Bahrain Energy Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza will patronise the 'First International Conference and Exhibition on Best Practices in Pipeline Operations and Integrity Management' to be held in the Kingdom from March 19 to 21.

The event, at Gulf Convention Centre, Gulf Hotel, is being organised by Tiratsoo Technical and Clarion Technical Conferences, with collaboration from Global Webb Energy Consultants and in co-ordination with the National Oil and Gas Authority.

The event is being sponsored by numerous companies in the region and industry, notably by Elite Platinum Sponsor - Saudi Aramco.

The conference will be opened by Dr Mirza, in the presence of senior representatives and professionals from local, regional and global enterprises serving the energy industry.

The event will bring together a significant number of engineers and experts in pipeline operations and major operators and suppliers.

The conference will present technical reviews from regional and international corporations from Bahrain, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, UK and US, as well as several other countries from around the world.

It will also be attended by delegates from leading national oil companies in the region. A number of researchers and specialists in the discipline will also participate and exchange information and experiences in all aspects of pipeline operations and engineering to gain practical skills and transfer knowledge.

The participants will discuss several issues related to the industry, notably the status of current and future oil and gas pipelines projects in the region.

The design and construction of pipelines on land and in sea, leakage control, concepts of safe pipeline operation, economics of pipeline transportation of oil and gas and environmental protection measures are just a sample of the topics that will be covered during the event.

It will provide participants with a great opportunity to meet petroleum industry professionals and technology experts in pipeline installation and transportation of hydrocarbons.

Dr Mirza said the conference signified an important event for the energy industries worldwide, and notably for the region, home of the world's largest oil and gas reserves.

'The kingdom is proud to host this international conference, the first on this theme to be held in Bahrain, which aims to discuss vital issues facing the industry both from the technical and strategic viewpoints.'

'This gathering provided an opportunity for the participants to learn about the challenges facing the industry and the technical innovations and solutions addressing these challenges.'

'The event will also provide excellent networking opportunities to foster business relationships with a number of leading professionals.'

'The gathering will also allow participants to explore further opportunities for education, enhanced communication and business development.'

'They will be able to examine best practices in pipeline operations under one roof and get the opportunity to discuss issues that affect the global energy industry and the transfer of hydrocarbons through pipelines,' he said and added the exhibitions held on the sidelines of the conference will showcase latest developments in the field.

Technical sessions will be conducted throughout the three days and will comprise numerous working papers covering various topics under consideration, of which 50 will be scientific papers.

Seven technical seminars will also be held during the event and these are designed to promote the exchange of experiences between participants and exhibitors.

Dr Mirza stressed that the country's energy sector was working towards attracting similar international events to Bahrain given the large number of international energy companies that have a presence in the region.

He praised the dynamic stance of Bahrain in hosting such pioneering events, expressing his gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership of the country for their enthusiasm and support to attract international conferences to Bahrain.

He said the choice of Bahrain as the venue for the conference and exhibition reflects the organiser's and the participants' confidence in the kingdom as the preferred location to hold such events in the Middle East.-TradeArabia News Service