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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the inclusion and
incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of our reports dated
February 26, 1996 included in this Registration Statement and in the Energy
Ventures, Inc. (the "Company") Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995,
and to all references to our Firm included in this Registration Statement.
 
/s/  ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
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Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Houston, Texas
June 24, 1996