Organisers of Europe’s biggest subsea industry event last night hailed it as the most successful to date.
A record total of more than 2,500 people from Britain and abroad registered for Subsea 09, held in the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
This was the fifth annual show organised by industry body Subsea UK.
The two-day gathering featured more than 100 exhibitors and a variety of speakers.
Subsea UK chief executive Alistair Birnie told the Press and Journal: “Despite the economic downturn, there has been a real buzz about the show, with some serious business being done.
“The subsea industry is in good shape and the overall message from the industry at the show has been very much about creating value.
“In the current climate, cost-cutting is inevitable, but the oil industry must not simply focus on driving down costs. It must look at ways of delivering value so that the supply chain is sustainable now and in the long term.
“For Subsea UK as an organisation, this show has been our most successful one so far. We have received lots of inquires about membership, demonstrating our success in promoting the subsea sector.”
Britain is the world’s number one player in the subsea market, which is worth a potential £40billion annually. The north-east has the biggest concentration of subsea firms in the UK.
Exhibitors at Subsea 09 were also upbeat.
Expro’s Aberdeen-based subsea business manager Colin Mackenzie said: “It was important for Expro to have a presence at Subsea 09 to reflect the strength of our position in the subsea industry.
“It was the first time we have exhibited at the show and we generated a significant amount of interest in our company and products.”
Martin Anderson, chief executive of Westhill-based Triton Group, said: “This year’s conference provided a varied and interesting platform for debate and discussion for the industry going forward and, in particular, it was good to see such a broad spectrum of operators, contractors and supply-chain organisations represented.
“There was also a strong international flavour to Subsea 09, providing excellent networking opportunities with delegates from across Europe and the Middle East in particular.”
Klaire Evans, business-development manager at Aberdeen company Brinker, said: “From a business perspective, this has been a really good opportunity for us to touch base with a lot of our clients. As Brinker grows, we are looking at forming strategic partnerships and Subsea 09 has been an excellent platform for us to discuss future opportunities with linked businesses.”
Graham Meil, the Aberdeen-based managing director of Acergy UK, said: “We had a number of very constructive and positive discussions with key industry decision-makers, outlining Acergy’s expertise, and the services we provide.”
Tracerco, whose operations include an Aberdeen office, is a regular exhibitor at the show.
Managing director Andy Hurst said: “It’s been an excellent show which grows in stature and numbers each year. Subsea 09 is one of the key events in our energy calendar as its focus is firmly placed on innovation today and maximising opportunities in the future.
“Each year, people coming to the stand and engaging with our team have generated very positive business leads and this year is no exception.”
Richard Heard, director of Aberdeen firm Xodus, said: “This was a very timely event for the subsea community, giving us the opportunity to get together during quite uncertain times and gain a better understanding of the wider market.”