The offshore and marine industry is expected to see increased business at this year’s ADIPEC, with analysts predicting modest increases in spending for maintenance and production in the oil sector, and significant investment expected for new offshore natural gas projects in the eastern Mediterranean.
Analysis by consultancy Douglas-Westwood has found that, although investment in new offshore production remains low, compared with pre-2014 levels, the outlook for maintenance, modifications and operations is ‘notably more positive’.
Much of the rebound is caused by work orders, which have been delayed, coming back online. Globally, consultants Wood Mackenzie are predicting renewed exploration and production for deepwater projects, with efficiency improvements having lowered the breakeven price by 20% in the past three years.
“We are seeing renewed optimism among companies supporting offshore production, with demand underpinned by an industry that is now more efficient, stabilising prices, and the need to meet anticipated rising demand,” Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, Al Yasat CEO and ADIPEC 2017 chairman, has been quoted as saying in a press release.
“ADIPEC supports this growth as a market where suppliers can network with purchasing decision makers and generate new business. Its comprehensive strategic and technical conference programmes provide an unrivalled opportunity for specialised knowledge exchange,” Al Shamsi said.
Natural gas is a significant contributor to the positive outlook, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, where Egypt is seeing around $27.3bn worth of investments across the Zohr, North Alexandria and Noras gas fields, and 76 new upstream exploration concessions have been signed worth around $1.5bn. Cypriot and Lebanese waters also offer fresh opportunities for offshore exploration and production in the eastern Mediterranean.
As investment moves into the sector, new projects will create business opportunities at ADIPEC’s unique Offshore and Marine area, which returns in 2017 for its third year.
Set directly on the waterfront, adjacent to the main ADIPEC venue, it is held in a dedicated purpose-built exhibition and conference space, with product displays encompassing the full value chain, from rigs, vessels, ship building, and subsea drilling equipment, to certification, pipelines, mooring, and tools for reservoir production and mapping.
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The display’s defining feature will be the temporary quay, with a series of state-of-the-art offshore vessels berthed directly alongside the venue, including a jack-up barge, high-speed craft and landing craft, tugboats, and platform supply vessels up to 70 metres in length. Visitors will be able to tour the vessels on display, seeing the latest evolution in marine engineering and technology first-hand.
Mohammad Rizal, chief operating officer at UAE-based shipyard group, Drydocks World, says the unique venue is an ideal setting for offshore suppliers to demonstrate their achievements and generate new business.
“At ADIPEC 2017, Drydocks World intends to update the marine industry on the yard’s offshore capabilities, while showcasing the world-first cutting-edge projects completed in the yard that demonstrate our competency to execute large-scale projects with a proven track record of excellent HSEQ standards,” said Mohammad Rizal. “We look forward to taking our business further and discussing future possibilities during ADIPEC 2017.”
For 2017, an expanded conference programme will underpin continued efficiency, innovation, and growth, as well as offer insights into new opportunities.
The breadth and quality of ADIPEC’s conference schedule has long set it apart from its peers. This year’s Offshore & Marine programme will offer unrivalled opportunities to hear from leading executives and experts in their field, and will cover an array of important topics from both a strategic and technical perspective. There will also be a dedicated session on the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre, and the processes available for resolving maritime legal disputes quickly and without unnecessary cost.
The specialised exhibition and conference area is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors and 150 exhibitors. Companies with confirmed spaces include NPCC, Zakher Marine International (ZMI), Horizon Geosciences, Seajacks, Seacontractors, Seatrax, Guidance Marine, ADNOC, Khalid Faraj Shipping, Overseas Marine Logistics, Drydocks World – Dubai, and Maridive Group.
Panel discussions will be held over three days, covering future expectations and challenges, driving growth, and adapting to new market conditions. Confirmed speakers include senior executives from National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC), Wintershall, Cepsa Gas Comercializadora, McDermott, Foresight Group, Abu Dhabi Ship Building, Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company (CHC), Lebanese Petroleum Administration (LPA), Scottish Government Oil and Gas Taskforce, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), and ADNOC Logistics & Services.
