Law on Petroleum Unitization

The late Paul F. Worthington, former Consultant in Petroleum Unitization and Visiting Professor, Imperial College London, UK

• Contents: Preface 1. Introduction 2. Evolution of legislation relating to shared fluid resources 3. Unitization 4. Current status of unitization legislation 5. Collation of pertinent legislation 6. Analysis of selected unitization legislations 7. Detailed case histories 8. Recommendations for improved legislation for unitization 9. Implementation of recommendations Bibliography Index

'Paul F. Worthington's extensive research has produced this important work about unitization. The book's greatest virtue is in pulling together the unitization rules of 90 countries, analyzing them in a methodological manner and proposing recommendations to improve this complex and relevant process. Worthington's work presents itself as an important reference for scholars, policy analysts, oil and gas lawyers, and especially regulators who are charged with drafting unitization rules.'--Luciana Braga, Université Grenoble Alpes, France'This book offers an insightful analysis of the diversity of tripartite legal frameworks (statutes, regulations, and contract provisions) used today to promote the unitization of petroleum reservoirs around the world. Written by a geoscientist with experience in many unitization negotiations, Paul F. Worthington's research finds where gaps in the legal framework, mismatched terms among the three framework levels, and overly prescriptive provisions at some levels can hinder the maximum recovery of petroleum today. He concludes by offering a useful template of key factors that ideally should be found in a country's tripartite legal regime for unitization.'--Jacqueline L. Weaver, University of Houston Law Center, US'A meticulously researched and well written volume that considers the law relating to unitization agreements in both developing and developed jurisdictions. Providing both a historical perspective of the concept of unitization as well as a consideration of contemporary unitization agreements, this book is an essential tool for anyone who works in the area of petroleum contracts and initiation. An invaluable read!'--Tina Soliman Hunter, University of Aberdeen, UK