Energy Minister inaugurates NDT Conference/Exhibition

Manama

 Minister of Energy Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza, opened here on Sunday the 7th Middle East Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Conference and Exhibition 2015 in the presence of a number of dignitaries and officials from the oil and gas industry, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) companies.

 Local and international researchers and engineers participated in the event, organized by the Bahrain Society of Engineers, along with the Saudi Arabian section of the American Society for Non-destructive Testing. The event was supported by National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), and sponsored by a number of national, Gulf and international oil companies.

 In his opening speech, Dr. Mirza urged all participants to take advantage of the wisdom of experts gathered at the event, benefit from the working papers presented during the conference sessions and look closely at the technology available in the fertile area.

 He said the Government of Bahrain was keen to host more specialized events in the oil sector due to its key role in sharing knowledge and experience among industry equals.

 The minister said that non-destructive tests played a prominent role in ensuring safe and efficient equipment and assets. He called the event a unique opportunity to study NDT equipment, methods and procedures for detecting defects, regulations and law amendments and legislation. He said it also provided a chance to compare costs and consider eco-friendly alternative procedures for the oil and gas equipment.

 He added that according to recent reports by analysts, accident rates due to failures of oil and gas equipment and tools, especially pipes, was considerable, attributed to inability to replace equipment and tools owing to cash crunch. He said he was glad that the conference would focus on such concerns.

 The minister expressed happiness over the 16 pre-conference workshops this year to help NDT practitioners understand application of tests in various work environments for developing the industry in a sustainable manner.

 President of the American Society of Non-destructive Testing, Engineer Terry Clausing, President Bahrain Society of Engineers Mas'oud Al Hermi, and Mohammad Al-Saleh, Conference Chairman also spoke at the opening session.