Subsea Expo records its biggest attendance yet

Networking: Industry body describes mood at P&J Live event as upbeat

Subsea Expo notched up its largest attendance on record during its debut at P&J Live in Aberdeen.

The latest edition of the annual three-day conference and industry showcase ended yesterday after attracting nearly 6,700 visitors from around the world.

Neil Gordon, chief executive of industry body Subsea UK, described the mood as “upbeat”, reflecting “renewed optimism” in the oil and gas subsea sector, as well as other underwater industries.

Almost 200 exhibitors took part in the event, Europe’s largest subsea showcase and now in its 15th year.

There were 70 speakers, many of whom focused on the energy transition and the expo’s theme of “new perspectives”.

Organisers also welcomed more than 140 school pupils to the show, which has moved into a larger space than the former Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Mr Gordon said: “This event is supported so well because it is organised by industry for industry. The new venue has been fantastic, particularly in terms of us being able to bring international visitors to a complex like this to showcase the kind of technology and companies we have here.”

Mr Gordon said the size of the stands had grown, making it easier for exhibitors to showcase technologies, and suggested the expo could be even bigger in future years. He added: “We’ve not filled the full arena.

“This venue has got much more scope for us to extend and grow, and that’s what we’d love to do over the coming years.”

Balmoral Group public relations manager Steve Gibb said the event was an ideal chance to interact with a broad range of companies.

Mr Gibb added: “It’s good face time with clients, and what is also important is Subsea UK has gathered a critical mass of good organisations and good companies.”

Some visitors reckoned the event was quieter than last year, despite the record attendance.

Amy Grant-Simpson, of Crondall Energy, said it seemed “not quite as busy”, while Richard Drennan, of Viewport3, said the larger venue made it feel “a bit more sparse”.

With the exception of BP, operators did not exhibit and tier one contractors were also largely absent from the exhibitor list. Mr Gordon said he did not view the general lack of some of the larger players as a negative, adding the showcase was for companies to promote themselves, and operators and tier one firms were encouraged to attend.

“This venue has got much more scope for us to extend and grow”

Neil Gordon