The oil sector is currently booming with billions of dollars being invested in new fields across the Middle East. But these developments could result in disasters if the industry does not concentrate on investing in asset integrity, said experts at a major conference in Bahrain.

The oil sector industry must ensure that there is a proper management of the project, they added.

Speaking at the 6th Middle East Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) conference and exhibition at the Gulf Hotel yesterday Bahrain Society of Engineers president A Majeed Al Gassab said the number of delegates to this two-yearly event had been growing with more than 550 people attending the current event.

But he warned that at a time of expansion in the industry there was a need for more professionals to ensure the integrity of new developments as the oil and gas sector was facing human resource shortages in this field.

"The theme of this conference is NDT for Asset Integrity, which is very much in line with our objectives to achieve and uphold a culture of safety and integrity," he said.

"Responsible authorities or individuals should never forget the importance of NDT to ensure safety and integrity throughout all process applications.

"We are particularly happy and proud to work hand in hand with the Saudi section of the American Society for Non-Destructive Testing to keep this series of conferences ongoing since 2001.

"We believe this conference will provide again a great opportunity for everyone to meet and interact with leading experts, researchers, policy-makers as well as students to widen their understanding on how to effectively apply non-destructive testing measures."

"This conference is providing a distinctive platform to share knowledge and experience in the latest trends, methodologies and NDT technologies to address the industry's challenges," he added.

"After looking at all the excellent work that has gone into the conference and looking at both the agenda and the impressive expertise gathered here today, this international conference will surely result in an exciting exchange of information and many potential opportunities for discussions on current and future developments."

Saudi Aramco Inspection Department manager Ayedh Al Saleh hailed the continuous support of Bahrain to the conference over the past years.

He thanked Minister of State for Electricity and Water Affairs Dr Abdulhussain Mirza and senior Saudi Aramco officials for supporting the event, underlining the commitment of the company to regional development and prosperity of energy market.

"We all strive to improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of our facilities - and this conference will debate these subjects and provide an opportunity to learn from each other as a global network," he said.-TradeArabia News Service