U.S. exploration companies have expressed uncertainty about the direction of the energy markets this year, but one thing they are sure about is natural gas-powered pressure pumping fleets, which should support “durable, multi-year” opportunities, top oilfield executives said.

Halliburton Co., one of the world’s largest oilfield services (OFS) companies, and Liberty Energy Inc., the No. 1 completions expert in the United States, each delivered fourth quarter results this week.

Based on conversations with exploration and production (E&P) customers, the outlook for increasing activity in North America is foggy, with more call for work overseas. One bright spot, though, is how the Lower 48 E&Ps are quickly taking the lead to stack their diesel hydraulic fracturing (fracking)...