The ADIPEC Awards 2015 is greatly anticipated across the industry and has already attracted a record number of 501 entries, stated the organisers
Entries have gone up by one-third from 2014. Of the total number of submissions, two-thirds have come from the Middle East. First-time participants include China, Mexico and Malaysia. In total, 247 organisations from 32 countries have submitted nominations. In 2014, 104 companies from 27 countries applied last year, they added.
All submissions will be meticulously evaluated by the Regional Select Jury (RSJ), which comprises of 28 senior professionals from national and international oil companies, academic institutions and professional associations.
ADIPEC 2015 Awards chairman Abdul Munim Saif Al Kindy (also CEO of Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations) said, “The continuously increasing number of submissions and participating countries in the ADIPEC Awards demonstrates that the accolades are truly global in both merit and prestige.”
Al Kindy added that the leading oil companies seek recognition as well as best practice, for the sustenance of the industry. “This valuable exchange of expertise towards the sustainable growth of the oil and gas industry reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a knowledge-sharing hub for the energy sector. The awards will keep pace with the developments in the industry, and motivate innovative ideas to address the challenges ahead,” he added.
The awards and gala dinner are hosted by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Oil and gas companies are eligible to enter eight categories – Best Oil & Gas Mega Project, Best Oil & Gas Innovation or Technology (Surface or Sub-surface), Best Oil & Gas Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) / Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Project or Initiative, Best Oilfield Services Company (Local, Regional or International), Young ADIPEC Engineer, Oil & Gas Woman of the Year, Best Dissertation of the Year, and Best Practice.
Specially, the Best Practice Award drew the highest number of entries. Its a new award category that recognises the creation and implementation of an initiative that offers improvement to an internal business process, structure, or culture. “Whether it is risk reduction, improved timing, or better use of resources, what we see today is a growing necessity for cost-effective, sustainable strategies that will meet the world’s increasing demand for energy,” said RSJ member Jamal Jaffar, who is also the deputy CEO of planning and commercial at Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).
The second and third highest entries were in Best Oil & Gas Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) / Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Project or Initiative Award; and the Best Oil & Gas Innovation or Technology Award.
The shortlist will be announced on 12 October 2015 and will name three finalists for each category. Winners and runners-up will be announced at the ADIPEC Awards Gala Dinner, which will take place at the Emirates Palace on ADIPEC’s opening night that’s scheduled to be held on 9 November 2015.
The reception from the industry towards the awards has also been positive. BP UAE president and general manager AbdulKarim Al Mazmi said, “While it is important that we advance the industry, it is even more important that we do so without forgetting about our obligations to our community and the environment. At BP, we aim to make a difference to the communities in which we operate. We seek to work in partnerships of mutual advantage while providing energy to customers in a safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible manner. We believe that it is possible to progress the industry while fulfilling our social, moral, and ethical responsibilities, and companies are recognising that this is, in fact, crucial for the organic and long-term growth of the energy sector.”
