SAUDI ARAMCO, the integrated global energy and petrochemical enterprise, is partnering Seatrade in staging a new one-day Global Workboats Technology Forum as part of the Seatrade Middle East Workboats & Offshore Marine event.

The three-day workboats and offshore marine show will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) from September 30 to October 2, 2013. The new forum takes place on day two.

“We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with world energy leader Saudi Aramco, which comes at a time when innovation in workboat technology really is pushing the boundaries of opportunity in an increasingly competitive – and globalised – marketplace, and this will be the only platform of its kind, allowing unprecedented access to global industry decision-makers,” said Chris Hayman, chairman, Seatrade, organiser of the newly rebranded Middle East Workboats & Offshore Marine 2013.

A world leader in exploration and production, refining and petrochemicals manufacturing, distribution and marketing, Saudi Aramco manages proven reserves of 259.7 billion barrels of oil and manages the fourth-largest gas reserves in the world, 282.6 trillion cubic feet.

Hayman: thrilled

The forum format will be technical presentations encouraging audience participation and including time for Q&A. Papers will be presented in front of global industry decision-makers and specialists – including Saudi Aramco’s industrial services executive director – alongside many other marine operational companies.

“Being a strategic partner of The Global Workboat Technology Forum is a reflection of Saudi Aramco’s commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships and enabling innovative long-term solutions for the world’s energy and its services industries,” said Nabeel A Jama, executive director, industrial services, Saudi Aramco. “The forum is an excellent platform for industry players around the world to share their knowledge and discuss current trends and issues. The outlook for the industry and this forum will certainly help us to chart our course to meet the challenges ahead of us.” 

Presentations will be selected from abstracts that have been collated from a Call to Papers that requested paper submissions on topics that included: new technologies to improve marine engines efficiency, reliability, and environmental impact through innovative technologies; technological advancements improving marine thrusters efficiency, reliability, and performance; new technologies in marine corrosion prevention; advancements in the field of e-Navigation and virtual aids to navigation in offshore areas, including monitoring and tracking systems and relevant topics pertaining to workboat operational enhancement covering the areas of environmental impact; mechanical/operational reliability; cost effectiveness and safety and security.

The Global Workboats Technology Forum will take place on October 1 for a full day.

Established over 40 years ago, Seatrade is a leader in maritime and cruise publications, conferences and exhibitions, training, awards and other special projects.