TO RECOGNISE innovation and excellence in the oil industry in the Mena region, The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec), will announce the Adipec Awards at the Emirates Palace on November 10, 2014.

Twenty one shortlisted entries across seven categories have been announced for the 2014 edition of the Adipec Awards, which celebrate excellence in energy, giving organisations and individuals an opportunity to receive recognition for their achievements through a meticulous evaluation process.

New to the awards this year is the Best Oilfield Services Company Award, which recognises exceptional service to the region’s oil and gas industry, based on ethical and sustainable practice, adherence to timelines, cost control, and overall value.

Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, the Adipec 2014 chairman, and Strategy and Coordination director at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), says: “As we look forward to the next 30 years in the oil and gas industry, it is clear that innovation and technology will be the key to a sustainable future.

The seven categories in the Adipec Awards represent some of the most important aspects in the energy sector, and among the 396 entries received, there are many projects that will make a big difference as we progress in our field. A particularly exciting aspect of the Adipec Awards is that they challenge and encourage the considerable young talent in our industry, as well as cultivate corporate social responsibility among the next generation of oil and gas professionals.”

“The Adipec Awards Regional Select Jury, led by the Awards chairman and chief executive officer of the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations, Abdul Munim Saif Al Kindy, are all highly skilled professionals and have undertaken a huge task evaluating the projects. The quality of submissions is an inspiration to us all, and the eventual seven winning projects, as well as the runners up, will be excellent.”

The Adipec Awards received a record 396 submissions from 27 countries this year, featuring participation from 100 organisations. Posting continuous growth since their launch in 2010, the awards received 104 more submissions than last year, representing five more countries, and with the participation of 21 more organisations compared to 2013.

Al Kindy, Adipec Awards chairman says: “The high quality of submissions confirms that continuous innovation is a dominant feature of the industry, pushing the use of technology, creativity, and awareness of the need to address both environmental and sustainability concerns.”

“It is important that we develop a process to use the Awards as a platform to exchange best practices. Every submission is a credit to the parties involved, and it has been quite a challenge to arrive to the final list. All are winners.”

More than 130 entries were submitted for the Best Oil and Gas Innovation and Technology Award, demonstrating the pivotal role research and technology plays in the region’s progressing energy sector. Nominees were shortlisted after an initial assessment by the Regional Select Jury (RSJ) comprising of 26 experts from across the oil and gas industry. Each shortlisted entry will be thoroughly screened by a minimum of seven judges at the RSJ meeting.

“The submissions received this year demonstrate the excellence upheld by the region’s oil and gas companies in all aspects of the industry, be it innovation, sustainability, safety, or professional development,” says Jean-Philippe Cossé, Adipec 2014 event director at dmg events.