From the President - May 2005
The launch of the Contracting Principles at the impressive Trinity Hall in Aberdeen on 21 April 2005 proved an important day for IMCA. A wide variety of people associated with the oil and gas industry showed their interest by attending the launch. Now, we have to continue the process of striving for 'fairer' contracts with a better balance between risk and reward by promoting dialogue with reference to the Principles throughout our industry.
Though unsurprising, it is good to see that the conference planners for the sector are zooming in on the subject as well. However, at a recent event on 'Contractual Issues, Risk Distribution, Collaboration between Operators and Contractors', the 100 or 200 participants present were drawn only from contracting companies so it was not difficult to predict the outcome of these sessions: Contractors agreed that they are clear about what needs to be done. These conferences, and more particular such sessions, only have value if they attract representative participants from all parties involved in the offshore industry willing to engage in serious discussions with a sincere intent to improve the present situation.
At the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, in a session on the subject of collaboration between operators and contractors, the unbalanced risk/reward culture in many companies was presented, by an operator, as one of the major causes of value reduction in our business.
Progress is being made on preparation of the risk guidelines that IMCA intends to publish in the near future. These will be another step in the improvement process towards dialogue about 'fairer' contracts and a better balance between risk and reward under contracts in our business.
When this newsletter lands on your desk IMCA's first golf day will have taken place in Aberdeen with another planned for Australia in June. I hope these will become popular and regular events where members and their clients can combine productive networking with a challenging sporting event.
Also, on a social note, don't forget that the IMCA midsummer charity ball takes place again on 17 of June in Aberdeen, where IMCA members are welcome to enjoy a pleasant evening with their colleagues and clients.
Frits Janmaat, Allseas Group
IMCA President 2005
|
