The seventh edition of the Offshore Arabia Conference and Exhibition was inaugurated by Dr Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water.
Motto for 2012
The event is held this year under the motto "Offshore Oil Spill Prevention and Response through New Technology and International Cooperation" and is running until February 29 in Dubai.
Challenges and changes
Ahmad bin Fahad delivered a speech during the opening ceremony where he reiterated his support to the Offshore Arabia Conference and Exhibition as an important platform to discuss many of challenges and changes that we are facing at the moment such as; Oil spill and pollution, the role of new technologies and the role of international cooperation in decreasing the pollution and eliminating its negative impact on the regions' marine life and its resources.
The marine life
He also said: "the marine life is considered one of the most important environments in the region and unfortunately it goes under frequent pressure due to the activities conducted during oil excavations, construction buildings at the shoreline and also the tankers that carry the oil in the sea. Therefore, the region should always be prepared and well planned to face any accidents and respond quickly to avoid any crises".
Researches and lectures
The Offshore Arabia conference will include researches and lectures presented by environmental and Oil & Gas specialists. The topics that will be discussed on the first day include; Technology Innovation as Applied to Oil Spill Response, Oil spills; A Clear Case for Crisis – not just Emergency – Management, Challenging Oil Field Emulsions: Liability of Asset?, Saudi Aramco Tanker Vetting System (TVS), Technology Innovation as Applied to Oil Spill Response (Continues), Remote Sensing Technologies for Oil Spill Detection and Monitoring, Advantages and Limitations, Seasoned Surface Current Maps in U.S. Spill Response, HF Radar Technology and Services as Applied to Spill Response and other related industries.
Economic impact of oil spill
Mr. Salem Abdul Rahman Al Wehaibi, the Chairman of Offshore Arabia 2012 Conference & Exhibition said in his key note speech: "Oil has been the primary source of this regions' economic growth for several decades. It's transported by the world's largest tanker fleets, navigating through restricted waterways in the Gulf; it poses a great threat of oil pollution. The economic impact of an oil spill is often substantial and the solution to the problem is prevention through effective and integrated best operation practices, close monitoring and stricter enforcement by authorities. And we are highly anticipating that Offshore Arabia conference and exhibition will be able to fulfil those outcomes".
Participation
More than 8,000 visitors and participants are expected to visit the Offshore Arabia Conference and Exhibition this year. More than 100 companies from 18 countries are participating in the exhibition such as Saudi Aramco, Qatar Petroleum, Dubai Drydocks, Kuwait Oil Company, Petroleum Development Oman, Bapco, Maersk Oil Qatar, Lamor, Konsberg, Flir, Olympus and Seacor MEA.
