Letter from the Conference Co-Chairs

 Dear Colleague, 

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the 2021 Oilfield Corrosion Programme Committee would like to invite you to submit your paper proposals for the ninth SPE International Oilfield Corrosion Conference and Exhibition, which will take place 16-17 June Online. 

Once again, the oil and gas industry faces uncertain times due to falling demand. While the shock of the COVID-19 Pandemic is likely to be short lived the transition of energy from fossil fuels to renewable sources will ensure that this trend will continue in the long term. Combined with maturing fields and installations this will be an existential threat for some producers. Only those who can keep their cost of production below the market price will survive. We also live in an age when most fields are mature; production is falling, and the infrastructure is ageing.

The Corrosion Engineer has a crucial role to play in these times. Production efficiency is the key to keeping the cost of production down and corrosion is one of the main causes of unplanned outages. Furthermore, the capital required to replace worn out equipment is in short supply; the old strategy of ‘inspect and replace’ is no longer fit for purpose. Effective corrosion management incorporating advanced condition monitoring technologies, is the only strategy that can reduce or even halt the gradual degradation that is often taken for granted, sustaining production, minimising interventions and sustaining the economic viability of mature oilfields.

Following the success of past events, the conference format will offer a combination of formal paper presentations and workshops. The morning sessions will allow for the presentation of new projects, technologies, challenges, and issues, while the afternoon discussion sessions will give attendees the opportunity to debate and review a range of key industry topics. 

The event programme will allow for ample meeting and networking opportunities for all participants, including at the official conference dinner and the exhibition, which will be open on all conference days. Attendees typically include academics and industry experts, as well as professionals in operator and service companies.

During the conference, poster sessions will support the presentation of research work and technical project summaries, aimed in particular at graduate and postgraduate activities and junior industry professionals. Posters will be judged during the conference, with the best one being awarded the poster prize during the wrap-up session. SPE is also pleased to be able to offer corrosion management training courses in conjunction with the conference.

The committee cordially invites you to the 2021 SPE International Conference and Exhibition on Oilfield Corrosion and looks forward to welcoming you to the conference.

Mike Adams, Eden Asset Integrity Ltd.            Stephen Tate, Total