Robinson Drilling of Texas
When oil and gas firms need a drilling contractor to count on, Robinson Drilling of Texas has the equipment to serve their needs. Based in Big Spring, Texas, the company has operated as a family run business since it was founded in 1947. Currently, Robinson Drilling has 14 rigs in operation in the Permian Basin. Additionally, the rigs can reach depths of 8,000 to 13,000 feet.
Robinson Drilling also is a member of the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), which has offices in Houston, Washington, D.C., the Netherlands, Dubai and Bangkok. “Since 1940, [IADC] has exclusively represented the worldwide oil and gas drilling industry,” the association says.
Open to All
IADC says it focuses on enhancing the interests of the oil and gas and geothermal drilling and completion industry across the world. “Membership is open to any company involved in oil and gas exploration, drilling or production, well servicing, oilfield manufacturing or other rig-site services,” it says.
The association says its contract-drilling members own the majority of the world’s land and offshore drilling units that drill the majority of the wells producing oil and gas. “IADC’s membership also includes oil and gas producers, and manufacturers and suppliers of oilfield equipment and services,” it says.
The 71-year-old IADC says its mission is improving industry health, safety and environmental practices; advancing drilling and completion technology; and championing standards, practices, legislation and regulations that allow safe, efficient and environmentally conscious drilling operations.
Gaining Strength
Robinson Drilling’s work as an oil-drilling contractor has helped support an industry that is currently experiencing strong demand.
According to the American Petroleum Institute (API), the total U.S. petroleum deliveries reflected a 4.4 percent increase in February compared to the same month one year ago, with the number of 19.7 million barrels a day. This increase also marked a three-year high for the month, the institute reported.
Meanwhile, gasoline deliveries, which were at 9 million barrels daily, also rose by 4.2 percent, which also marked a record high for the month. “The boost in deliveries reflects an economy gaining strength,” API Chief Economist John Felmy said in a statement.
“The Federal Reserve survey indicates an expansion in business and manufacturing,” he said. “So it’s no surprise we’re seeing growth in petroleum deliveries. It’s welcome news for fuel producers and for the economy.”
API added that imports of crude oil and refined products decreased by 5.2 in February compared to one year ago, along with product imports decreasing by 22.6 percent.
Strong Support
According to API, the oil and gas industry supports 9.2 million jobs in the economy and 7.5 percent of GDP. In addition, “The national average annual salary for oil and gas exploration and production is $96,844, or about $47 per hour – more than double the average annual salary of all occupations,” the institute says. “From 2004 [to] 2007, the oil and gas industry was responsible for creating nearly 2 million additional domestic jobs,” it says.
Speaking for the Industry
Based in Washington, D.C., API says that it stands as the only national trade association that represents all of the aspects of America’s oil and gas industry.
“Our more than 400 corporate members, from the largest major company to the smallest of independents, come from all segments of the industry,” the institute explains. These segments include such groups as producers, refiners, suppliers, pipeline operators and marine supporters.
“We speak for the oil and natural gas industry to the public, Congress and the executive branch, state governments and the media,” API says.
In addition, the institute notes that it has led the development of both the petroleum and petrochemical equipment operating standards.
“These represent the industry’s collective wisdom on everything from drill bits to environmental protection and embrace proven, sound engineering and operating practices and safe, interchangeable equipment and materials,” it explains. “API maintains more than 500 standards and recommended practices. Many have been incorporated into state and federal regulations; and increasingly, they’re also being adopted by the International Organization for Standardization, a global federation of more than 100 standards groups.”
In addition, the institute provides education through seminars, workshops, symposia and conferences on policy issues, it says. “Through API University, we provide training materials to help people in the oil and natural gas business meet regulatory requirements and industry standards,” the institute explains.