Discussion Papers no. 696

Understanding rig rates

We examine the largest cost component in offshore development projects, drilling rates, which have been high in recent years. To our knowledge, rig rates have not been analysed empirically before in the economic literature. Using econometric analysis, we examine the effects of gas and oil prices, rig capacity utilisation, contract length and lead time, and rig-specific characteristics on Gulf of Mexico rig rates. Having access to a unique data set containing contract information, we are able to estimate how contract parameters crucial to the relative bargaining power between rig owners and oil and gas companies affects rig rates. Our econometric framework is a single equation random effects model, in which the systematic part of the equation is non-linear in the parameters. Such a model belongs to the class of non-linear mixed models, which has been heavily utilised in the biological sciences.

Om publikasjonen

Tittel

Understanding rig rates

Ansvarlige

Petter Osmundsen, Knut Einar Rosendahl, Terje Skjerpen

Serie og -nummer

Discussion Papers no. 696

Utgiver

Statistics Norway

Emne

Discussion Papers

ISSN

1892-753X

Antall sider

37

Målform

Engelsk

Om Discussion Papers

Discussion papers comprise research papers intended for international journals and books. A preprint of a Discussion Paper may be longer and more elaborate than a standard journal article as it may include intermediate calculations, background material etc.

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