Energy conference ‘creates a buzz’

The energy industry is embracing the new realities it faces in the age of a lower-for-longer oil price and rising costs, according to representatives of every facet of the sector who attended this year’s Offshore Europe.

More than 35,000 people attended the four-day event, held at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre – down from 55,947 in 2015 when delegates were drawn to the Granite city from 104 countries.

However, the sentiment among exhibitors seemed to be “quality over quantity” as they praised the amount of positive leads taken from the conference with a greater emphasis placed on technology.

Gareth Rapley, exhibition director of SPE Offshore Europe, said this week’s numbers had “exceeded expectations” given the current climate.

He said: “Operators and companies at every level of the supply chain have continued to make a significant investment in SPE Offshore Europe in what has been very challenging times and, as we look ahead, there is clear demand for us to return to Aberdeen in 2019.

“Numbers attending the show have exceeded our expectations, and re-bookings for space at the next edition of SPE Offshore Europe are already ahead of where we were on the last day of the event in 2015, which shows the confidence the industry continues to have in itself, the show, and the city.”

Chaired by Catherine MacGregor, president of Schlumberger’s drilling group, the show featured presentations from leading figures in the industry including BP CEO Bob Dudley, Royal Dutch Shell CEO Ben Van Beurden, Petrobras’ chief exploration and production officer Solange Guedes, Wood Group CEO Robin Watson, and Andrew Jones MP, Exchequer Secretary to the UK Treasury.

The week also featured 11 keynote panel sessions, dozens of technical presentations, business breakfasts and topical lunches.

With nearly 200 new exhibitors included on the show floor, and a total of 44 countries represented by those exhibiting, SPE Offshore Europe attracted delegates from 100 countries this year.

Ms MacGregor said: “It has been a great week. I was particularly pleased with the quality of the panel sessions, lunches, breakfasts and technical programme with excellent speakers and good level of discussions.

“I think we managed to create a bit of a buzz which was one of our objectives.”