Record Visitor Numbers Expected At Subsea 09

03 February 2009

A top line-up of oil and gas industry leaders, over 100 exhibitors and more than 2,000 visitors from around the globe will descend on Aberdeen next week for Europe's largest subsea exhibition and conference.

Organised by self-sustaining industry body Subsea UK, Subsea 09 is expected to attract a record number of delegates to Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on 11^th and 12^th February. The fifth annual event will be formally opened by Scotland's secretary of State, the Rt Hon Jim Murphy.

With Triton Group as headline sponsors, delegates will hear presentations from Total, PetroCanada, Triton Group, Subsea 7, Simmons & Co, Technip, Douglas Westwood, Expro Group, SPT Group, Technip, MCS and Schlumberger Subsea Surveillance amongst others.

The theme “Exploiting the Potential” is highly topical, and tackles issues such as protecting investment, cross-industry collaboration and use of innovative technology in helping exploit the potential of the North Sea.

Around 220 pupils from schools throughout Aberdeen City and Shire plus students from Aberdeen, Strathclyde and Robert Gordon Universities will pay a short visit to the exhibition to find out about the sector, how exciting the developing technology is and the range of careers open to them.

UKTI will also be bringing key supply chain decision makers to the event from Brazil, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Libya, Kazakhstan and Russia as part of an inward mission.

Alistair Birnie, Chief Executive of Subsea UK

Subsea UK chief executive Alistair Birnie, said: “There is no better arena in which to showcase all that is innovative, dynamic and exciting about the subsea industry. Last year's event attracted over 1,000 visitors and exhibitors and 2009 is set to be even bigger and better with around 2,000 people having registered to attend so far.

“We have a great line-up of industry speakers and are confident of delivering a thought-provoking conference which will examine and debate what the years to come may hold and how we can maximise opportunities and create a sustainable future for the industry.”

The exhibition will welcome visitors from 8am until 5pm on the 11^th and 9am to 4pm on the 12^th. The one-day conference on the 11^th begins at 9.15am, finishing at 3pm with a networking reception. The panel discussion will be chaired by Paul Mason, economic editor of current affairs programme Newsnight.

On the evening of the 11th, the sector will celebrate its success with a black-tie dinner. The Subsea 09 Business Awards will recognise the hard work of both organisations and individuals involved in all aspects of the subsea industry. The categories are Subsea Company of the Year, Best New Business to the Subsea Industry, Best Young Personality of the Year and Greatest Individual Contribution to the Subsea Industry.

Registration to attend the exhibition is free, and delegates can register separately for the conference, with discounts for Subsea UK members. For more information please visit http://www.subsea09.com/ or contact us on 01224 355355.