A DOZEN oil and gas companies have said they expect to increase their international exports by £50 million over the next three years, thanks to attending the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston.
Scottish Enterprise (SE) said early feedback from the 58 Scottish firms attending the world’s biggest oil and gas event earlier this month also showed that contracts were signed during the week-long conference for activity in the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil.
A number of companies also reported requests to tender for work across the globe.
Speaking ahead of the next meeting of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board, which will be chaired by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, SE chief executive Lena Wilson said: “While it is vital that we focus on supporting Scotland’s oil and gas industry to tackle the immediate challenges, an enhanced and sought-after global supply chain is critical to the long-term future of the industry in Scotland and so these early indications of £50m in increased exports from this year’s OTC in Houston are extremely encouraging.
“Scotland has a world-renowned reputation in oil and gas and we continue to work closely with our partners to maximise every opportunity to increase the total value Scotland contributes to the industry globally.”
America is still the largest overseas market for Scotland’s oil and gas sector – international sales there reached £3.1 billion in 2013, almost one-third of the international total.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “The Offshore Technology Conference acts as a shop window for Scottish companies seeking to promote their products and services. It offers the ideal forum for showcasing skills and expertise to a global audience.
“The oil and gas sector is vital to Scotland and we must have the skilled workforce required to strengthen our overall ambition as a major centre for energy activity.
“As these forecasts from Scottish Enterprise suggest, Scottish companies are increasingly successful in securing major opportunities in the offshore supply chain and lucrative contracts.
“While there is a long-term sustainable future for the North Sea, it is clear that the oil and gas industry currently faces a range of challenges. The Scottish Government remains committed to using every lever at our disposal to support the sector and maximise the value created.
“Scotland has built a global reputation with many creative and innovative companies capable of identifying growth opportunities in overseas markets and making a significant contribution to such business for many years to come.”
More than 100,000 visitors attended this year’s OTC, at which support from SE helped 24 companies exhibit on the Scotland pavilion and a further 34 to be at the event.
For Ace Winches, it was the third time it had joined the Scotland pavilion. Chief operating officer Graham Thomson said: “Exhibiting at OTC allowed us to showcase our products and services, and demonstrate to clients where ACE can become their major partner and innovative solution provider across the international energy industry.
“With a number of new, patented technologies and innovations recently brought to the market, ACE Winches now provides a wide range of options more suited to today’s low oil price environment.
“OTC provided the vehicle for ACE to secure several key manufacturing and rental projects during and post exhibition.”
Firms took part in business breakfasts, meetings with existing and potential investors, and networking events including a GlobalScot reception, where they met with worldwide Scottish ambassadors.
Houston is home to more than 20 GlobalScots.
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