Biennial Event’s Fifth Edition Attracts more than 15,000 to Rio de Janeiro
OTC Brasil held its fifth edition 29–31 October at the SulAmérica Convention Center in the heart of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Organized by the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) and the Brazilian Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels Institute (IBP), attendance surpassed organizers expectations with more than 15,291 attendees from 48 countries.
“We were very impressed with the high technical level of the program that was also recognized by the participants. The current industry moment in Brazil and the upcoming auctions sparked even more interest in the conference,” said Marcos Assayag, OTC Brasil Chairperson. José Firmo, IBP President followed Assayag´s enthusiasm. “The presence and engagement of all of the oil and gas industry at OTC Brasil 2019 was a positive surprise. The level of interest was beyond expectation,” said Firmo.
Attendance from government dignitaries, such as Bento Albuquerque, Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Décio Oddone, Executive Director of the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANP), and Wilson Witzel, Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro, emphasized the upcoming pre-salt bidding rounds in the country.“Brazil’s bid rounds have attracted widespread interest and investments, which should assist the South American country in its quest to become one of the world’s top five oil producers,” explained Bento Albuquerque, Minister of Minister of Mines and Energy.
The comprehensive technical program featured four plenary sessions, 22 special sessions, and 40 technical presentations. This year, the event focused in the changing conditions of the Brazilian gas market, exploration and production in ultra-deep waters of the pre-salt province, and the impact of the digital revolution on the offshore sector.
On Wednesday afternoon, a standing room only audience of 400+ delegates were present for the plenary session moderated by IBP Emeritus Board Member Jorge Camargo. The session was guided by key E&P executives who discussed opportunities in deep water development, as well as the global impact of new business models. The highlights were offered by Carlos Alberto Pereira de Oliveira, E&P Director, Petrobras, Stephen Greenlee, Upstream Business Development President, ExxonMobil, Arnaud Breuillac, E&P Director, Total, and Margareth Ovrum, CEO, Equinor Brasil, and Uwen Ukpong, Chief Global Operations Officer, Baker Hughes.
During the conference, OTC and IBP recognized the 2019 Distinguished Achievement Award recipients. Carlos Tadeu Fraga was honored for individual achievement, and Petrobras’ EWT Libra Project was recognized for corporate achievement. Both of these achievements are truly significant contributions to the E&P sector.
Additional highlights at the Awards Luncheon included discussions about repositioning Petrobras in a changing world with keynote speaker Roberto Castello Branco, Petrobras CEO. “More competition and the entry of new players from all the production chain, including exploration and production, refining and the natural gas segment is good for everyone, including Petrobras,” said Castello.
Demonstrating the excitement surrounding Brazil’s repositioning as a key player in the global E&P arena, the exhibition covered 3,400 net sq meters with 180 service and operating companies showcasing the latest technologies, and innovative products and services.
For the first time the exhibition offered interactive sessions in the newly created Offshore Arena, with emphasis on FPSOs, subsea solutions, marine renewable, and digital transformation in the E&P sector.
The Business Rounds also held more than 200 meetings promoted by the National Organization of the Petroleum Industry (ONIP), the Micro and Small Business Support Service in the State of Rio de Janeiro (SEBRAE), and the Industry Federation of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FIRJAN).
OTC Brasil is sponsored by Petrobras, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron, Petrogal, Total, Repsol Sinopec, TechnipFMC, Vallourec, PetroRio, Aker Solutions, Frank’s International, Maha Energy Brazil, Shawcor, Solvay, Halliburton, Enauta, and MOL.
OTC Brasil 2021 will take place 26–28 October 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.