Scottish Enterprise supports oil and gas sector to internationalise

Since 2000 Scottish Development international (SDI), the international arm of Scotland’s economic development agencies, has hosted the Scotland pavilion at ONS, which takes place in Norway every two years, and this year will be joined by almost 40 (32 in 2014) Scottish companies from right across the supply chain.

David Rennie international sector head for oil and gas at Scottish Enterprise is leading the delegation. He said: “It is very encouraging to see such a significant group of companies looking at international oil & gas markets in these difficult times for the industry. In Norway we have a long term partner in the development and exploration on the North Sea basin. This relationship has flourished in recent years and we are witnessing Norwegian companies establishing in Aberdeen/Scotland and Scottish companies establishing in Norway. For the future, we see a deepening relationship with Norway and our presence at ONS strengths this relationship.”

International sales to Norway in 2014 reached £0.75 billion, the 7^th most popular market for total international sales from the Scottish supply chain. According to Scottish Enterprise’s latest Survey of International Activity in the Oil and Gas Sector 2014/15, the country was also identified as being one of the top countries for international growth both in the short term and over the next five years.

Companies joining the delegation include Stork, Blaze Manufacturing Solutions, ITC Hydraulic Services Ltd, The Met Office, READ Cased Hole, and Deep Water Oil Tools.

With varying levels of international experience - some of the companies are already established in Norway whilst others are making their first journey into international oil and gas markets – the visit aims to support companies to make new contacts and open up new international opportunities.

In addition to the Scotland Pavilion the agency is co-hosting a seminar with Decom North Sea during the event – UK & Norway: Working Together – taking place on 31 August which includes guest speakers from Decom North Sea, SDI, Aker Solutions and the OGA.