All Set for Offshore Europe oil and gas conference in Aberdeen

ABERDEEN CITY and Shire will host a wealth of local organisations and businesses at Offshore Europe 2011 this week.

This year’s Offshore Europe oil and gas conference and exhibition runs from Tuesday to Thursday at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, and will be the biggest show in the event’s history.

More than 1,500 exhibiting companies on 800 stands will be represented at the exhibition, which covers an area of more than 43,500 square metres – a 9% increase on Offshore Europe 2009.

Themed ‘Securing Safe, Smart Sustainable Supply’ the programme has key sessions on oil spill response and prevention; operating models; ageing infrastructure; reducing carbon emissions; national oil companies (NOC) international expansion and engagement.

Organisers are expecting big international delegations from Brazil, Nigeria and Kazakhstan among others.

Although the conference will be a day shorter than in 2009, in support of the Walker Cup golf event, indications show attendance is likely to be similar, with more than 45,000 visitors expected.

The Aberdeen City and Shire pavilion is situated in hall two at stand number two C20 and will host 26 local companies and organisations, creating a vital business environment for the region.

Bill Howatson, provost of Aberdeenshire, said: “Aberdeenshire is well-known in the industry for hosting the largest concentration of subsea engineering expertise in Europe, and has been recognised for offering the best quality of life for residents. Offshore Europe is the perfect platform to share the energy, enthusiasm and innovation that exists in this part of Scotland.

“I hope our international guests will take the opportunity to explore Aberdeen City and Shire during their visit. We can certainly assure them of a warm welcome.”

Offshore Europe 2011 features 28 international pavilions, and new for this year are Brazil, Greenland, Finland, Malaysia and Australia Northern Territories. The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection will also be exhibiting for the first time.

The conference also features the largest ever number of operating company exhibitors, including BP, Shell, Exxon, Total, BG, Maersk, Chevron, DONG, Centrica, Statoil, GDF Suez, Petrobras, and Petronas.

Banffshire Journal