THOUSANDS of highly targeted technical, business and government industry professionals from the offshore sector are to meet in Aberdeen for a keynote panel focused on decommissioning.
The SPE Offshore Europe 2017 will in September host a range of expert speakers as part of the plenary and new Decommissioning Zone technical programme.
Shell is to host a keynote panel session which will include speakers from CNR, Chevron, Heerema Marine Contractors, Marine Scotland and the UK regulator BEIS.
It comes as the full or partial removal of more than 100 offshore platforms in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) are set to take place, along with the plugging of more than 1800 wells over the next decade. These changes have prompted SPE to recognise the need to place decommissioning high on this year’s agenda.
With these North Sea assets coming towards the end of their lifespan, the Oil and Gas Authority has predicted that the cost of decommissioning the UKCS oil and gas infrastructure is £59.7 billion with an ambitious goal of completing this work for less than £39bn.
“Operators and regulators are planning for the inescapable responsibility of decommissioning,” said Roger Esson, chief executive of Decom North Sea.
“The inaugural Decommissioning Zone at SPE Offshore Europe 2017 is an important step for the sector and wider industry to further discussions around planning, regulation, execution optimisation and technology.
“Not only will this zone showcase the innovative capabilities of its exhibitors, but its comprehensive programme of conference sessions will provide knowledge and insight into the opportunities and issues arising within the sector.”
SPE Offshore Europe takes place from September 5-8 in Aberdeen and will feature 1000 exhibitors. This includes 65 free-to-attend technical presentations and 11 keynote panel sessions combined with business breakfasts and topical lunches.
Panellists offering expert insight throughout the three-day conference include the likes of Stephen Hall, CEO of Society for Underwater Technology and Bill Cattanach, head of supply chain at the Oil and Gas Authority. The Decommissioning Zone also brings together exhibitors including Diaquip, Integrated DECOM, EMAS Energy, Fairfield Energy, Petroplan Europe Ltd and Xodus Group among those signed up.
SPE Offshore Europe’s exhibition director, Gareth Rapley said that the event will provide a platform to showcase ideas for future decommissioning as well as lessons learned from previous ventures.
“We are looking forward to showcasing the latest advances in decommissioning and the theatre in the new zone will give a platform for debating and sharing lessons learned,” he said.
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