Deepwater Infrastructure Forum - Plans for 2003

Dear Colleague,

Just over a year ago a group of like-minded people spurred on by discussions at OTC created a forum to openly discuss and share ideas relating to deepwater oil and gas exploration and production. The mission of DIF (Deepwater Infrastructure Forum) was to organize meetings and events to serve the technical deepwater community. To this end, four events were executed during the first year with good attendance and some lively interaction.

As 2003 approaches, DIF would like to communicate its ideas for the future with the community it wishes to serve. The objective for 2003 is to deliver a series of meetings/seminars against the theme of "Deepwater Developments: Leveling the Playing Field". This may include the following topics:
  • How does an independent or small major compete in what was initially only for the big majors?

  • How does an operator convert small reserves into profitable developments?

  • How does the growing deepwater infrastructure enable further development, particularly for smaller companies?

  • What technology breakthroughs are needed to further enable developments?

  • What systems and/or contracting strategies work best?

  • Quality requirements for deepwater systems (specifications, QA processes)?

To stimulate discussion and information exchange, which is a key aim of DIF, the forum will continue to use a combination of presentations and table exercises/discussions during its meetings. This method worked well in our first year and helped distinguish DIF as a truly interactive and insightful forum. Support from the DIF meeting participants is critical for continued success of this format, so we hope that we can count on your continued energy in 2003.

We hope that DIF continues to provide a valuable service to the deepwater technical offshore community, and that the community continues to participate in its activities. We would welcome new people to the steering team as well as feedback on our plans from the community at large. DIF is here to serve you, so let us know what you want.

On behalf of the DIF steering team, best wishes for the holiday season and we look forward to seeing you again in 2003. We will be in touch again early in the New Year.


For the DIF Steering Team,

James E. Dailey

James E. Dailey