The offshore drilling industry in the U.S. focuses on extracting oil and natural gas from beneath the ocean floor. Various companies, from drilling contractors to service providers, operate here, offering essential services such as exploration, drilling, and technical support. As the industry evolves, attention is shifting towards innovative technologies and sustainable practices, driven by increasing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. Interestingly, the Gulf of Mexico remains a hotspot for offshore drilling, with massive reserves waiting to be tapped. The push for cleaner energy sources also sparks interest in hybrid technologies that can coexist with traditional drilling operations.


This list features 18 investors prominently active in the U.S. offshore drilling sector, ranging from private equity firms to corporations. Primarily headquartered in states like Texas and New York, these investors vary in size, with many managing thousands of employees. Established from as early as 1841 to as recently as 2015, these investment entities participated in numerous deals in 2024, showcasing their robust engagement in oil and gas ventures. Their investment strategies signal a vibrant market, shaping the future of offshore drilling as they seek to capitalize on emerging opportunities.


Top 18 Offshore Drilling Investors in the US


1. Post Oak Energy Capital


Post Oak Energy Capital is a private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investments within the energy sector, particularly focusing on upstream, midstream, and oilfield services. They partner with experienced management teams to provide growth capital and strategic support, aiming to create successful oil and gas businesses. Notable transactions include their acquisition of Sandridge Energy in 2006, which indicates their active role in the energy market. Additionally, they committed $150 million to CP Exploration II, LLC in 2014 for acquisitions and growth capital, further demonstrating their involvement in energy investments. While specific offshore drilling transactions are not highlighted, their overall investment strategy and focus on the energy sector suggest a relevance to offshore drilling activities.


2. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored investment solutions to institutional and individual clients. Among its notable transactions, KKR acquired a majority stake in Acteon Group in 2012, a key player in subsea services for the oil and gas sector, highlighting its focus on the offshore drilling industry. Additionally, KKR's acquisition of OEG Offshore Ltd in 2014 further underscores its strategic investments in companies that support offshore operations. KKR's diverse portfolio and expertise enable it to navigate complex investment landscapes, making it a significant player in the offshore drilling sector.


3. Chevron

  • Website: chevron.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: chevron

Chevron Corporation is an energy company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in oil and natural gas exploration, production, and distribution. Founded in 1999, Chevron operates globally and is committed to sustainable practices to meet the world's energy demands. In 2023, Chevron made significant acquisitions, including Hess Corporation for $53 million, which enhances their operations in offshore regions like Guyana, and PDC Energy for $7.6 billion. Additionally, Chevron Technology Ventures invested in Ocergy's Series A funding round, supporting the commercialization of sustainable offshore solutions. This investment aligns with their focus on innovative technologies in the offshore sector. Chevron also participated in funding ZiLift Limited, a provider of artificial lift solutions for the oil and gas industry, further showcasing their commitment to advancing technologies relevant to offshore drilling.


4. SCF Partners

  • Website: scfpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: scf-partners

SCF Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Houston, Texas, specializing in the energy sector. Founded in 1989, the firm provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and management teams, helping them build companies that deliver energy services, products, and technology. SCF Partners focuses on driving innovation and transformation in the energy industry, operating globally to create lasting value. Notably, SCF Partners was involved in the acquisition of Shelf Subsea Pty Ltd, a company formed from the acquisition of Cal Dive International Australia, which operates as an oil and gas diving contractor, highlighting their commitment to offshore services. Additionally, their investment in Tekmar Group plc, which raised significant funding for energy-related projects, and their acquisition of Variperm (Canada) further illustrate their active role in the energy sector, including offshore drilling contexts.


5. Warburg Pincus LLC

  • Website: warburgpincus.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1966
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: warburg-pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is a leading global private equity firm based in New York, specializing in growth investments across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and financial services. Founded in 1966, the firm manages over $83 billion in assets and has a diverse portfolio of more than 225 companies worldwide. Notably, Warburg Pincus has made significant investments in the energy sector, including transactions such as a $300 million investment in Kosmos Energy Ltd., which is involved in offshore oil exploration, and a $150 million equity commitment to Stronghold Energy II, a company focused on oil and gas exploration and production. These investments highlight Warburg Pincus's strategic engagement in the offshore drilling industry, making them a relevant player in this field.


