The Arab Oil and Gas Show (OGS), to be held from October 12-15, 2003, at the Airport Expo Dubai, will host the launch of a new inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) facility for offshore drilling, accommodation and early production units. The new facility will be fully operational during the first quarter of 2004.
Developed by the QGM Group at the Hamriyah Free Zone Port, the new facility is the first of its kind in the Middle East and is specially designed to meet the requirements of the offshore rigs and marine vessels in the region.
"One of the major tasks oil and gas managers are faced with today is to critically review their operating costs, including the maintenance costs. In order to remain competitive, the expenditures on maintenance and on inspections must provide an optimum return. It is in this scenario that the development of this new facility in the UAE becomes important," said Managing Director, International Conferences & Exhibitions, Anselm Godinho.
"The presence in the Middle East of an IRM facility, customized to the needs of offshore drilling rigs and marine vessels, will effectively reduce the costs of and the time involved in the repairs and maintenance of such units. With the launch of this facility, along with the launch of cutting-edge, environment friendly drilling technologies, OGS will highlight Dubai's potential as the hub of oil and gas industry related services," added Godinho.
Besides inspection, repairs and maintenance, the facility will be equipped to undertake major upgrades of drilling rigs, as well as the conversion of jack-up rigs to accommodation or early production units. The water depth at the new facility will accept all Middle East jack-up rigs and marine vessels for inspection, repairs and maintenance. The facility's extensive quayside access will be suitable for the direct load-out of complete modules for offshore production platforms.
OGS enables local and international suppliers to stage a comprehensive display of the latest technology and services to over 4,000 specialist visitors involved with the exploration, extraction, processing, storage and transportation of oil and gas. Over 2,500 companies from more than 30 countries have participated in the show since it began in 1984. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
