Tackling The Industry’s Technical And People Challenges

With less than two months before the free-to-attend SPE Offshore Europe 2015 opens its doors in Aberdeen, the industry is looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the globe to discuss and debate both the technical and people challenges facing the oil and gas business today. (Read More)

Over the four days, from 8-11 September, there will be a series of keynote sessions, technical sessions, topical lunches and breakfast briefings, alongside the exhibition representing the complete supply chain of exploration and production companies.

The event will open on Tuesday 8 September with a plenary session focusing on the basic challenge of meeting energy demand while balancing concerns over climate change, security of supply and consumer affordability. Professor Brian Cox is confirmed as a speaker. Arguably the UK’s best known physicist, his books and TV programmes are read and watched around the world and are credited with making science engaging and accessible to millions. Other confirmed speakers include: Keisuki Sadamori, Director, Energy Markets and Security, International Energy Agency; Simon Bittleston, Vice President, Research, Schlumberger; Matt Corbin, Managing Director, Aker Solutions; and Liz Rogers, Vice President Environment, Social Responsibility and HSSE Compliance, BP.

The keynote programme, chaired by Michael Engell-Jensen, Executive Director of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP), will offer 11 sessions dealing with important elements of the framework within which the industry is likely to have to operate in the coming years. Topics to be addressed include: health; the safety and security of people and assets; well intervention; financing investments; oil spill response; and inspiring the next generation to join the industry.

The technical programme, chaired by Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive Officer, Expro, will present more than 75 SPE papers, demonstrating that the industry’s engineering, manufacturing and technology excellence is set to assure a long-term sustainable future. Speakers drawn from all over the world will discuss topics such as asset and well integrity, maximising economic recovery, smarter field development, pipelines and risers, subsea processing, talent development, unconventional gas development, process safety, and decommissioning.

The exciting breakfast briefings and topical lunches are booking up fast. BP’s Bernard Looney, Chief Operating Officer, Production, is the confirmed lunch speaker on Tuesday 8 September, and Andy Samuel, Chief Executive, Oil & Gas Authority will speak at the lunch on Wednesday 9 September. On Thursday 10 September, the lunch session will be given over to a small operators’ panel chaired by Neil McCulloch, President, North Sea, EnQuest.

Meanwhile on the show floor, around 1500 organisations will display their products and services, including at least 300 companies – small and large – exhibiting for the first time at the event. Reflective of the global nature of the industry as a whole there will be a chance to connect with exhibitors from 44 countries. UK Trade & Investment commercial officers from around the world will also be available to discuss the opportunities that exist in each of their respective markets.

Taking over an entire hall, the dedicated Deepwater Zone will comprise its own conference and exhibition programme. And, for the first time, the event will include a series of workshops and meetings to connect entrepreneurs and investors. An ambitious ‘Inspire’ programme aimed at the younger generation will feature as well.

Visit www.offshore-europe.co.uk for more information and to register.