Pop quiz: what catalysts do you know?
Dateline 2017-09-18, The Sun:
AmBank Research is of view that a reported RM6 billion maintenance, construction and modification (MCM) contracts rollout by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) is unlikely to work as a catalyst for the oil and gas sector, maintaining the sector’s neutral call.
It was previously reported that, Petronas has conducted a pre-award meeting for the delayed contracts which were expected out in the second quarter of the year.
“Petronas’ recent focus on reshuffling its upstream portfolio amid a review of its capital and operating expenditure against the backdrop of a lower crude oil price environment has negatively impacted the local services sector. It is uncertain whether Petronas would split the MCM jobs into six packages for a 5-year duration as earlier envisaged,” AmBank said.
Essentially, these new contracts, which are a relief for the sector, are to replace the existing service jobs currently held by the incumbents. These could offer a respite for vessel utilisation rates. However, in terms of value accretion, we do not expect any significant increase in day rates, given the currently depressed offshore market,” it added.
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Wata - Malaysian Oil and Gas Engineer 