KDR 2016: Overcoming Challenges to Transform the Drilling Market in Kazakhstan

The 2nd KDR, Kazakh Drilling Roundtable, took place on the 16th September 2016, at the Rixos President Hotel in Astana. This unique forum addressed the strategic direction and key challenges faced in the Kazakh Drilling sector.

Astana, Kazakhstan, 23rd September 2016.

In partnership between TMG Worldwide and JSC NC KazMunayGas, the 2nd Kazakh Drilling Roundtable attracted over 100 separate companies and 220 delegates. Taking the lessons learnt from the 1st KDR, the organizers improved the forum in all areas and increased the level and number of delegates who attended the event.

The forum was opened by Paul Seed, Director of the organising company TMG Worldwide. Mr. Seed talked about improvements made to the forum since last year, and how delegates should use the KDR as a platform to network with colleagues and learn best practices to increase efficiencies and reduce costs in their drilling operations. He commented “The times when we face the challenges of having a low oil price, are the times when we must come together as industry, to share knowledge, transfer technology and learn best practices from each other”. He went on to talk about the ambitious oil production targets set by the Kazakh government and the increasing rate of global oil consumption. Mr. Seed finished his presentation by stating the age of oil is far from over, and that future of the Kazakh oil drilling market lay in the capable and experienced hands of the delegates gathered at the 2nd KDR.

The KDR Keynote Speaker, Mynbayev Sauat Muhametbaevich, President JSC NC “KazMunayGas”, General Event Partner and Platinum Sponsor of the Kazakh Drilling Roundtable, echoed the points made by Christopher Hopkinson at the 1st KDR, that the national company “will not drill uneconomical wells”. He went on to say that the reason for the current crop of unprofitable wells is due to a lack of the latest drilling technology being used by drilling companies and operators. Despite this, he said, steps are being taken to improve the use of up to date and modern drilling methods and technology. Mr. Mynbayev finished by encouraging all delegates to use the KDR to discuss progressive ideas, opportunities, best practices and technology for the future benefit of the Kazakh drilling market.

Both Mr. Seed and Mr. Mynbayev talked about the need for open forum discussions such as the KDR, and how they are most important during the inevitable market downturns. They stressed the need to increase efficiency in the drilling sector though knowledge and experience sharing, setting standards and benchmarking.

The proceedings that followed in both technology halls including in depth panel discussions, industry leading presentations and case studies and with active audience participation.

Leading Kazakh operators who attended the KDR include; JSC NC KazMunayGas, UzenMunaiGas, EmbaMuaniGas, TCO, NCOC, KPO, Zhaikmunai LLC, SRI PDT KazMunayGas, N Operating, Satpayev Operating, KazMunayTeniz, ExxonMobil, MOL Group KMG Global Solutions B.V., KazRosGaz, OzenMunayGas, Karazhanbasmunay, KazGerMunay, KazMunaiGas Exploration Production JSC, Satpayev Operating, Mangistaumunaygas, Kalamkasmunaigas, Urikhtau Operating, Amangeldy Gas, Kazakhoil Aktobe and OMV.

Following the roundtable sessions, JSC NC KazMunayGas and Baker Hughes signed their MOU agreement.

As is a hallmark of TMG Worldwide events, delegates enjoyed the 5 Star surroundings of the Rixos Hotel’s catering and Gala Reception. The Reception is a hugely important and popular part of our events and gives delegates the opportunity to discuss the day’s proceedings, network and make contacts in a relaxed and cordial environment.

The organisers would like to extend thanks to all supporting companies and organisations that help make the 2nd KDR a success. Special mentions go to Platinum Sponsor and General Event Partner JSC NC KazMunayGas, Gold Sponsors MTU Friedrichshafen, Turkuaz Machinery and Baker Hughes, Silver Sponsors Halliburton, Weatherford, Schlumberger, TMK Group, Rubicon Oilfield International, KazBurgas, OMAC Intergrated and KAZ MI Swaco, as well as our associate sponsors MOL Group and Caterpillar Oil and Gas. Special thanks also go to KazEnergy and KazService for supporting the 2nd KDR.

The 3rd KDR will be held in September 2017.

For further information, please contact Paul.Seed@rogtecmagazine.com, or call +34 667714475 for further information