Venture Taranaki has been awarded funding through Industry New Zealand's Cluster Development Programme for the formation of an Oil & Gas Technologies cluster to be developed in conjunction with Engineering Taranaki.
Government's support for the formation of an Oil and gas cluster couldn't have come at a better time, said Anne Probert, Venture Taranaki's Economic Development Director.
"With Pohokura coming on stream, international players such as Swift now well established, and growing opportunities offshore, it is important that New Zealand's oil and gas supply chains and specialist expertise is recognised, not only nationally but also on the international stage."
This view is also supported by Brian Souness, Business Development Manager of Engineering Taranaki Consortium (ETC), who, in conjunction with Venture Taranaki, came up with the original concept of an oil/gas cluster proposal to Government.
"Engineering Taranaki will be taking a leading role in assisting in the formation and development of an oil and gas cluster group. ETC have already recognised the benefits of a collective approach to offshore marketing and see the formation of an oil and gas cluster as adding value to this activity. We would anticipate both groups working closely together, in forming relationships and attracting work from offshore.
ETC has been for some time now working hard at building the capability of the engineering sector and the development of Taranaki as an international centre of engineering excellence. We believe that by getting our industry expertise onto the world stage, we can attract international clients and provide a stable workload from offshore as well as onshore."
One potential activity for the new cluster could be participation in the Australasian Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference to be held in Western Australia next year. This could provide a prime opportunity to showcase New Zealand's oil and gas capabilities internationally. There has already been early interest from a range of companies to use this as a vehicle to promote their expertise and gain exposure to potential new clients offshore.
"In the new year, companies involved in both upstream and downstream activities in the Oil and Gas business will be approached to ascertain their interest, and to seek their views on the formation and development of a cluster grouping." said Anne Probert.
[Picture: The sun sets on the Maui A platform as the giant field comes to the end of its useful life. However recent finds like Pohokura look set to ensure that Taranaki remains New Zealands energy province.] [Photo: David Fairey]
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