With only two days to go, Subsea Expo 2016 is set to attract its highest-ever numbers, despite the UK oil and gas industry facing the toughest period in its history.
Organizer Subsea UK, is gearing up to welcome over 6000 delegates to Europe’s largest, annual subsea conference and exhibition, at which OE is principal media sponsor. The event takes place at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre from 3-5 February.
“Pre-registrations are up on this time last year,” said Neil Gordon, chief executive of Subsea UK. “Given that our sector is facing the toughest conditions in our history, these numbers are extremely encouraging. They demonstrate the industry’s appetite to come together to debate the challenges, find out about new technology and, more importantly, find ways to maximize economic recovery in the North Sea and protect our world-leading position.”
This year’s theme for Subsea Expo - ‘Time for Transformation’ - will look at the fundamental changes the industry must make to a lower, for longer oil price environment.
Gordon added: “Since the sharp decline in oil price last year and amidst its continued deterioration, we have seen some severe cost-cutting alongside a determination to drive efficiencies with much debate over greater collaboration and co-operation. Now, however, is the time to turn the rhetoric into action.
“The whole subsea supply chain, from operators to the small, niche technology companies, must change the way we work and adopt a different and can-do mind-set which will define our present and our future. Those who don’t engage, will find it difficult to survive.”
The three day conference and exhibition will see international delegates flying in from all corners of the world including dignitaries and senior industry figures from Africa, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria and the US.
The conference program is packed with high profile industry speakers delivering leadership messages at the opening plenary session on the theme of transformation. Other topics to be explored are maximizing global opportunities, key projects around the world, standardization and optimization, pipelines, ROV and inspection and technology R&D.
Just over 200 organizations will be showcasing their products and services at the exhibition. UKTI International Business Exchange will have a pavilion area where delegates can book one-to-one meetings with overseas buyers and decision makers.
Companies will also get the opportunity to connect with the ‘subsea leaders of tomorrow’ on day three, when a host of schools and universities visit the exhibition, including a coach taking 25 MSc students from the University of Strathclyde. OPITO will once again be running its Energise Your Future event which will see more than 250 students learn about the exciting and diverse careers in the sector.
Gordon concluded: “The up-turn is going to take longer than anticipated and the oil and gas landscape will be significantly different in the future. The UK subsea sector’s pioneering attitude and ingenuity, for which we are renowned for around the world, has a key role to play in making sure we are ready for that future.”
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