International success for oil and gas companies

Early feedback from 12 of the 58 companies supported by Scottish Enterprise to attend the world’s largest oil and gas event, also show contracts were signed during the week for activity in the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil as well as a number of companies reporting requests to tender for work right across the globe.

Speaking ahead of the next meeting of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board which will be chaired by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Lena Wilson said:

“Whilst it is vital that we focus on supporting Scotland’s oil and gas industry to tackle the immediate challenges, an enhanced and sought after global supply chain is critical to the long-term future of the industry in Scotland and so these early indications of £50 million in increased exports from this year’s OTC in Houston are extremely encouraging. Scotland has a world renowned reputation in oil and gas and we continue to work closely with our partners to maximise every opportunity to increase the total value Scotland contributes to the industry globally.”

America remains the largest overseas market for Scotland’s oil and gas sector – international sales there reached £3.1bn in 2013, almost a third of the international total.

Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism Fergus Ewing said:

“The Offshore Technology Conference acts as a shop window for Scottish companies seeking to promote their products and services. It offers the ideal forum for showcasing skills and expertise to a global audience. The oil and gas sector is vital to Scotland and we must have the skilled workforce required to strengthen our overall ambition as a major centre for energy activity.

“As these forecasts from Scottish Enterprise suggest, Scottish companies are increasingly successful in securing major opportunities in the offshore supply chain and lucrative contracts.

“While there is a long term sustainable future for the North Sea, it is clear that the oil and gas industry currently faces a range of challenges. The Scottish Government remains committed to using every lever at our disposal to support the sector and maximise the value created.

“Scotland has built a global reputation with many creative and innovative companies capable of identifying growth opportunities in overseas markets and making a significant contribution to such business for many years to come.”

Attended by over 100,000 visitors, Scottish Enterprise supported 24 companies to exhibit on the Scotland pavilion and a further 34 companies to attend the event.

It was Ace Winches third time joining the Scotland pavilion at OTC. Graham Thomson, Chief Operations Officer, ACE Winches, said:

“Exhibiting at OTC allowed ACE Winches to showcase their products and services, and demonstrate to clients where ACE can become their major partner and innovative solution provider across the international energy industry. With a number of new patented technologies and innovations recently brought to the market, including Reel Drive Systems, Umbilical Reelers, Linear Winches and Traction Tensioners ACE Winches now provide a wide range of options more suited to today’s low oil price environment. OTC provided the vehicle for ACE to secure several key manufacturing and rental projects during and post exhibition.”

Joining the delegation offered companies a chance to engage in business breakfasts, company specific meetings with both existing and potential investors and networking events including a GlobalScot reception. Houston is home to over 20 GlobalScots and during OTC they participated in over 80 one to one meetings with companies offering them invaluable advice and contacts.