Natural Resources
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
May 11, 2016

Supporting Growth in the Oil and Gas Industry

Minister Coady and Delegates Participate in Offshore Technology Conference

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, and approximately 100 representatives of provincial petroleum companies and organizations participated in the annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) last week in Houston, Texas.

"We had a productive week at OTC, promoting the oil and gas industry in Newfoundland and Labrador and speaking with global stakeholders, companies and operators regarding the potential opportunities for enterprise and collaboration with the province."
- The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources

Companies in attendance from the province advised that the conference provided great opportunities for collaboration and increased success. For example:

• Oceanic Consulting Corporation gained new business opportunities, meeting with clients from the United States, Europe and Australia;
• Pro-Dive Marine Services indicated that companies are seeking work and eager to meet;
• Kvaerner presented on their business concepts and met with existing and potential clients, business partners and suppliers;
• Virtual Marine Technology met with global drilling contractors and has initiated commercial discussions with at least two regarding the potential use of the company's lifeboat simulators; and
• GRi Simulations Inc. announced a business partnership with Underwater Group of Brazil.

On Monday, Minister Coady was joined by Consul General in Texas, Sara Wilshaw, and Nova Scotia's Minister of Energy, the Honourable Michel Samson, as key speakers at the Canadian Press Conference. Minister Coady spoke about Newfoundland and Labrador's vast potential in the oil and gas industry, including the province's support of exploration activities, seismic data collection, and the modernization of the regulatory processes.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is home to leading ocean technology education and training, cutting-edge research and development initiatives, and unique infrastructure. Throughout this past week at OTC, Newfoundland and Labrador delegates have demonstrated their ingenuity, experience and determination in how we transform the challenges of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans into competitive advantages."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

Minister Coady also addressed delegates and members of the media at the launch event for the OTC's 2016 Arctic Technology Conference (ATC). The minister spoke about the plans that are underway as St. John's prepares to host ATC from October 24 to 26 at the St. John's Convention Centre. She described the opportunities that the conference offers to those working in the Arctic to share ideas, research and progressive technologies. Minister Coady's speaking notes have been made available on the Provincial Government website here: www.releases.gov.nl.ca/Speeches.

"The Offshore Technology Conference enables Noia members to meet with international partners and make new connections. This is especially important to our supply and service companies looking to access and export to global markets. The conference also offers our members the opportunity to better understand the technologies to be used in future deep water development and export of our harsh environment and other technologies."
- Raymond Collins, Chair, Noia Board of Directors

Supply and service companies in Newfoundland and Labrador have attended OTC for the past 30 years which has enabled them to gain international exposure, provided networking and exchange of industry information and facilitated contracts and cooperative ventures.

QUICK FACTS

• The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, and 100 representatives of provincial petroleum companies and organizations participated in the annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) last week in Houston, Texas.
• A number of companies in attendance from the province advised that they experienced success, particularly Oceanic Consulting Corporation, Pro-Dive Marine Services, Kvaerner, Virtual Marine Technology, and GRi Simulations Inc.
• Minister Coady addressed delegates and media at the conference about the vast opportunities and potential for future development in the oil and gas industries in Newfoundland and Labrador. Speaking notes have been made available here: www.releases.gov.nl.ca/Speeches.
• Over 30 years of attending OTC has resulted in contracts and cooperative ventures for many companies and organizations based in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The OTC's 2016 Arctic Technology Conference will be held in St. John's this fall from October 24 to 26 at the St. John's Convention Centre.

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2016 05 11                              4:35 p.m.