Three companies currently involved in decommissioning projects made it clear to a capacity audience at a specialist Share Fair, organised by Oil & Gas UK’s Efficiency Task Force yesterday (September 8), that there are business opportunities available now for enterprising firms ready to take on the efficiency challenge and contribute to the sector’s efforts to improve competitiveness.

Fairfield Energy, Petrofac and Wood Group participated in the decommissioning-focused Share Fair Spotlight at Oil & Gas UK’s office in Aberdeen where delegates gained deeper insights into the supply chain services, goods and expertise these major clients require.

Fairfield Energy, currently in the process of decommissioning the Dunlin asset, talked about a range of decommissioning activities for which supply chain innovation and support is being sought.

Delegates heard from Wood Group that in 2015 alone, £1 billion had been spent by the industry on decommissioning, while Petrofac noted how the sector’s approach to working in this area is now changing in alignment with the industry’s need to work co-operatively to make the most of the business opportunities available.

Oil & Gas UK’s director of business excellence, Stephen Marcos Jones, said: “We’ve seen a great response to the topic-focused Efficiency Spotlight events which have become very popular.  Participants say they are an ideal arena in which to gather information, network with industry peers and start the conversations which help both operators and the supply chain understand how and where they can work most effectively together.

“We welcomed delegates new to decommissioning who highlighted the value of the information available and the experts on hand to answer queries. For those familiar with the subject, they appreciated the opportunity to gain a deeper practical understanding of the tools available to deliver efficient late-life asset management plus the technical issues, and the sheer diversity of work scopes involved in decommissioning assignments.

“One of the most prominent themes was the urgent need for the sector to adopt a co-operative approach in business behaviours, which is one of the key priorities of Oil & Gas UK’s Efficiency Task Force. Making this cultural change is vital to enable suppliers and their clients to work smarter and more efficiently to compete effectively for decommissioning opportunities, and carry out these activities safely and cost-effectively in an environmentally responsible manner."

While Oil & Gas UK plans future Efficiency Spotlight events, its flagship Share Fair event takes place on November 2 at Aberdeen Exhibition Conference Centre. This will provide a larger and wider platform where companies will openly share efficiency challenges facing their businesses, allowing attending delegates to identify and raise awareness of any potential solutions or mechanisms that could help unlock the full potential of the UKCS.”