Encouraged by the success of other regional technology forums (METF & Sprowston), ION was honoured to provide the opportunity and the venue for an inaugural North African Technology Forum. ION has committed significant resources to the region in recent years, and this event stimulated the development of collaborative relationships with both contractors and oil and gas companies based in North Africa.
NATF was held over two days; the first seminar took place at the Sheraton Club des Pins Hotel, Algiers, and was attended by over 30 key industry representatives based in Algeria.
The morning session was chaired by Dr. Aoumeur Lassal, President of E.NA.GEO, and was focused on land seismic acquisition technologies. Andrew Shackleton began the afternoon session with a paper on Full- wave and Enabling Technologies, which expanded on the technologies ION has to offer in the field and opened debate amongst the delegates on current research projects within the region.
Both sessions afforded lively discussion on how existing and new technologies might benefit all of us in the E&P industry. The conference was also attended by the local press and TV station.
Two days later, ION hosted the second seminar at the Corinthia Hotel, Tripoli, Libya. Over 40 senior executives from leading oil & gas companies, service contractors and academics were in attendance.
The forum followed a similar agenda to Algiers, but we were joined by Geofizika DD who presented case studies on VectorSeis operations in Egypt and Libya. Dr. Adel Nasser also presented Guide Geoscience Technologies workflow for reducing exploration risks and increasing declining production. Interesting examples from the Western Desert, Offshore Mediterranean, and Gulf of Suez were presented.
Abstracts of all presentations and speakers bios can be obtained by request. Click here to contact us.
The ION team was extremely grateful for the warm reception and hospitality received on this trip. There was ample opportunity for informal conversations and networking, and the fine local cuisine and belly dancing was enjoyed by all.
As this was the first event of its kind within the North African region, it was important for us to ascertain from those who attended the value of their experience. Therefore, delegates were polled at the end of each forum.
The vast majority of those who attended each of the forums found the overall value to be excellent; stating that they would definitely attended the event again and recommend it to their colleagues. A sampling of comments from the attendees included:
"This forum helped networking and understanding the way technology should be applied in NA."
"A very nice chance to learn about new technology and to make contacts in the field"
"Well organised, special thanks to all the participants!"
