OI 2016: exhibition and conference

Challenging times for the offshore survey and metrology industry require innovative and leading edge techniques and technologies that deliver operational efficiencies and productivity. And that, in the words of one of the co-chairmen of the ‘Positioning and Metrology’ day-long conference at Oceanology International 2016 (OI 2016), the world’s largest marine science and ocean technology exhibition and conference, (ExCeL London, UK 15 - 17 March), is just what will feature on the conference agenda. Like all OI conference sessions it is free-to-attend. Free online registration can be found here.

Discussions in the session

Taking place on OI 2016 opening day, Tuesday 15 March, conference stream co-chairs Jonathan Davis, Survey & Geospatial Data Management Manager – AGT Region, BP, and Malik Chibah, INS Group Manager, Sonardyne, explain: “In these challenging times for the offshore survey and metrology industry We are excited to have prepared a conference programme that will cover a range of leading edge techniques and technologies, which will deliver operational efficiencies and productivity improvements in the field of underwater positioning and imaging.

The session will bring together oil and gas companies, survey contractors and key equipment suppliers to present example applications of new technology to industry challenges. The day will be split into four sessions – ‘Multibeam Sonar’, ‘GNSS’, ‘Optical and Laser Imaging’, and ‘Acoustic Positioning’. Multiple presentations have been selected which will allow all attendees to gain a unique insight into key emerging operational capabilities for the industry.”

“Our joint chairmen have worked hard to put together a highly relevant and topical conference stream which will undoubtedly be of interest to all professionals in the offshore survey and metrology industry, be they visitors to OI 2016 or exhibitors,” explains Event Director, Jonathan Heastie of organisers Reed Exhibitions.

Down to detail

Following introductions by the co-chairs, Frederic Auger, Chief Surveyor at Total E&P will deliver the keynote address, to be followed by Blair Cunningham, President of Technology, Coda Octopus Products Inc’s view of ‘Use of innovative real time 3D sonar technology enables installation of a monopod liquid natural gas (LNG) platform and pipeline under low visibility and high current conditions, increasing productivity and reducing project risk’.

GNSS then comes under the conference spotlight with two presentations, the first ‘Combining GNSS and INS for robust surface positioning’ by Dr David Russell, Technology Manager, Veripos; and the second ‘Towards centimetre-level offshore surface positioning’ by Fugro Intersite BV Geodesist, Matthew Goode.

Following the lunchtime break for visiting the exhibition and networking, the afternoon concentrates on an optical/laser panel session; followed by the session on acoustic/inertial activity. Three confirmed speakers take to the lectern in the optical/laser panel session; Jason Gillham, CEO of 2G Robotics looking at ‘Stereoscopic vision coupled with SLAM technology for efficient subsea metrology operations’; Fugro’s Commercial manager, Dan Matthews who will concentrate on ‘Evolving metrology and mapping techniques using subsea LiDAR’, and DimEye Corp’s President and Arnauld Dumon, whose 10 min. presentation will be on ‘Subsea 3D survey: a new business model with innovative photogrammetry’. Their quick fire presentations will be followed by half an hour’s discussion and Q&A.

The final session of the day looking at acoustic/inertial issues features two confirmed speakers – Mikael Larsen, Principal Engineer – INS at Sonardyne International who will speak on ‘Tightly integrated acoustically aided INS, laser mapping and contactless metrology’; and ASV’s Business Manager – Offshore Energy, James Hailstones on ‘Using an ASV for oil and gas services work’. When the conference stream ends it is time to take part in the networking event on the exhibition show floor.

Packed exhibition

There are Canadian, French, German, Irish, Dutch and US national group stands at OI 2016, as well as a diving pavilion; and individual exhibitors come from 32 countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, UK and the USA. Together they take up over 8000 m² of stand space making OI 2016 the largest ever held in its 47-year history. In 2014 there were 520+ exhibiting companies and total attendance over the three days of over 8400 industry professionals.

OI 2016 is staged in partnership with the SUT and with The Hydrographic Society UK; the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST); the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA); the Marine Technology Society (MTS); and the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) as endorsing organisations.

Further information on all aspects of Oceanology International including visitor registration is available online.

Edited from source by Stephanie Roker

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/21012016/oi-2016-exhibition-and-conference/