SPE Offshore Europe 2013: The next 50 years

29 August 2013

The oil and gas industry represents a continuing success story, both in terms of future production and a strong supply chain. And although the future of the industry seems assured, there are plenty of challenges ahead. Yet challenges drive innovation, and the industry has a deserved international reputation for excellence in engineering, manufacturing and technology allowing it to operate safely and successfully in both frontier and mature basins.

‘The Next 50 Years’ is therefore an appropriate theme for the forthcoming SPE Offshore Europe biennial conference and exhibition to be held at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre from 3-6 September 2013.

More than 30,000 visitors are expected to participate in the world’s largest upstream oil and gas exhibition and conference outside North America. Senior representatives from the global industry, UK and international governments and academia will come together to lead the sessions during the four-day event which is free to attend for all registrants.

Malcolm Webb, SPE Offshore Europe 2013 chairman and chief executive of industry association Oil and Gas UK says: “The conference will be forward looking, extending the far too short a time frame frequently expressed around the offshore oil and gas industry’s potential future. We are extending the producing life of many existing fields and numerous new developments will continue to come on stream in the future. We also have a magnificent supply chain operating both in the UK province and internationally. A huge selection of these goods and services will be on display in the largest exhibition of the show’s history.”

Over the four days of the conference there will be a series of keynote forums, peer-reviewed technical sessions, topical lunches and breakfast briefings. Topics covered range from industry progress since Macondo, taking operations to frontier areas and decommissioning though to safety, skills, technology and drilling. A number of the technical sessions are also dedicated to health and safety issues, as well as oil spill prevention.

Following its successful launch in 2011, the expanded Deep Water Zone will be an important feature of the show. Deep water exploration and production is playing an ever increasing role in the industry with a growing number of discoveries being made in deep and ultra-deep waters off the coasts of Brazil, West and East Africa, and in the Gulf of Mexico. Exhibiting companies from this rapidly evolving sector will display their latest products and services, and a series of presentations is planned on current industry trends and challenges. Another area is reserved for deep water operating companies to showcase existing and new development projects.

The exhibition halls will showcase the technologies, services and expertise of the global industry, covering the complete supply chain of companies including operators, drilling contractors and oilfield service companies. Over 1500 organisations are expected this year – 250 of whom are exhibiting for the first time at the event. Reflective of the global nature of the industry as a whole there is a large international exhibitor presence at the event with participating companies from over 40 countries.

Brand new for 2013, MyOE is an exclusive online profile available to both visitors and exhibitors. On registration, visitors and exhibitors will be automatically signed up to MyOE which will allow them to connect with other visitors and exhibitors, book meetings, as well as adding must-attend conference sessions to the online diary. Also new and improved for 2013, an ‘app’ will be the essential planning and onsite tool for every visitor. This year’s app will hold the conference content, exhibitor directory and show information.

With so many industry leaders and influencers under one roof, there are ample opportunities to network and catch up with colleagues from around the world. Comments Matthias Bichsel, Shell’s Projects and Technology Director: “Offshore Europe is still one of the world’s premier events for establishing business relationships in the oil & gas industry.”

A new ‘Energy Festival’ is planned for the week of the show, hosted by Aberdeen City Council. It will include a series of exciting evening events and will allow the show to carry on into the evening with plenty more opportunities to network, socialise and enjoy Europe’s energy capital, Aberdeen.

Visit www.offshore-europe.co.uk for more information.