6. First Reserve


First Reserve is a private equity investment firm based in Stamford, Connecticut, founded in 1983. The firm specializes in private equity and real asset strategies within the energy sector, partnering with management teams to drive growth and enhance value in energy, utility, and industrial markets. With over 40 years of experience, First Reserve has built a strong network and a reputation for investing in companies that provide critical solutions in these industries. Notably, they acquired Acteon Group in 2006, a company that offers services to the offshore oil and gas sector, highlighting their engagement in offshore drilling. Additionally, they have participated in various funding rounds for energy-related companies, further demonstrating their commitment to the energy sector.


7. Apollo Global Management, Inc.

  • Website: apollo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 46
  • LinkedIn: apollo-global-management-inc

Apollo Global Management, Inc. is an asset management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative assets and retirement solutions. Founded in 1990, the firm manages a diverse portfolio across credit, private equity, and real assets, catering to institutional investors, corporations, and individual clients. Apollo's integrated platform aims to empower retirees and provide innovative capital solutions. Notably, Apollo has made significant investments in the offshore drilling context, including the acquisition of Express Energy Services, a North American oilfield services company, and a 49% stake in Poet Blue Ocean Offshore Services Pte. Ltd., which focuses on offshore engineering services. Additionally, their investment in Talos Energy further highlights their engagement in the energy sector, particularly in offshore drilling activities.


8. Morgan Stanley

  • Website: morganstanley.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 79
  • LinkedIn: morgan-stanley

Morgan Stanley is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1986, headquartered in New York, New York. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, the firm provides a wide range of services including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets. Morgan Stanley Energy Partners, a division of the firm, focuses on investments in the energy sector, which includes offshore drilling. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Catalyst Energy Construction and a majority equity stake in Catalyst Energy Services, both of which are involved in providing essential services to upstream oil and gas producers. Additionally, Morgan Stanley facilitated Nabors in raising $475 million through post-IPO debt, further demonstrating its active role in the drilling industry. These transactions highlight Morgan Stanley's strategic investments in companies that support offshore drilling operations, making it a relevant player in this sector.


9. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. IFC aims to foster economic growth and address poverty challenges in over 100 countries. Among its notable transactions, IFC has invested in companies like Delonex Energy, acquiring a 10% stake for $60 million as part of a larger funding round aimed at oil and gas exploration in Africa. Additionally, IFC has participated in funding rounds for other energy companies such as Citla Energy and Apex International Energy, further demonstrating its engagement in the energy sector, which includes offshore drilling activities.


10. Nabors Industries

  • Website: nabors.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1952
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: nabors-industries

Nabors Industries Limited, founded in 1952 and based in Houston, Texas, is a leading drilling contractor specializing in oil and gas drilling services. The company provides a range of advanced drilling rigs and automation technologies to operators and contractors in the energy sector, emphasizing efficiency and safety in drilling operations across multiple countries. In recent years, Nabors has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the drilling market. Notably, they announced the acquisition of Tesco Corporation in 2017, which was aimed at expanding their capabilities. In 2024, they entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Parker Wellbore, which is expected to enhance their drilling solutions business and improve leverage metrics. Additionally, Nabors has invested in GA Drilling, contributing to the development of geothermal technology, which, while not strictly offshore drilling, showcases their commitment to innovative drilling solutions. Overall, Nabors Industries is a key player in the drilling industry, with a strong focus on offshore operations.


11. Slb

  • Website: slb.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1926
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: slbglobal

SLB (Schlumberger NV) is a Houston-based corporate investor founded in 1926, specializing in oilfield services and advanced technology solutions for the energy sector. With a workforce exceeding 10,000, SLB focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing emissions in the oil and gas industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of PetroAlliance Services in 2005 and KBB Underground Technologies GmbH in 2001, both of which bolster their service offerings. Most recently, SLB announced a definitive agreement to acquire ChampionX in April 2024, which is expected to create significant synergies and enhance their operational capabilities. Additionally, their involvement in funding rounds, such as the $73 million raised by Nauticus Robotics, showcases their commitment to innovation in technologies that can support offshore drilling operations. Overall, SLB's strategic investments and acquisitions position them as a key player in the offshore drilling sector.


12. Carnelian Energy Capital


Carnelian Energy Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in the energy sector, focusing on upstream, midstream, and oilfield services. They provide investment management and equity investments, partnering with energy sector companies to enhance their growth and operational efficiency. Notable transactions include their equity commitment to Parallax Energy, which aims to bolster acquisition and development strategies in Canada, and their involvement with companies like Alta Mar Energy and Zavanna, which, while not explicitly offshore drilling, indicate a commitment to the broader energy landscape. Their strategic approach to capitalizing on market conditions suggests a potential interest in various segments of the energy industry, including offshore drilling.


13. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and strategic investment approaches. Among its notable transactions, Blackstone acquired Ulterra Drilling Technologies in 2018 for $700 million, a company that plays a significant role in the drilling industry by manufacturing essential drill parts and tools. Additionally, Blackstone's GSO Capital Partners division invested in Energy Alloys, which focuses on growth strategies in the energy sector, further highlighting their commitment to industries that intersect with offshore drilling. Blackstone's diverse investment strategy, combined with its specific engagements in drilling-related companies, positions it as a relevant player in the offshore drilling investment landscape.


14. Riverstone Holdings


Riverstone Holdings LLC is an investment management firm based in New York, specializing in private equity and credit solutions within the energy, power, and infrastructure sectors. Founded in 2000, Riverstone partners with institutional investors to provide tailored investment strategies aimed at capitalizing on market opportunities and managing risks associated with energy transitions. Notably, Riverstone has made significant investments in the offshore drilling sector, including a $150 million investment in Fairfield Energy for North Sea exploration and acquisitions, and an earlier investment in Talos Energy, which focuses on offshore oil and gas exploration. These transactions highlight Riverstone's commitment to the offshore drilling industry while also maintaining a diverse investment portfolio across various energy sectors.


15. Intervale Capital


Intervale Capital is a private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in and partnering with entrepreneurs and business owners across industrial, infrastructure, and environmental sectors. With a focus on building market leaders, Intervale Capital provides capital and strategic support to enhance growth and operational efficiency. Since its inception, the firm has raised significant capital and invested in over 50 companies. Notable transactions include investments in Innovex Downhole Solutions, Tier 1 Energy Solutions, and Taurex Drill Bits, all of which are involved in the oil and gas sector, particularly in drilling operations. Additionally, their investment in Aegis Chemical Solutions highlights their commitment to supporting companies that provide essential services and products to the energy industry, including offshore drilling.


16. Nov

  • Website: nov.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1841
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: national-oilwell-varco

NOV Inc. (nov.com) is a Houston-based corporate investor founded in 1841, specializing in oilfield equipment and advanced solutions for the oil and gas industry. With a workforce exceeding 10,000, NOV focuses on innovation and operational support to enhance the efficiency and safety of energy production. The company has been actively involved in several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the offshore drilling sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Advanced Drilling Systems, which enhances their Managed Pressure Drilling offerings, and the acquisition of Fiberspar Corp., known for its advanced spoolable fiber-reinforced composite pipes used in oilfield applications. These transactions reflect NOV's commitment to providing integrated solutions that support offshore drilling operations, making them a key player in the industry.


17. Pelican Energy Partners


Pelican Energy Partners is a private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in strategic investments in energy services and manufacturing companies, with a focus on oilfield and nuclear energy services. They provide growth capital and strategic guidance to enhance operational efficiency and market competitiveness for their clients. Notable transactions include their investment in Gordon Technologies LLC, a provider of MWD technology to the oil and gas industry, which highlights their engagement in the offshore drilling sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Iron Horse Tools, Inc. in 2023 further emphasizes their commitment to supporting companies that serve the energy industry. Pelican Energy Partners has been active in the market, with five investments in 2024 alone, indicating a robust approach to capitalizing on opportunities within the energy sector.


18. Quanta Services, Inc.

  • Website: quantaservices.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: quanta-services

Quanta Services, Inc. is a Houston-based corporate investor specializing in infrastructure services across various sectors, including electric power, pipeline, industrial, and communications. Founded in 1997, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and has been active in making strategic acquisitions to enhance its service offerings. Notably, in April 2024, Quanta Services acquired Crux Subsurface, Inc., a specialty geotechnical drilling contractor, which adds a drilling component to their portfolio. This acquisition aligns with their focus on infrastructure but does not specifically target offshore drilling. Additionally, Quanta has made several other acquisitions, such as Nacap Australia and Banister Pipelines Constructors Corp., which further solidify their presence in the pipeline construction and maintenance sector, but these do not directly relate to offshore drilling activities.



Offshore Drilling Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Post Oak Energy CapitalHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-5020063
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
ChevronHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+199916
SCF PartnersHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-5019894
Warburg Pincus LLCNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-1000196624
First ReserveStamford, Connecticut, United States (USA)51-20019830
Apollo Global Management, Inc.New York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000199046
Morgan StanleyNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+198679
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Nabors IndustriesHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19525
SlbHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19263
Carnelian Energy CapitalHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-5020152
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Riverstone HoldingsNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-50020000
Intervale CapitalHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-5020060
NovHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+18413
Pelican Energy PartnersHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-5020135
Quanta Services, Inc.Houston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19975


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