The Council’s Supply Chain Committee, led by Andrew Little, Premium Oilfield Technologies, held its annual conference in Houston centered around “Managing Continued Disruptions & Addressing Challenges.” Operator keynotes and an international trade panel discussed how the energy services sector managed through COVID-19 and what successfully managing supply chains in 2022 entails.
On the drilling side, Joel Shibley, Helmerich & Payne, suggested that 2022 was about going “back to basics.” Following the lead of operators and addressing ongoing lead time issues are key elements in supply chain planning. Shibley also focused on how digital investments in analytics is enabling better performance – a reoccurring theme throughout the day.
John Blackwell, Marathon Oil Company, discussed the digital era as an “evolution,” where technology is becoming more economical and available in the marketplace and therefore needs to be a part of every aspect of the energy business. His focus, however, remains on talent as a strategic enabler to leverage and create value in the current supply chain environment. Blackwell suggested creative solutions to increase satisfaction, reducing burnout and connecting with peers as options for companies to combat attrition and attract new talent.
Operating in this new environment requires a new framework in a company’s purpose and goals. Abhijit Malegaonkar, BP, stressed that as part of the company’s ambition to be net zero by 2050, supplier collaboration is critical. Improving financial performance, reducing costs, inefficiencies, and waste benefits both parties and generates more sustainable outcomes. Malegaonkar also reviewed how BP’s emissions ambition are tied to defining its existing footprint and later developing strategy around sustainable procurement.
Concluding the session was an international trade panel moderated by Mike Orton, Deloitte. Advisory Board Member and International Trade Policy Committee Chair, James Prince, Baker Hughes; JD Thomas, Crane Worldwide Logistics; and Tim Tarpley, Energy Workforce; addressed ongoing global challenges in the energy sector.
Thomas and Prince each had potential challenges companies should proactively address: how labor union contracts could affect ports on the west coast and regulations from the Securities and Exchange Commission likely addressing climate reporting and expanded social scope. Tarpley highlighted efforts by the Council to work on behalf of its members to mitigate challenges including filing exclusions for Sections 232 and 301 tariffs and drafting comments in response to the Department of Homeland Securities’ enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
If you are interested in joining the Supply Chain or International Trade Policy Committees, please reach out to SVP Government Affairs Tim Tarpley.
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Maria Suarez, Director Government Affairs, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
