Trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the energy sector today
S&P Global analysts will focus on the current trends and outlook shaping the offshore and marine energy sector, discussing market fundamentals driving exploration and production demand, particularly in the Middle East. The presentation will cover critical themes such as supply and demand dynamics, day rate trends and outlook for jackup barges, subsea construction, offshore drilling rigs, and marine support vessels, while providing a comprehensive analysis of the unique factors influencing the industry. This session aims to equip attendees with insights needed to navigate the evolving landscape of offshore and marine energy effectively.
Speakers:
Mark Rae, Director, Head of Offshore Services and Vessels — Oil price forecast, geopolitics environment affecting the sector, E&P capex, etc. (10 min)
Pamela Cordova, Principal Analyst, Offshore Drilling Rigs — Offshore rigs: recent trends, key players, transactions, important developments in the jackup market including effects of Aramco’s suspensions; supply, demand, and day rate outlook global and Middle East.
David Manuel, Analyst, Middle East Offshore Vessels — Global OSV (AHT/AHTS/PSV) overview: demand, supply, utilization; Middle East focus including market profile, key players, fleet distribution, day rate trends, and newbuild orderbook/attrition outlook.
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: Refreshments
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: Digital Technology Advancements
Panel Discussion: Digitalization & Digital Twin — How the Energy Industry Adapts to It
The energy industry is undergoing a rapid transformation with digitalization at its core. This panel will explore how Digital Twin technology and advanced digital solutions are enabling efficiency, predictive maintenance, cost optimization, and sustainability in operations. Industry leaders will share insights on adoption challenges, integration strategies, and future opportunities, helping attendees understand how these technologies are redefining competitiveness and resilience in the energy sector.
Moderator: Robert Bain, Chief Operating Officer, IRM Energy & Technology Services
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: Lunch Break
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Navigating the Future: Digital Solutions for Modern Shipping
The proposed panel will bring together experts from across the maritime sector, including legal professionals, representatives from shipping and maritime companies, technology innovators, vessel operators, and terminal operators. Together, these experts will provide a comprehensive perspective on the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in shipping.
Key discussion points will include the integration of digital solutions for performance optimisation, the role of data analytics in driving operational efficiencies, and the adoption of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and smart connectivity. The panel will also address regulatory considerations, cybersecurity risks, and the importance of collaboration across the maritime value chain.
Asset Integrity & Inspections — Ensuring the Sustainable Growth of the Energy Industry
Proactive role of inspections in long-term sustainability. Smart Integrity: Innovating inspection strategies for sustainable energy development. This session explores the critical role of asset integrity and inspection practices in maintaining the safety, reliability, and sustainability of energy infrastructure. It emphasizes innovative approaches, technological advancements, and strategic management to support the long-term growth of the energy sector.
Barry Marshall, General Manager, AISUS — Asset Integrity with AI and Remote Robotics: What a Difference a Year Makes
Alvin Zhongqing Yang, Executive Manager, OneGarnet Group — Clean Interfaces, Durable Coatings: Rethinking Abrasive Blasting for Sustainability
Alaa Nagu, Marine Oil Spill Section Head, Kuwait Oil Company — Enhancing OSV Combating Capability: The Strategic Role of the Master
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: Refreshments
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Offshore Engineering — Concept & FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) for Oilfield Development
Offshore oilfield development is a complex and demanding endeavor that requires meticulous planning, innovative engineering solutions, and seamless collaboration across disciplines. The success of a project often hinges on the robustness of its initial concept and the thoroughness of the FEED phase. From reservoir assessment and system integration to risk mitigation, cost optimization, and environmentally responsible design, each step in the concept and FEED stages lays the foundation for project success.
Moderator: Ashish Rawal, Business Development Manager / Energy Transition Lead – GPC East, Subsea 788
Panelists:
Ashik Subahani, Managing Director, Sea Delta Marine and Offshore
Fugro
Saipem
Technip
McDermott
First Oil & Gas
L&T HE
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: Lunch Break
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Navigating Volatility: Adapting to Shifting Demand in the MENA Energy Market
Analysis of the recent slowdown in rig demand and market corrections projected for 2025, including the impact of Saudi Aramco’s project suspensions. Regional differences: which MENA countries are expanding versus contracting offshore activity, and how this impacts asset markets in other regions such as APAC. The influence of LNG market dynamics—driven by global trends like energy transition and changing export strategies—on offshore rig activity and investment decisions. Strategies rig owners and operators are employing to remain competitive amid day rate declines and higher attrition, and the role of technology and innovation in the MENA rig market.
Moderator: Aditya Saraswat, Research Director, MENA, Rystad Energy
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: Ports, Shipping & Logistics
Ports & Logistics Providing Value-Added Services
Ports and logistics providers are increasingly offering value-added services to enhance efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and drive competitiveness in the global supply chain. They are also focusing on environmental sustainability initiatives, such as emission reduction, energy efficiency, and waste management. Ports and logistics providers offer customized logistics solutions tailored to specific needs, such as project cargo handling, reverse logistics, and supply chain optimization.
Moderator: Capt. Bijoy Sharma, Principal Surveyor & Head of Survey Station, IR Class Qatar
