SPE Offshore Europe looks to the future

The selected theme represents the continuing success story for the UK oil and gas industry both in terms of future production and a strong supply chain. Senior representatives from the global industry, UK and international governments and academia will come together to lead the debates during the four-day conference.

Malcolm Webb, Chairman for SPE Offshore Europe 2013 and Chief Executive of industry trade association Oil & Gas UK, said: "The conference will be forward looking, extending the far too short a time frame frequently expressed around the UK offshore oil and gas industry’s potential future.

"There are many decades of life left in the region. We are extending the producing life of many existing fields and numerous new developments will continue to come on stream in the future. We also have a magnificent supply chain operating both in the UK province and internationally. A huge selection of these goods and services will be on display in the largest exhibition of the show’s history.

"We will build on the success of the 2011 event to provide an unrivalled platform for the industry to meet, discuss and debate the latest issues – and to address future new challenges.

"The opening plenary session will focus on the conference theme and will be forward looking in nature. Chaired by Mr Webb, the panel will comprise four high profile industry and government figures. Confirmed are Sam Laidlaw, Chief Executive of Centrica; Bob Keiller, Chief Executive of Wood Group; and Andrew Gould, Chairman of BG. They will be joined by a senior UK government minister.