The 2019 version of the World Heavy Oil Congress & Exhibition (WHOC) in Oman has formally opened. For the next three days, more than 500 international industry experts and specialists will connect, discuss, and deliberate fostering global collaboration for a fitter heavy oil industry.

A high-level delegation led by His Excellency Salim bin NasserAl Aufi, Undersecretary Ministry of Oil and Gastoured the exhibition, which will keep running until Wednesday, where regional and international NOCs, IOCs, service and technology providers are showcasing the best technologies, products and services for the heavy oil sector. The exhibition will host LCC and SLCC Pavilion organized by PDO, notable exhibitors include Al Baraka Oilfield Services, Al Shawamikh Oil Services, Dohat Al Khaleej LLC, Berba, Mideast Integrated Drilling & Well Services Company, Peace Land Energy, Al Sawari International Investments, Al Sahari Oil Services, and NCC Oman, among others.

A feature of the Strategic Conference was a session by HE Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi providing insights on how Omans heavy oil activities can make heavy oil a sustainable fuel of choice and contribute to the Sultanates long-term economic development, and how governments worldwide are supporting and encouraging global collaboration and cooperation to accelerate heavy oil exploration, production and growth.

Heavy oil continues to dominate and production will continue to rise. Our strategy is to localize the industry and increase our ability to respond fast. Thats where were driving our In-Country Value programme, which all operators are supporting, said HE Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi. Oman continues to be open for business. The message to international operators is transfer your technology, share it with us, and we will extend our support to you as well.

Welcoming participants from all around the globe, Jean-Philippe Coss, Senior Vice President - Energy, Middle East of dmg events, said, Over the next 3 days, with the tireless support over the last 12 months of our Strategic and Technical Committees, we have put together new content from across the globe covering all areas of heavy oil production and upgrading, from technical case studies to forward thinking panel discussions.

A key focus of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PDO, Oman Shell, Oman LNG and the Oman Oil-Orpic Group, focusing on increasing Omanisation rates in their turnaround services. Through it, the companies have committed to developing a self-sustaining business model for the turnaround activities of oil and gas installations. The ultimate goal is to increase Omanisation in the Turnaround Execution Workforce (TEW), with potential for future expansion in other activities based upon the success of the new initiative.

PDO Managing Director, Raoul Restucci, remarked on the agreement: The Turnaround project is a great example of key operators, covering the full spectrum of up/mid and downstream operations in the Oman oil and gas industry, working collaboratively together to deliver In-Country Value. The Congress furnished us with an astounding opportunity to publicize this important step in our efforts to develop Omani talent in the industry, as well as allowing us to set an example of how such collaborations can encourage a more sustainable oil and gas future globally.

Running simultaneously to the Strategic Conference, the Technical Conference began with 18 stimulating sessions. Providing an invaluable opportunity for heavy oil professionals to learn from one another, the sessions addressed a number of current hot topics including Advances in Chemical Flooding, Well Completion, Heavy Oil Field Development, Technology Advancement in Heavy Oil Processing, and Operational Excellence in Heavy Oil.

Held under the support of the Ministry of Oil & Gas, the World Heavy Oil Congress & Exhibition is co-facilitated by Petroleum Development Oman. The profoundly anticipated event is bolstered by the Ministry of Oil & Gas, with JP Global Digital and Occidental Oman returning to the event as the Gold sponsor, and Maha Energy as Silver Sponsor.