Member Article

SMD CEO to welcome offshore industry leaders in Newcastle

Over 150 key players from the world’s most prominent companies in the offshore industry are in Newcastle this week to explore new business opportunities in the subsea sector and supply chain.

The Subsea North East Conference & Exhibition at St James’ Park on Wednesday (14 June) has been organised by NOF Energy on behalf of Subsea North East (SSNE), the sector advocacy group responsible for promoting the region’s innovation and excellence in the development of subsea technologies and solutions.

Hosting and speaking at the event is Andrew Hodgson, the Chair of Subsea North East and CEO of Wallsend-based Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD), world leaders in the design and manufacture of subsea Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) within the oil & gas, renewables, telecoms and mining markets.

He will provide delegates with an insight into the latest developments in an industry worth an estimated £6bn a year to the UK.

“At present, our region is home to a core supply chain of approximately 50 companies serving the UK and international subsea market. Their expertise ranges from engineering analysis to umbilical manufacturers, ROV specialists and experienced fabricators.

“This week’s conference will showcase the capabilities of North East companies and give them important access to leading industry contacts from around the world, highlight future opportunities, foster greater collaboration and provide a unique insight into new and emerging global opportunities,” said Mr Hodgson.

Also taking part in the conference programme are Wood Mackenzie, Tyne Subsea, TechnipFMC, Shell and JDR. Meanwhile leading sector firms including Subsea 7, GE Oil & Gas and Total Exploration and Production UK will be in attendance to discuss their project pipelines and supply chain opportunities.

George Rafferty, Chief Executive of NOF Energy, said: “The subsea sector remains a core part of the North East energy sector supply chain and one that has led the way in terms of successful diversification into a cross-section of markets. The technology-led solutions developed by companies from this region have been deployed around the world and this conference will highlight how the North East remains at the cutting edge of subsea developments.”

The SSNE Executive Committee includes: BEL Valves, Bibby Offshore, IHC Engineering Business, MODUS - Seabed Intervention, Newcastle University, OSBIT, PDL Solutions (Europe), SMD, Technip Umbilicals, Tekmar Energy, GE Oil & Gas, Wilton Group, NOF Energy and Subsea UK.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Fusion PR .