Offshore Europe 2025: what did we learn?

Offshore Europe 2025 showed data and AI leading the energy transition. Despite fewer operators, the event remained a key hub for supply chain connections.

With the dust having settled on this year’s Offshore Europe conference and exhibition in Aberdeen, let’s examine some of the key discussion points from the four-day event, what they reveal about the future of the energy industry and whether exhibiting at the show was worthwhile.

Data will drive the energy transition

The theme of Offshore Europe 2025 was “Unlocking Europe’s Potential in Offshore Energy”. While there were numerous discussions about end goals (such as greater uptake of carbon storage solutions, more hydrogen projects and net zero), it was clear that greater data acquisition and interpretation, including the use of AI, will be the pathway toward to achieving these ambitions.

The technical conference set the tone (what a great idea to make this free, by the way). Topics included the intersection of digital applications and offshore technology , AI and machine learning in offshore production, maintenance and monitoring, and data integration to enhance well integrity, performance and safety.

On the exhibition floor, the increased clarity, accuracy, operational predictability and safety (fewer people in the red zone) from improved data acquisition dominated conversations on topics like production optimisation, decommissioning and well integrity.  

Where was the cool kit at Offshore Europe 2025?

Past exhibitions have been a magnet for metal heads (like me) to get their hands on big pieces of offshore equipment. Large kit was conspicuous by its absence in the halls on the main floor. Hall 1 in what’s normally the venue’s car park was where the larger equipment was on show. My standout for this year was the full-scale submarine from U-Boat Worx. Very cool!

Elsewhere, there were lots of great models (Expro’s Octopoda® annular intervention system and CoilHose™ light well circulation were impressive).

The absence of big kit reflects evolving trends in stand designs. Modern stands are more a focal point for conversations rather than a showcase for hard iron. The open plan nature of many of the booths with a designated discussion space also supported easier walk-on access to seek out and speak to the right people. 

Why were there so few operators exhibiting at Offshore Europe 2025?

The only operator that I found with a stand was Shell UK. The lack of a visible operator presence was a major talking point among the heavily subscribed supply chain sector at the event. Did it reflect the current financial uncertainty in the North Sea, or a change in marketing strategies?

Although operators weren’t exhibiting, they were walking the floor, and there were many supply chain and operator conversations on service sector stands.

Was exhibiting at Offshore Europe 2025 worth it?

Initial attendance figures suggest around 25,000 people attended this year’s show. Last time, about 30,000 attended. The 2027 event will see the schedule cut from four to three days.

The reasons for exhibiting at Offshore Europe are to raise brand awareness and - often more importantly - to generate sales leads.

On the one hand, comparing the total cost of taking part in Offshore Europe (exhibition expenses, transport, accommodation, people on site etc) against a salesperson’s salary can lead to difficult marketing decisions.

On the other hand, exhibiting at the show creates a unique focal point for customer conversations in a more relaxed atmosphere than a formal office meeting. Would those supply chain companies have got in front of their operator targets without the unifying power of Offshore Europe?

Like the energy industry it serves, Offshore Europe will continue to evolve. We look forward to what 2027 brings and where the organisers take it.