News Cuttings

Larry Dickerson, Diamond, is 2009 IADC Contractor of the Year

Larry Dickerson, Diamond Offshore, was named 2009 IADC Contractor of the Year during a luncheon at the Houston Petroleum Club on 4 March. The award, sponsored for the 22nd year by NOV ReedHycalog, recognizes outstanding contributions and leadership to the association and the drilling industry.

“This is a tremendous honor. The list of past recipients is incredible, with many pioneers in the industry. I’m certainly humbled to be grouped with them,” Mr Dickerson said in accepting the award.

Referring to a quote by Milton Friedman asserting that no one can make a pencil – because no one person possesses all the skills needed to make the pencil – Mr Dickerson said he believes that “no one can drill a well.” It requires not only the expertise of drilling contractors, but also many other disciplines from service companies, operators, regulators and governments.

“So I take this award really saying that no one can earn it. It is something that reflects not only the individual company but really the entire industry,” he said.

Mr Dickerson thanked everyone he’s worked with at Diamond Offshore, particularly his assistant Sandy Landry. Finally, he thanked his wife Marcela. They’ve been married since 1980 and have two sons, Steven and Stuart.

The IADC Contractor of the Year Award winner is selected entirely by his drilling industry peers for contributions to safety, technical innovations and economic efficiency. NOV ReedHycalog president Robin MacMillan, who presented the award, noted that his company will donate a $7,500 scholarship on Mr Dickerson’s behalf to the Kipp Academy, a national network of free college-preparatory public schools.

Mr Dickerson is president and CEO of Diamond Offshore, where he began his career in 1979. He received a bachelor of business administration degree with honors from the University of Texas.

He served during 2003 as IADC chairman, 2002 as vice chairman and 2001 as secretary-treasurer. He is a director of IADC and of the National Ocean Industries Association, as well as a member of its Executive Committee. He also served on the US Commission on Ocean Policy.

IADC elects division VP, secretary-treasurer

David Reid, VP – E&P technology & business of National Oilwell Varco, was elected IADC vice president of the drilling & well servicing division at the association’s Directors Meeting on 4 March. Additionally, Beth Gordon, controller for Diamond Offshore, was elected secretary-treasurer.

As NOV’s VP – E&P technology & business, Mr Reid is responsible for developing corporate business interaction with strategic E&P companies. Since he joined Varco International 17 years ago, he has been widely recognized for his contributions to the drilling industry. He is chairman of the IADC Advanced Rig Technology Committee and is an active member of the SPE Drilling Systems Automation Technical Interest Group.

Ms Gordon has served as controller for Diamond Offshore for the last nine years. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Houston and has been a CPA since 1982. She currently chairs the IADC’s Accounting Issues/Procedures committee.

Ballard, Jacob receive service awards

IADC president Dr Lee Hunt presented Exemplary Service Awards to longtime IADC members and industry stalwarts Ed Jacob and Marshall Ballard, ENSCO, on 4 March at the IADC Contractor of the Year Luncheon & Directors Meeting, held in conjunction with the Houston Chapter.

Mr Jacob, who left Grey Wolf Drilling earlier this year, accepted the award by thanking IADC, commenting, “It’s humbling to be presented this award on the same day as Marshall Ballard, a true legend in our industry.”

He also thanked George Dotson of Helmerich & Payne and Pete Miller, also with H&P at the time, and Tom Richards with Grey Wolf for their professional support.

Mr Richards “not only provided me with the opportunity to participate with IADC, but also encouraged me to be an active participant,” he said. “This has been very valuable for me over my career because not only have I made a lot of relationships through this organization – which is one of the most incredible networking organizations in our industry – but I’ve made a lot of friends.”

Personally, Mr Jacob also thanked his wife Ruth and son Shawn for their inspiration and support.
Mr Ballard accepted his award by thanking everyone who’s given him support and help, “because, without that, what success I have enjoyed – I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it.”

UBO & MPD Committee to streamline objectives

The IADC Underbalanced Operations & Managed Pressure Drilling Committee will reorganize its subcommittee structure to better reflect current priorities and work objectives, the group decided during its first quarterly meeting of 2009, held in San Antonio, Texas, on 10-11 February.

“This new structure will streamline the committee’s various activities and projects and will better utilize the group’s technical expertise,” remarked committee chairman Don Reitsma, At Balance Americas. “It will also focus on recruiting additional participation from companies utilizing these important technologies.”

Subcommittees target UBO, MPD, HSE and training, standards and nomenclature, and committee outreach.

The group’s top priority is the drafting of a “best practice” document for MPD to complement the recently published API RP92U, Recommended Practice for Underbalanced Drilling Operations. The MPD document is targeted for completion in late 2009 or early 2010. Companies engaged in applying this technology are encouraged to participate.