Astana Hosted the 4th KDR Well Engineering Forum (KDR 2018)
September 13th, saw the 4th edition of the KDR Well Engineering Forum, www.kazdr.kz, take place at the Palace of Independence in Astana.
The KDR, the highest level yearly gathering for the Kazakh drilling and production sector, brought together over 200 industry experts, from over 110 companies for one day of in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, best practices and networking.
As with previous events, the KDR focussed on increasing efficiency during the well engineering cycle in Kazakhstan and the event was split into 3 different discussion Halls. Hall 1 focused on “Drilling”, Hall 2 “Drilling Equipment” and Hall 3 on “Production Optimization and Stimulation”.
Within each hall, an expert roundtable panel hosted by an expert session moderator –discussed market developments, new technologies and services mixed with case-study style presentations highlighting recent best practices. With full participation encouraged by the organisers, the KDR also gave standard delegates the opportunity to interact with the roundtable panel – promoting excellent discussion and debate throughout the event.
With the day split by “Networking Coffee Breaks” a “Networking Lunch” followed by post-show entertainment – KDR not only provided participants with up-to date regional insight – it also allowed for excellent networking opportunities.
The General Event Partners and Platinum Sponsors of the KDR were KazMunayGas and SRI PDT, with KazPetroDrilling as the Platinum Sponsor.
The event gold sponsors were MTU, Halliburton and Hardbanding Solutions. TMK, Baker Hughes a GE Company, Caterpillar, Grant Prideco and TGT were the Silver Sponsors, and Drilling Systems was the Bronze Sponsor of the event. Associate Sponsors of the event included Borusan Makina, Downhole Products, Modu Resources and Intera. ROGTEC magazine was the KDR’s official publication.
TMG Worldwide – The Leading Event Organiser for Upstream Oil and Gas in the CIS
The KDR is a unique forum, in that it is organised by TMG Worldwide in direct partnership with the National Company KazMunayGas, and the SRI PDT, the Scientific Research Institute for Production and Drilling Technology at KMG.
Through this partnership, and as part of the official “KPI” strategy for the SRI PDT – KDR is the most well attended event of its type in Kazakhstan and follows the RDCR, www.rdcr.ru, Well Engineering Forum, now in its 7th year and also organized by TMG Worldwide and the largest event of its kind in Russia.
With both forums established with very strong foundations, the organisers have identified the clear synergy between both platforms and from 2019, delegates will see clear integration with high level delegations attending the RDCR from Kazakhstan as well as vice versa.
Drilling and Production in Kazakhstan– A Market with Great Potential
In terms of the overall market in Kazakhstan, we have seen oil production reach a record 86.2 million tonnes in 2017, which is an all-time high and exceeds 2016 levels by 10.5%.
As was noted by Paul Seed, Director of the Spain based organizing company TMG Worldwide, in his opening speech however, most of this production growth has come the fields operated by the major joint ventures – TCO, KPO and NCOC. These JVs are of course key to the future growth of Kazakhstan, however most of the production still comes from the wider industry. Paul went on to talk about the need for sustainable development of oil production in the rest of the Industry as a whole and that to achieve this the industry must increase the overall efficiency of well construction, backed up by the application of the latest technology in drilling, workover, and completion of wells, as well as further efforts in optimizing production.
JSC NC KazMunayGas – A Company Looking to the Future
With the recent merger between JSC NC KazMunayGas and KMG EP, the London listed major subsidiary of the national company, much has changed in the organisation, not least the management structure. The long awaited IPO is being prepared for, with an initial date of 2020.
The KDR is a shop window for the national company to lay out it plans for the future and the new Managing Director of Oil and Gas Production at JSC NC KazMunayGas (KMG), Kuanyshbay Nurgaliyev made the KDR`s keynote opening speech.
He emphasized the rapid technological, economic and social changes which are taking place within KMG, and that these are dictating an urgent need to change working practices with the national company and other regional operators. Specifically, he highlighted digitalisation and the implementation of “smart” oilfields – topics which were to be touched on during the course of the day and that will be key focus areas for the 5th KDR in 2019.
SRI PDT – The KMG Scientific Research Institute for Production and Drilling Technology
As the KDR is part of the official “KPI” Strategy at the SRI PDT, one of the highlights of the forum was the key note given by Rob Tinkhof, Deputy General Director at the SRI PDT KMG. Rob first highlighted the importance of the KDR as a platform for communication and open discussion, and then addressed the different challenges facing the industry despite the current price per barrel. He talked about the importance of “working smart” and remembering to “go back to the basics of well engineering“ and emphasized the importance of investing in people, setting common objectives and building effective communication. Bringing up the topic of new technology, Rob encouraged the industry to be mindful and focus on “fit-for-purpose technology”.
KazPetro Drilling – The Largest Drilling Company in Kazakhstan and a Key Partner to the KDR
As the Platinum Event Sponsor, KazPetro Drilling are an integral part to the overall KDR Project. As a platform, the KDR is only place where drilling companies and operators can partake in open and frank discussions, looking at issues such as day rate v turnkey drilling contacts and the overall relationship between oil companies and their contractors. Askhat Duysaliyev, President of KPD, noted this during his speech and looked at the importance of building long term business relationships for the future benefit of the industry as a whole.
KazService – An important Partner and Key Industry Association
As the association for Oil and Gas Service Companies in Kazakhstan, KazService plays an important role in promoting local content and local Kazakh companies. Nurlan Zhumagulov, General Director of the organisation, is an influential figure in the oil and gas sector in Kazakhstan and helps compile key figures and statistics. Nurlan shared the Kazakh drilling market results for 2017 at KDR and not only reported the key indicators of the drilling market over the past year, but also explained the innovations in the Code on Subsoil Use in Kazakhstan
5th KDR Well Engineering Forum, 12th September 2019, Astana
The organisers have already announced the 5th KDR, which will be returning to the Palace of Independence on September 12th, 2019. With a positive outlook for the future, the organisers are expecting the 5th instalment to be the largest and best attended to date. With changes to format agreed with the advisory board, including the additions of technology working groups, we are looking forward to welcoming the industry to discuss technology, share knowledge and benchmark for the future!
For further information, please visit www.kazdr.kz or contact paul.seed@rogtecmagazine.com
