A delegation of Scottish oil & gas (O&G) supply chain companies will be attending the Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition (LAGCOE) in Louisiana later this week.

The event, one of the world's foremost oil and gas industry events, will give the 19-strong delegation a chance to engage with potential clients, partners and local support organisations as well as discover new supply chain opportunities within the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.

Led by Scottish Development International (SDI), the trade mission will also provide an important opportunity for SDI staff from Scotland and Houston to engage with inward investors and discuss potential for supporting new growth opportunities in Scotland.

Ewen Cameron, head of trade and investment for energy at SDI, said the offshore production and downstream processing activity on the US Gulf Coast represents "massive opportunities" for Scotland's oil and gas supply chain.


"We're hoping to make new connections at LAGCOE which will see some of these companies take their first steps into international markets while others find opportunities to further build on previous experience and existing networks in North America," he said,

The Gulf of Mexico is one of the largest offshore O&G markets in the world, with a current production exceeding three million barrels per day across the USA and Mexico sectors. Total estimated reserves within the Gulf of Mexico are in excess of 17 billion barrels and it is expected to remain a key global producer well into the future.

In addition, the US Gulf coast is home to over 45% of total US petroleum refining capacity, including 51% of total US natural gas processing plant capacity. Plans are also in place to further increase the scale of LNG exporting activity from the region in the coming years.

Mr Cameron continued: "Thanks to years of North Sea experience and a reputation for being innovative and responsive, Scotland's oil and gas companies have become some of the world's most trusted and creative partners, delivering technological solutions to some of the industry's most challenging issues.

"This show is a terrific opportunity to really fly the flag for Scotland on an international platform and we're looking forward to meeting US companies and potential partners to explore new opportunities."

(LM)