The regional oil and gas industry is undergoing an estimated $400bn expansion programme, according to Bahrain’s Energy Minister.
Energy Minister and National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) chairman Dr Abdulhussain Mirza was speaking at the launch of the seventh Middle East Non-destructive Testing Conference and Exhibition at the Gulf Hotel’s Gulf International Convention Centre last night.
He said the expansion has, however, made it more urgent than ever to focus on safety and proper maintenance, according to Gulf Digital News.
“Due to the wide operating temperature ranges, high humidity, and high sulphur content in oil and gas products, the Middle East and the Gulf in particular are prone to extreme corrosion-related problems,” he said.
“When taken in the context of the magnitude of the Gulf’s oil production facilities and downstream refining, petrochemical, infrastructure and distribution facilities, it is immediately obvious that proper attention must be exerted to protect these assets.”
“Sustaining energy production requires that equipment reliability is maintained at all times, at the highest levels possible,” he said.
“The ageing infrastructure of the oil and gas industries requires vigorous inspection to assure safety and reliability of operations.
“Many oil and gas facilities around the world are operating beyond their nominal designed life.”
The minister further said that there added there is a “need to cultivate highly skilled and dedicated professionals” to ensure there are minimal disruptions in the supply of oil and gas.
“Technical staff need to show high dedication and skills to be able to detect even minor issues and ensure that our plants and pipelines are fit for service,” Dr Mirza added.
