The upstream oil and gas sector is faced with challenges of enormous scale, according to AMEC chief executive Samir Brikho.
He was speaking yesterday in his role as chairman of the Offshore Europe (OE) energy show, which takes place in Aberdeen in just under a year.
Despite it being nearly 12 months away, organisers are already busy making plans for the oil and gas showcase.
They said yesterday that the main theme of the conference and exhibition would be securing safe, smart, sustainable supply.
Mr Brikho said recent events were a reminder of the importance of health, safety, security and environmental issues in addressing the significant and unique challenges of operations in ever-increasing water depths.
He added that Offshore Europe 2011, in the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, would be the industry’s opportunity to learn, debate and challenge ideas for securing a safe and sustainable energy supply for the future.
Mr Brikho said the upstream industry also faced the challenge of overcoming technical and logistical pressures, adding: “Of course, running through all our activities – onshore and offshore – are human-factor issues that must be taken into account, in terms of facility design, staffing and operations.
“If the industry is to provide a safe, smart and sustainable supply, as well as succeed in exploring and developing new territories and frontiers, it must challenge convention and discuss these issues”.
SPE Offshore Europe 2011, being held from September 6-8, will draw many thousands of delegates from around the world.
It is the largest upstream oil and gas event outside North America and is held every two years in the Granite City.
The north-east’s economic prospects were given a huge boost from Offshore Europe 2009, the most successful on record.
More than 47,000 visitors from around the world poured through the doors over four days – up more than 7,000 from the previous show.
Stand space taken by the 1,500-plus exhibitors at AECC was also a record, up 10% on 2007.
The popularity of the show created its own problems, however.
The 2,500 parking spaces proved wholly inadequate and hundreds of motorists had to park on grass verges. Dozens of drivers were given parking tickets and Aberdeen City Council was criticised for not using commonsense and instead trying to make some quick cash.
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