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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
 
           CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS
 
     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of our reports dated April 9, 1996, April 10, 1996, and
May 13, 1996, that were utilized in aggregate as a basis for United Meridian
Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and to all
references to our Firm included in this Registration Statement.
 
                                          NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.
 
                                          By:  /s/ DANNY D. SIMMONS
                                             Danny D. Simmons
                                             Senior Vice President
 
Houston, Texas
September 26, 1996