A group of oil and gas service firms exhibited their technology at an event near Aberdeen last night.
Nearly 300 people attended the showcase in the Ardoe House Hotel, which brought together businesses backed by venture-capital company Energy Ventures.
In a speech to delegates First Minister Alex Salmond said: “Although we are probably past halfway in terms of recoverable reserves in the North Sea, in terms of value we are nowhere near halfway.
“Production could continue for the next 40 years but if that is to happen we need lots of innovation to make it possible to recover the reserves in an economic and safe way.
“The prize involved is very great indeed because there is far more value to come from oil and gas in the waters around Scotland.”