Industry leaders say Collaboration critical for local oil and gas industry

With the petroleum industry struggling through one of the toughest periods in recent memory, there has been a growing call for government, academia and oil and gas operating and service and supply companies to “collaborate” in bringing down development and operational costs in a low oil price environment.

While some skeptics have suggested that “collaboration” is just a buzz word, there are many close to the industry that believe that it must happen and they are putting their considerable weight behind it.

In an unprecedented move in 2016, Diversified Communications - the organisers of Australia’s largest oil and gas event, the Australasian Oil & Gas Exhibition & Conference (AOG) – reached out to industry for their input into the make-up of its February 2017 event.

The result was a totally revamped AOG that has been dubbed the event “the industry built.”

One of the key messages to come back from industry and government was that there was a real need to bring everyone together to participate in a range of forums which would allow all sides to discuss critical issues such as “collaboration.”

Following further in-depth discussions with industry and government from around the globe, the AOG 2017 organisers agreed to stage three, free-to-attend, forums at the event, which will be staged at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre (PCEC) from February 22 to 24.

The key areas that were identified for discussion were collaboration, knowledge and the subsea sector – a critically important area for the development and maintenance of Western Australia’s massive offshore LNG industry.

One company which has played a critical role in pulling together the content for those forums is Australia’s largest independent oil and gas company, Woodside. The leading global LNG producer is a Principal Sponsor for AOG 2017, joining the Western Australian Department of Commerce and the City of Perth as Principal Sponsors for AOG 2017.

Woodside has also taken up the position of Collaboration Forum Partner and Diversity & Inclusion Gold Sponsor for AOG 2017.

“We are really pleased to have such a major player in the Australian oil and gas industry take on such a prominent role in the setting of the agenda for AOG 2017,” AOG Event Director, Bill Hare, said.

“Aside from being a leader in the ‘Technology and Innovation’ day of our ground-breaking Collaboration Forum at AOG 2017, Woodside will also be providing a number of high profile presenters over the three days of AOG,” Mr Hare said.

With strong input from the Government-created National Energy Resources Australia (NERA), the AOG 2017 Collaboration Forum, will feature a mix of presentations for operators, contractors and SME’s, with the sessions over the three days titled “Opportunity knocks. Are you ready?; Technology & Innovation; and Maximising Australia’s potential - learning from the best!

Chief Operations Officer for Woodside Michael Utsler, who is a speaker in the Collaboration Forum, says innovation and collaboration are crucial for the industry.

“In a ‘lower for longer’ oil price environment a culture of ingenuity and resilience is required. This forum provides an opportunity to tackle key issues and opportunities together, to share learnings and to seek ways to drive excellence through our combined endeavours,” he said.

Subsea Energy Australia (SEA), Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and Subsea UK have put together the Subsea Forum program, which is focusing on how the Australian subsea industry adjusts to the challenges and opportunities in the current market.

Diversified Communications is expecting over 500 subsea professionals to attend this year’s event, the 36th staging of AOG, to catch up with old friends, make new contacts and set the tone for what promises to be a key highlight on the 2017 subsea calendar. 

The Knowledge Forum has received input from a wide range of industry bodies including the Asset Management Council , the Australasian Corrosion Association, the Australian Institute of Non-Destructive Testing, the Institute of Instrumentation, Control and Automation, Maritime Industry Australia Limited, the Petroleum Exploration Association of Australia, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, the Safety Institute of Australia, the Society of Petroleum Engineers and Engineers Australia WA Oil & Gas Group.

“AOG 2017 provides a remarkable opportunity for attendees to hear first-hand from those working at the coal face about where they believe the local oil and gas sector is heading in the short to medium term,” AOG Event Director, Bill Hare, said.

It is clear from the high powered support from all sectors that “collaboration ” is indeed a reality and will continue to play a key role in maintaining Australia’s position as an oil and gas industry leader.