Connecting Businesses in the NT Petroleum Industry

To mark the opening of NT Resources Week, NERA sponsored the Petroleum Club Northern Territory Meet the Buyers business networking event in Darwin, giving small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) the opportunity to network directly with operators and tier one contractors from across the NT petroleum industry.

Now in its second year, Meet the Buyers brought together representatives from more than 20 buyers, including commercial and procurement teams, to meet with SMEs to provide a comprehensive overview of local capabilities and services available from NT businesses.

Speaking at the event, NERA General Manager Operational Performance and Skills Nigel Haywood said projects such as ConocoPhillips' Darwin LNG plant, completion of the INPEX Ichthys project, the launch of the Shell Prelude shore based operations and the construction of the Northern Gas Pipeline provided opportunities to promote growth within the local NT petroleum industry.

"Events such as this provide a platform to promote local innovations and capabilities, and to inform businesses about the current opportunities available in partnering SMEs with the larger operators," he said.

"Through its sponsorship of the event, NERA has introduced new SMEs operating in Darwin to the oil and gas industry."

NERA, Shell Australia and the Northern Territory Government (through the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation) sponsored the event, which consisted of a program of short face to face meetings in a speed networking format followed by a dinner.