Industry Showcases Positive Changes at OE 2019

Commitment to accelerating the energy transition is gathering pace, as operators and technology developers at SPE Offshore Europe 2019 said they will invest to secure a more sustainable energy mix.

In another encouraging sign that the energy industry is steadily continuing to emerge from the downturn, there were more than 38,000 visitors to the show.

The industry’s entire exploration and production supply chain was showcased at OE19, with 950 exhibitors, including 125 new names from small innovators to global service companies, on the exhibition floor.

Michael Borrell, Senior VP North Sea and Russia at Total, and Chair of SPE Offshore Europe said: “Offshore Europe 2019 has been a great success. I’m delighted that so many thousands of colleagues from across our industry attended. There’s been a really noticeable positive energy at Offshore Europe this year, in the conference presentations and on the floor of the exhibition.

“We’ve had some great debates about our future, especially about the energy transition and our license to operate. I think the energy and ideas of the conference will carry on into our work in the future.”

The SPE Offshore Europe 2019 conference included 12 keynote sessions and 86 technical papers, attracting thousands of delegates.

Phil Chandler, Director, Europe and Caspian events at SPE: “Across the conference program we have heard that the oil and gas, and renewables sectors are developing and delivering strategies responding to key challenges in terms of not only the transition; but also late life and decommissioning; decarbonization; standardization; digitization and diversity.

“Encouraging the next generation is a crucial element of Offshore Europe and, through SPE Inspire and OPITO’s Energise Your Future program the show has also provided vital opportunities for young people to visualize the options available to them as they consider a career in this exciting industry.”

Delegates attending represented 119 countries, with 37 nations among exhibitors on the show floor including Singapore, China, Nigeria, Guyana and Brasil. There were 14 international pavilions – including Canada, the USA, Norway, Finland, Netherlands and Italy.

Some 16% of visitors to the show represented independents, national and international operating companies.

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director at OE organizer Reed Exhibitions Energy, Marine & Rotorcraft, said: “By bringing key governmental stakeholders, industry bodies, operators and supply chain companies of all scales together, OE provides a platform  to make connections and do business which has been evidenced by the deals that have been announced here this week.

“It has been hugely encouraging that our new venue, P&J Live, has delivered a superb visitor experience and we look forward to returning in 2021.”

Fraser Collis, general manager at UCS, an Ashtead Technology company and OE exhibitor, said: “There’s been a great buzz at Offshore Europe 2019 this week and as a result, we’ve seen significant interest from companies looking to learn more about our services. OE came at a great time for Underwater Cutting Solutions as we announced the company’s acquisition by Ashtead Technology at the show. Completing the deal during the show provided us with a great platform to discuss our combined capabilities as we grow our inspection, maintenance and repair, and decommissioning capabilities globally.”

Neil Slater, head of external relations at DNV GL – Oil and Gas, which launched its ‘Probabilistic Digital Twin’ concept at the show, said: “DNV GL has been a regular exhibitor at Offshore Europe since 1999 and we were excited to take part again this year – the show’s importance and relevance are undimmed.

“Given the industry’s push towards a low-carbon future, it was encouraging to see such a prominent focus on the energy transition. We are committed to leading action in this vital journey.”