April 2012, Vol. 239 No. 4

Features

2012 Offshore Technology Conference Highlights: P&GJs International Offshore Report & Gulf of Mexico Update

OTC 2012 – the world’s foremost event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production and environmental protection – will be held April 30- May 3 at Reliant Park in Houston. Last year’s attendance topped 78,000 and officials expect similar attendance this year.

The largest offshore exhibition and conferences in terms of attendance, size and number of exhibitors, the event will feature more than 2,500 exhibiting companies showcasing wares and services from around the world.

Top Technical Program
At the conference, 291 technical papers will be presented in 56 separate sessions. The program features a series of presentations by major IOCs, NOCs and independent operators who will discuss future industry directions, operational integrity and risk management. It will include presentations by senior executives of Total, ExxonMobil, Shell, CNOOC and ADNOC.

Attendees will hear from industry experts regarding the aftermath of the Macondo oil spill. Martin Vos of Shell will give a luncheon talk on “Drilling After the Oil Spill, Shell Perspective.” There will be a technical session on “Enhancing Industry Spill Response Capabilities” and two panel discussions on “Risk Management Strategies for Deepwater Exploration and Development” and “Improving Operational Integrity in Offshore Energy Operations: A Global Perspective.”

Major projects and the management of large projects will include presentation on the following fields: Jubilee, (Tullow); Marlim, (Petrobras); Who Dat, (LLOG); PazFlor, (Total); and Nikaithuq, (Eni). Y.L. Darricarere, CEO of Total E&P, will discuss achievements and prospects in West Africa.

New applications and solutions for the following topics will be presented: new standards for jack-ups and platforms; global LNG; innovative FPSO and offshore offloading solutions; drilling over 15,000 psi; and deepwater cementing.
During the technical program the following topics will be highlighted: deepwater moorings; drilling and well completions; flow assurance; process safety; geotechnics and soil mechanics; pipelines; metocean; ocean mining; flexible pipe; and inspection and maintenance.

Technical sessions will highlight new developments in offshore wind energy and local power generation for offshore facilities in addition to a discussion on alternative energy sources.

OTC is sponsored by 12 industry organizations and societies who develop the technical program each year. OTC also has two endorsing organizations and 10 supporting organizations.

Distinguished Achievement Awards
OTC recognizes individuals, companies and organizations that have made outstanding contribution to the offshore industry. The accomplishments recognized through the awards program represent important breakthroughs, innovations and technology advancements.

OTC will present its 2012 Distinguished Achievement Awards to Joe Burkhardt for engineering Exxon USA’s Subsea Production System (SPS) and to Shell’s Perdido Development project.

Burkhardt is being honored for his leadership and contributions to the industry, in particular, his record of excellence in developing subsea and offshore technology advancements and tools, including many unique concepts still in use today. He is credited with leading the concept and system engineering of the SPS, a shallow-water pilot program recognized as OTC’s Project of the Year in the early 1970s.

Shell is being recognized for its Perdido Development project which is an ultra deepwater development of the Great White, Silver Tip, and Tobago fields in the remote southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The project pushes the ultra deepwater boundaries by applying groundbreaking technologies to what was thought to be an impossible field to develop.

The awards will be presented at the annual OTC dinner on April 29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The annual event raises funds for Engineers Without Borders and provide an opportunity for industry leaders to network with colleagues from around the world. Individual tickets can be purchased for US$150.

Other Events
OTC will offer attendees the opportunity to attend 15 industry breakfasts and 15 topical luncheons. Visit the OTC website for information.

Strong UK Presence
The UK presence at this year’s event will reach record numbers with the Energy Industries Council (EIC) hosting 53 companies. The EIC, a leading trade association for UK companies supplying goods and services to the energy industries worldwide, will be managing the UK national pavilion for the 12th year running.

The UK companies showcasing their solutions come from a wide variety of areas and include leading oilfield, construction, process and engineering companies; instrumentation and communications specialists; petrochemical and pipeline technology suppliers; and other companies with expertise in pumping, water treatment, safety and surveillance, and electrical solutions, among others.

Online Registration
Attendees may register on-site and online. For information, e-mail: service@otcnet.org.