Duff

Things are looking up, at least a little, for offshore rigutilization, according to Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.(DCR). The firm says operating rates have increased steadily overthe past 12 months as drilling day rates for a shallow waterjack-up rig have risen from a low of $22,000 to current levels ofaround $50,000. Offshore rig utilization has also steadilyincreased from a low of 72% during the summer of 1999, to 81% inFebruary 2000. Oil prices are averaging better than $20/barrel andOPEC countries continue to adhere to new, reduced productionquotas, resulting in lower reported crude oil supplies. Also,according to Oil & Gas Journal, natural gas energy consumptionis projected to increase 8.4 % by 2002.