energia can support your offshore ventures.