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Minister of Energy Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, opened on September 13, the 7th Middle East Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Conference and Exhibition 2015 in the Kingdom of Bahrain attended by a number of dignitaries and officials from the oil and gas industry, including researchers and engineers, from the global, Gulf and Bahraini companies. The event was organized by the Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE) in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian section of the American Society for Non-destructive Testing, supported by National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), and sponsored by a number of national, Gulf and international oil companies.

The Minister said that non-destructive tests were a key part of oil industry and played a prominent role in ensuring safe and efficient equipment and assets. They helped safe operating of machinery, to detect faults at oil and gas sector facilities, safeguarded reliability, prevented installation failures and helped treatment plants perform in accordance with international standards and procedures. He called the event a unique opportunity to study NDT 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 alternatives for the oil and gas equipment operating in aggressive environments under severe stress conditions, withstanding extreme pressure and temperature variations.

The Minister expressed happiness about the 16 pre-conference workshops attended by 600 participants from the Gulf and elsewhere this year to help NDT practitioners understand application of tests in various work environments for developing the industry in a sustainable manner. He pointed out that the technical papers presented by researchers at the conference helped focus on future challenges of the oil and gas sector in the Middle East and pave the way for increasingly profitable exploration activities throughout the region.

He said global petroleum industry encountered new market challenges, even as the oil and gas needs escalated with an increased demand for crude oil and gas and the growing market for refined products. These heightened the risks and need to ensure safe exploration, production and transportation. Innovative NDT techniques called for technological upgrades and high levels of professionalism. Stressing the need highly trained inspectors and engineers to take care of extensive networks in oil facilities and exploration fields, he said the promotion of a safety and integrity culture was the key. It was encouraging to see a number of service companies help in NDT and inspection activities, while regional service providers were capitalizing in special technical services that improved operational and technical capabilities, he added.

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

H.E. Dr. Mirza inaugurated the NDT Exhibition on September 13 evening at the Gulf Hotel, an event attended by more than 75 specialized international companies, who showcased their latest technology in the field.