Chief executive of OGIC, Ian Phillips (photo: OGIC)

Innovative oil and gas technologies and the world-class research capabilities of Scottish Universities are set to be highlighted at Subsea Expo by the Oil & Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC).

OGIC will host companies developing new technology and two Scottish Universities with energy-related research and development strengths at its innovation zone at the event in Aberdeen this week, which is expected to attract more than 5,000 delegates over three days.

Aubin, Blueshift, Exnics, Kibosh Ltd, RAB-Microfluidics and Subsea Deployment Systems (SDS) Ltd will all be at the stand to highlight the work they are carrying out to develop technology which can be used in the subsea industry. The companies will be joined by Heriot-Watt University and the University of Strathclyde Oil & Gas Institute.

Rapid repair and rapid freeze clamps which allow quick repair of a pipeline, technology to assist in the installation and recovery of subsea structures in harsh environments and using geothermal heat from active production wells to power subsea equipment are some of the innovative oil and gas technologies being developed by the companies.

All of the companies exhibiting at the innovation zone are in various stages of research projects in conjunction with Scottish Universities and with the support of OGIC. Heriot-Watt University and the University of Strathclyde Oil & Gas Institute are the academic partners in many instances and both will be represented at the event, providing an opportunity to gain insight to how the research projects work from both a company and academic partner perspective.

OGIC provides a single access point to the knowledge and capabilities of Scottish universities for the oil and gas industry. It takes company requirements and seeks expressions of interest from Scottish universities to support each project.

It also part-funds and provides management support to projects with the potential to deliver technology solutions to the exploration, production and decommissioning challenges facing the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).

With around 150 exhibitors expected, Subsea Expo is an opportunity for those in the industry to showcase new technology and services. The 2017 programme includes high profile industry speakers from companies including Aker Solutions, Xodus, Wood Group and Shell UK. Their presentations will cover global opportunities, fields of the future, diversification, integrity management, life extension and unlocking marginal fields.

Ian Phillips, chief executive of OGIC, says, “This year’s theme at Subsea Expo is adapting to the new norm and the technology which will be on display at our stand demonstrates how the industry is looking to adapt to the current climate through technology development and deployment, drawing upon the leading energy expertise within our universities.”

“Innovation is fundamental to the future of the industry and we are working with companies of all sizes on the development of new products and services, which will support the maximising economic recovery agenda in the UKCS by reducing costs and helping to access marginal fields. Subsea Expo provides the ideal forum for industry and the supply chain to engage in dialogue that will lead to greater collaboration to achieve the shared goal of a sustainable future for the offshore industry in the UK and internationally,” Phillips adds.

Tags: Oil & Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC), Subsea Expo