Scottish firms are hailing another successful trip to the world’s largest oil and gas show in Houston in the US.
Around 300 delegates were on the annual visit to the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) organised by Aberdeen-based Munro’s Travel Group and the Press and Journal.
It was the 40th anniversary of the popular trip and, in addition to numerous oil service companies, the Scottish visitors included a wide variety of support firms, including banks, law firms and accountants.
Nearly 90,000 people from all corners of the planet were at last year’s show – a 30-year high and 14% ahead of the 2011 tally – and there are predictions that the 100,000 mark will have been breached this time around.
The four-day show ended yesterday and Scottish firms in attendance are confident that orders for new business will roll in over the months ahead.
Bob Stephen, technical director of Equalizer International, said that his company had generated more than 200 solid leads for its new SWi range of spreading wedges.
He added: “Exhibiting at OTC has provided the perfect opportunity to combine bringing our new products to the marketplace with having the opportunity to capture a truly global audience of oil and gas professionals.”
Ace Winches chief executive Alfie Cheyne said that, throughout the week, the firm’s stand team had been tremendously busy, dealing with inquiries and opportunities.
He added: “I am consistently impressed at how many Scottish business people make the effort to exhibit at OTC.”
Douglas Craig, chairman and managing director of Craig Group, said there were more international visitors to OTC than he had seen before, reinforcing the global nature of the show and that every oil and gas province around the world was seeing high levels of activity. He added: “The show has been a huge success for us.”
Swire Oilfield Services group commercial manager Nick Coaton said OTC had provided a perfect stage to introduce the firm’s newest products, modular systems and SAFE tanks to the Gulf of Mexico region.
Expro chief executive Charles Woodburn said: “We are delighted at the product launches we have undertaken at OTC.”
Ciaran O’Donnell, chief executive of Flexlife, said it had been hugely beneficial to attend OTC.
He added: “As our North American presence continues to grow, we found it enlightening to learn about the existing and upcoming opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico as well as the global opportunities which originate from Houston.”
Neil Gordon, chief executive of industry body Subsea UK, reported high levels of interest in the sector.
He added: “It is apparent from speaking to both delegates and exhibitors that British subsea innovation and technology continue to be in high demand. Moreover, we are seeing smaller subsea businesses being able to penetrate into international markets through partnerships with larger, well-established firms.”
Patrick O’Brien, chief executive of industry technology facilitator ITF, said OTC had provided an excellent platform for it to engage with top UK and international universities, operators and technology developers.
