ONS 2016 to underline transition within a changing market

ONS 2016 at a glance:

• This year’s theme is “Transition”

• Technical sessions to debut, addressing unsolved problems facing the industry

• More than 1,300 exhibitors from 39 countries

• A multitude of networking opportunities for industry professionals from around the world

Industry leaders, specialists, politicians and executives from across the globe will meet in Stavanger, Norway, from Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, for ONS 2016. This conference and exhibition has been bringing industry professionals together for more than 40 years.

This year, ONS will operate under a theme that will focus on “transition,” and how the energy industry will adjust to new market realities. Industry professionals will examine simplification and standardization, as well as new business models necessary for a changing industry environment.

EXHIBITION

More than 1,300 exhibitors from 39 countries are expected at ONS this year, Fig. 1. The show will feature more than 85,000 ft² of exhibition space, comprised of 23 national pavilions, including one brand-new exhibition hall, where exhibitors from the operators side and the supply sector—as well as those involved in design and engineering, education, research and safety—will showcase their latest offerings.

Fig. 1. More than 13,000 exhibitors from 39 countries will showcase their latest products and services at the ONS 2016 exhibition. Photo: ONS/Kallen.

A large portion of the conference program will focus on alternative energy initiatives at the ONS Clean Energy Park. Here, attendees will hear from companies taking measures to produce energy with a smaller environmental footprint and minimal pollution. The program promotes cleaner fossil energy production, renewable energy output, and smart power development and optimization. Moreover, the program will display ways that technology transfer between different sectors can lead to more sustainable energy solutions.

Another major focus of the exhibition is the ONS Innovation Park, where 18 companies will present their newest technological innovations. The program is a cooperative effort between Innovation Norway and the Research Council of Norway, and is dedicated to the demonstration of new technologies designed to ease the many challenges facing the industry today. Visio IO, Solution Seeker AS, Pipeotech AS, InnSep AS, Subsea Chokes International and Ace Oil Tools are just a few of the 18 companies exhibiting.

Thomas Bjerkmann, project manager at Innovation Norway, said, “We have had a thorough selection process, with emphasis on companies with solutions leading to cost reduction and standardization. We also wanted to promote technologies with environmental benefits.”

TECHNICAL SESSIONS

ONS 2016 is debuting a new conference arena this year. Technical sessions are being integrated into the conference in a big way. With help from The Norwegian Petroleum Society, each session will feature multiple speakers, who will address unsolved problems facing the industry, as well as present their companies’ proposed technological solutions.

In addition to the technical sessions, the Centre Court also will feature short presentations at a faster pace than in the main conference arena. Located in the center of the Clean Energy Park, more than 70 presentations, debates and discussions will be held. More than 60% of these presentations will relate to clean energy issues.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Presented by INTSOK, from Aug. 29–31, ONS International Markets will be made up of half-day country sessions that will feature presentations from some of INTSOK’s chief markets, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Russia, India, Iran, Africa, Mexico and Canada. Each country session will focus on upcoming projects, technology needs, operational challenges, and business.

Senior executives, energy ministers and politicians will come together at this year’s ONS Summit to discuss geopolitical, energy and environmental issues. This invitation-only event aims to facilitate closer cooperation between political and corporate leaders in the energy arena.

On Thursday, Sept. 1, attendees can stop by the new ONS Renewable Markets event. In cooperation with INTPOW and Greater Stavanger, this event offers an in-depth look at the skills and resources from oil and gas in the offshore wind industry.

Speakers at the ONS Renewable Markets event will highlight cost reduction opportunities in the development, construction, operations and maintenance phase. Confirmed speakers include Giles Dickson, CEO of Wind Europe; Stephen Bull, senior V.P. of offshore wind, Statoil; Darius Snieckus, chief editor of Recharge magazine; and representatives of MacGregor, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, and DNV GL.

ONS 2016 also will feature a variety of programs and events for its younger attendees. At Future Students’ Days, on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, industry professionals will explain their reasons for entering their chosen field. The event—as well as University Day on Aug. 30—is geared toward providing relevant information about the industry to students who may be interested in pursuing a future career in energy. The University Day speaker will be Ole-Erik Vestøl Endrerud, founder and CTO of Shoreline.

At Young Innovation Camp, students will be invited to competitively solve important problems for the industry and, in turn, further cultivate their interest in energy and natural science. Additionally, on Aug. 29, educators are invited to join in on ONS Young by attending the Teachers’ Classroom. This is where teachers can learn from experts about the many opportunities within the energy industry, and the necessary information to supply to students seeking study and career guidance. Television personality Arne Hjeltnes is scheduled to moderate this session. The speaker at this event will be Helge Hove Haldorsen, director general of Statoil Mexico and 2015 SPE president.

Fig. 2. The ONS Festival, held in the heart of Stavanger, features entertainment and food from around the globe, and is open to everyone. Photo: ONS/Kallen.

Young professionals, who have already begun their career in the industry, will get the opportunity to expand their networks during the Young Professionals’ Arena on Aug. 31. This casual networking atmosphere will allow like-minded individuals to learn and get inspired.

ONS FESTIVAL

The ONS Festival will be held right in the heart of Stavanger, and is open to anyone and everyone! It will feature pavilions full of entertainment and food from around the world, Fig. 2. Admission is free for the duration of the conference.

Once again, ONS has organized one of the biggest road races in the region. Former alpine ski racer and Olympic winner, Kjetil André Aamodt, will participate in this year’s race as part of Statoil’s team. The 4-km “Run for fun” is open to everyone, and will provide food, drink and entertainment to runners at the finish line.

ONS will host an opening concert in Stavanger Concert Hall. Attendees will be entertained by live performances from well-known Norwegian and international artists. Another concert will be held at Stavanger Harbor on Aug. 31, followed by a fireworks display. Artists have not yet been announced.