April 2015, Vol. 242, No. 4

Features

What to Expect From 2015 Offshore Technology Conference

The Offshore Technology Conference 2015 (OTC 2015) set for May 4-7 at NRG Park in Houston will bring together more than 100,000 industry leaders and buyers from 130-plus countries, all of whom want to explore how technology, best practices and emerging trends can provide the energy needed for the world.

The conference will feature a top technical program sponsored by 14 industry organizations and societies. The technical program covers a wide range of topics and offers key insights by global experts on technological advances, safety and environmentally focused solutions, and economic and regulatory effects.

The event’s exhibition features leading manufacturers from around the world who will staff 2,568 exhibits featuring all phases of offshore oil and gas operations.

The day before the conference, OTC will host the fifth annual OTC dinner on at NRG Stadium. The event recognizes industry achievements, raises funds for a worthy cause, and provides an excellent opportunity for industry leaders to network with colleagues. Along with recognizing individual and company achievement award recipients, proceeds from the dinner will go to the Energy Institute High School.

The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the Petroleum Equipment & Services Association (PESA) partnered with the Houston Independent School District to create the first Energy Institute High School in the United States. Opened in August 2013, the school is a new magnet school for grades ninth through twelfth grade. Its students work within one of the three pathways – geosciences, energy alternatives or offshore technology, with a core curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Award Recipients

Elmer “Bud” Danenberger III will be the recipient of the OTC Distinguished Achievement Award for his contributions to offshore safety and environmental protection. Danenberger spent 38 years with the U.S. Department of the Interior in the offshore oil and gas program.

He initiated the MMS industry awards program and co-authored legislation leading to offshore renewable energy and alternate use authority. Danenberger approved and monitored the first exploratory drilling in the North Atlantic and the first California development north of Point Conception. He also wrote pioneering papers on the causes and occurrence rates for OCS oil spills and blowouts. These papers are still widely referenced.

The Heritage Award will be presented to Ray R. Ayers in recognition of his 50-plus years of contributions to offshore research and development. He formed joint-industry programs at Shell and performed research and development work with the Pipeline Research Council International, DeepStar, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and Research Partnerships to Secure Energy for America.

Early in his career, Ayers led a number of significant developments, including the testing of techniques to measure and arrest buckles in offshore pipelines. He also performing the first wave tank testing of oil spill clean-up on water, which formed the basis for the design of current-day booms and skimmers. Ayers has been awarded 49 patents and has received numerous other technical and leadership awards.

The Distinguished Achievement Award for Companies, Organizations, and Institutions will recognize Petrobras for its pre-salt development and successful implementation of ultra-deepwater solutions and setting of new water depth records.
Petrobras increased its efforts in technology development to exploit this hard-to-access resource, in waters 7,200 feet deep. By the end of 2014, Petrobras was producing more than 700,000 bpd in the pre-salt layer of the Campos and Santos basins. The oil and gas production in this challenging environment demanded the development of different riser systems, which were applied and are now available for the industry. Additionally, Petrobras achieved a significant reduction in the drilling and completion time for wells.

Spotlight on New Technology

Each year, OTC recognizes innovative with the Spotlight on New Technology Award. This program is exclusively for OTC exhibitors and showcases the latest advancements. This year’s winners will be announced May 4 during presentation of the awards.

The Next Wave

The Next Wave on May 4 is a program for young professionals sponsored by BP. The program will offer insight from industry leaders into the challenges ahead. The discussion will address how technological advancements in operations are expanding opportunities, while taking into consideration the political aspects surrounding these new frontiers and the knowledge young professionals will need to tackle their careers.

Tickets are $50 each and include lunch and a reception.

OTC Night at the Ballpark

Attendees are invited to come out to Minute Maid Park on May 5 to watch the Houston Astros play the Texas Rangers. Contact Christian Liebenow at (713) 259-8315.

Appreciation Concert

On May 6, attendees can dance the night away at the OTC Appreciation Concert. The event features musical entertainment, food and drinks. Providing live entertainment will be 80s cover band The Spazmatics.
The event is free and open to all OTC attendees.

University R&D Showcase

The OTC University R&D Showcase on May 7 allows universities to share their current and planned R&D projects with attendees. The program offers an opportunity to get first-hand feedback and possible interest in collaborations.

Breakfasts, Luncheons

OTC will host 29 breakfasts and luncheons during the event that showcases presentations from key executive and technical experts. Tickets are $50 each and should be purchased early since seating is limited. All special event tickets must be purchased separately.

Registration

OTC registration fees include admittance to the technical session and exhibits. Students with valid IDs can obtain a complimentary one-day registration. Members in any of the OTC sponsoring, endorsing, supporting or invited organizations can get a four-day registration for $180, while non-member registration is $280. A one-day registration for members is $140; non-member registration is $240.