Offshore drilling rig operators have put a positive spin on the tough market conditions, suggesting that the downturn could improve the global fleet and offer opportunities to buy distressed assets.

Danish drilling contractor Maersk Drilling delivered a profit of $478 million for the full year 2014, compared to $528 million in 2013.

Transocean, a Swiss-based offshore driller has reported its 4Q 2014 revenues were 2.

Offshore drilling contractor Seadrill Limited has today reported a drop in its fourth quarter revenues.

Statoil (U.

Oil rose above $62 a barrel on Thursday as indications of a coming recovery in demand offset a further jump in U.

Stork, a global provider of knowledge-based asset integrity management services focused on the oil & gas, chemical and power sectors, has been awarded a three year contract extension with two one-year extension options, for global oil & gas operator Apache.

Total E&P Norge AS (TEPN) has received consent from the Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) Norway for exploration drilling of wells 25/6-5 S and 25/6-5 A, located in the North Sea.

Inpex has won two new exploration blocks, offshore Western Australia, near its Ichthys gas-condensate field.