Industry at a glance

	Vol. 226 No. 5

Disputes between China and Japan continue over the two countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones in the East China Sea, leading to anti-Japanese protests in at least two Chinese cities. Within the disputed zone areas, Chunxiao gas field is believed to hold 1.6 Tcf of natural gas reserves. China maintains a steady output of about 3.5 million bopd and, according to the IEA, is the second largest consumer in the world at 6.4 million bopd.

Across the world, at least two offshore rigs, located about 300 km southeast of St. Johns, Newfoundland, had been set to be evacuated before the launching of a US Titan IVB rocket. Speculation concerning the rocket’s splashdown point was expressed by Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams, but a booster malfunction postponed the launch indefinitely.

In March, US workover rig counts remained stable, while Canada dropped 12%. Canadian seismic crew counts also declined, dropping a steep 73% in April, due to seasonal retreat.