Kazakh Drilling Industry Gathered for Inaugural Kazakh Drilling Roundtable

Transforming the Drilling Market for the Future Benefit of Kazakhstan

The 1st KDR, Kazakh Drilling Roundtable, (www.kazdr.kz) took place on the 17th September 2015, at the Rixos President Hotel in Astana. This unique forum addressed the strategic direction and key challenges faced within the Kazakh drilling sector.

Astana, Kazakhstan, 15th October 2015.

In partnership between TMG Events and JSC NC KazMunayGas, the inaugural Kazakh Drilling Roundtable was recently held in Astana. With over 100 separate domestic and international companies attending, and over 160 delegates registering on the morning of the event, the 1st KDR was the largest gathering of drilling professionals yet seen in Kazakhstan.

Chris Hopkinson – JSC NC KMG – “I will not drill uneconomical wells.”

The forum was opened by Paul Seed, Director of the organising company TMG Events. Paul spoke briefly about the history of the Drilling Roundtable series of events, and commented, “It is important to use the KDR as an open forum to understand to the needs of your clients, to network and learn from your competitors, and emerge more efficient and with a clear outlook for the future.”

The KDR Keynote Speaker, Christopher Simon Hopkinson, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of JSC NC KazMunayGas, was then introduced and spoke about the need for improved efficiency and transparency in the Kazakh drilling sector under a depressed oil price.

Mr Hopkinson commented, “We are not alone in experiencing difficult times, and we must increase production, while drilling wells cheaper, and faster than ever before. This being said, it is important that everyone gathered here today understands this – I will not drill uneconomical wells”

JSC NC KazMunayGas were very clear on this point and he challenged the drilling and service companies to adopt measures that make them more cost efficient, not only during these challenging market conditions, but also looking towards the future. He also noted that they are happy to listen to ideas from their partners and service providers, and stressed the need for reporting transparency as well as the need to focus on HSE best practices.

Both Paul and Chris also 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 KDR then split into two separate halls, each focussing on key topical issues aimed at maximizing drilling potential in the region, whilst addressing partnership agreements and highlighting the latest drilling technology and services available on the market. Lively discussions ensued in both halls with an excellent level of participation from the audience.

With a great day over, all delegates were treated to a gala reception and open bar to reflect on the day’s proceedings, network with colleagues, make new contacts and look forward to the KDR 2016.

The organisers would like to thank the event Platinum Sponsors, JSC NC KazMunayGas and Kazpetro Drilling JSC, Gold Sponsors Sino Kazakhstan Great Wall Drilling and SmartEX DF, Silver Sponsors Petro Unit, Weatherford Kazakhstan LLP and Omac Integrated LLP, as well as all of the bronze and associated sponsors that supported the 1st KDR.

A video overview of the 1st KDR can be seen by following this link – http://www.kazakhstandrillingroundtable.kz/index.php?cID=594

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