The Energy Workforce’s 2024 Supply Chain Conference brought together industry leaders across the energy value chain to explore strategies for enhancing efficiencies and optimizing supply chain performance.
Chaired by Andrew Little of Premium Oilfield Technologies, the Supply Chain Committee organized the event, collaborating with the ESG, People & Culture, International Trade, and Well Stimulation Committees to lead breakout sessions on how their areas of focus intersect with supply chain dynamics.
The Customer Panel, featuring Monique Harris, Apache Corporation; Joel Shibley, Helmerich and Payne; and Trent Hemann, Diamondback Energy, moderated by Pardeep Sehgal, Accenture Strategy & Consulting, focused on collaboration between suppliers and operators. Panelists recognized the need for more strategic and frequent dialogues with their suppliers.
The group discussed how the supply chain has evolved in the decision-making process, accurate demand planning, and improved demand forecasting, supplier relationships, and communication.
“One of the biggest transitions I’ve seen is that the supply chain is becoming less of a tactical organization and is really becoming more strategic. Looking at our strategies by category, we need to understand where we need to have strategic partnerships and leverage those relationships to drive innovation and new ideas,” said Monique Harris.
Nathan Nemeth with Wood Mackenzie delivered a supply chain outlook where he discussed industry efficiencies over the last 5 years and their impacts on current well costs and the overall market. “We have seen a lot of impact from efficiency gains, whether it be from new dual fuel or electric frack fleets, or reducing non-productive time through rig moves and assembly times,” said Nemeth. Additionally, he gave an outlook on future production growth in both the oil and gas markets, offering a vision of growth and opportunity for both commodities.
Chris Mersinger, Piper Sandler, gave the energy market outlook where he discussed Market supply and demand, capital markets and the future for the OFS markets. In his discussion of opportunities for the future of OFS Chris highlighted how companies in the sector are looking for global opportunities for new opportunities and growth . “As international capital allocation outpaces NAM, OFSE companies are seeking growth in international markets,” said Mersinger.
Committee Breakouts
Experts in the legal breakout included Serhat Alpar, HMH; Peter Scaff, Bradley; Adenike Babaoye, SLB; moderated by EWTC Legal Committee Chair, Jordan Chester, DNOW, who discussed supplier requirements, while Carl Bodtker, HMH; Mark Mehnert, Baker Hughes and moderator Dan Connelly, HMH, focused on markets and the M&A environment.
The workforce & sustainability breakout included a discussion with Leticia Roinesdal, Deloitte Consulting, Jessica Britton Cantrell, Deloitte Consulting, about workforce transformation recruitment, training & people, while Rodney Harms, Cat Oil and Gas, Scott McCurdy, CEO, Encino Environmental Services, with moderator ESG Committee Chair Marie Caekebeke, Baker Hughes discussed emissions and sustainability in supply chains.
The international trade breakout focused on imports featured experts Cindy Deleon, Deleon Trade LLC, Jay Acayan, Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP and moderator EWTC International Trade Policy Committee Kartapurkh Khalsa, NOV while the export focus of the breakout brought Jay Acayan, Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP, Rasul Dzhanibekov, NOV with moderator International Trade Policy Committee Chair Kartapurkh Khalsa, NOV to the discussion.
And finally, the Frac & OEM breakout experts included Nick Ruppelt, Evolution Well Services, Aaron Hilber, VP Power Solutions, NexTier, Roy Aune, Liberty Energy, with moderator Jill Minassian, Caterpillar Inc. who discussed the current state of the hydraulic fracturing market and the impacts of supply chains on business. The OEM and quality-focused panel featured Ben Wolfgang, Premium Oilfield Technologies, Telyn Joseph, Oceaneering, Tyler Bernard, Patterson UTI, with moderator Jeff Ostrander, SLB.
Energy Workforce would like to thank Aries Worldwide Logistics, B&L Pipeco Services, Premium Oilfield Technologies, Kodiak Gas Services and ProPetro for sponsoring the event, as well as strategic partners Chevron, Patterson UTI and SLB.
Deidre Almstead Kohlrus, Senior 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.