Offshore projects require significant capital and long timelines. Investors are weighing deepwater opportunities against shallower developments, balancing high returns with operational and regulatory risk.
Oil & Gas Journal conducted a poll across OGJ.com, its social media channels, and the OGJ Daily e-newsletter Feb. 13-Feb. 27 to gather reader thoughts offshore investments.
For the February poll, we asked participants which offshore segment has the strongest investment momentum over the next 2–3 years.
Here are a few highlights.
Segment outlook
A total of 79% of respondents said the deepwater segment holds the highest potential for investment over the coming years. A much smaller percentage (13%) said shallow water offered the best investment momentum. Eight percent of respondents said caution was top of mind and that neither the deepwater segment nor the shallow water segment would see strong momentum.
We'll conduct a new poll each month, so be sure to check OGJ.com/poll and share your thoughts on each new topic! There are a few days left to share your thoughts on oil prices as the Iran war continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted.
Who responded
Engineering and technical professionals represented the largest share of respondents (33%), followed by corporate management roles (25%). Another 25% identified as superintendent/field professional/foreman.
The majority of participants noted their involvement with an oil and gas company (42%) or a contractor company (17%). Another 17% reported their involvement in a service/supply company, while a total of 16% noted an association with an engineering/construction company (8%) or a consulting firm for oil and gas companies (8%).
Where respondents work
Most participants were based in the United States (50%). Among US respondents, 71% were located in Texas and 14% in Oklahoma. International participation included Mexico (17%) and Brazil (8%).
About the Author
Mikaila Adams
Managing Editor, Content Strategist
Mikaila Adams has 20 years of experience as an editor, most of which has been centered on the oil and gas industry. She enjoyed 12 years focused on the business/finance side of the industry as an editor for Oil & Gas Journal's sister publication, Oil & Gas Financial Journal (OGFJ). After OGFJ ceased publication in 2017, she joined Oil & Gas Journal and was later named Managing Editor - News. Her role has expanded into content strategy. She holds a degree from Texas Tech University.