Europe’s first World Heavy Oil Congress has been hailed a success, with more than 1,100 people walking through its doors.
The four-day gathering, which ended yesterday, saw experts from more than 30 countries attend conference sessions and a showcase at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Wes Scott, executive vice-president of organiser dmg events said: “We are thrilled about the success of this year’s World Heavy Oil Congress and particularly excited about the number of international delegates and exhibitors that participated. Over 30 countries contributed to this year’s congress, including delegations from Venezuela, Colombia, China, Peru, the UK, Norway, Mexico, France, Canada and the US.”
The congress – first held in Beijing, China, in 2006 – was also a success for north-east firms, offering a shop window to the world for their products and services.
Granite City Lord Provost George Adam said: “It has been an interesting and very busy event, which has brought hundreds of delegates from all over the world into Aberdeen.
“It provided a fantastic opportunity to show off the energy industry skills and expertise we have in the north-east.”
“It has also allowed those involved in the industry to network and discuss future business opportunities, which can only be good for the city.”
Exhibitors at the congress included speciality chemical firm Champion Technologies, whose Aberdeen-based eastern-hemisphere marketing manager, Angela Tosh, said: “This has been a great conference for us, we’ve seen an impressive number of visitors at our stand over the three days and made some quality industry contacts.”
Aberdeen oil and gas artificial-lift technology firm ZiLift gave a technical presentation during the four-day event.
ZiLift project manager Mike Rushby said: “It was our first time to present at the congress and it was a successful move for us, providing a vital link to other heavy oil experts.”
The firm, founded in 2010, presented its heavyLift product, a type of electric submersible pump used for heavy oil, which is due to enter field trials later this year.
Mr Rushby added: “We look forward to presenting our findings at the next World Heavy Oil Congress.”
The next World Heavy Oil Congress will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, in March 2014.