Abu Dhabi Hosts 48th Annual IPLOCA Convention

The International Pipeline& Offshore Contractors Association held its 48th annual convention in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and within eyesight of the remarkable Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This was the first IPLOCA Convention held in the Middle East in many years. The location drew more than 600 delegates. Najib Khoury of Consolidated Contractors Co. and IPLOCA’s 2013-2014 president was pleased to host the convention.

The annual IPLOCA Convention is known for its blend of business and cultural activities. Key presenters at the business sessions included Robert Jones, senior vice president of major projects for TransCanada, who discussed “TransCanada  in Mexico: Past, Present and Future,” and Pierre Bechelany, a senior vice president at Fluor, and Greg Kenney, vice president of Spectra Energy, who discussed “Spectra Energy: Westcoast Gas Transmission Pipeline.”
The conventioneers were also treated to a special presentation by Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, for Abu Dhabi.

Presentations were also made covering IPLOCA’s Health and Safety Award Program and the Environmental Award. Statistical data regarding both awards or programs can be seen on IPLOCA’s website: iploca.com.

Cultural activities included a tour of Abu Dhabi, a tour of Dubai City and a Catamaran Cruise. A special treat for all delegates was  “An Arabian Adventure” far out in the desert away from Abu Dhabi.

At the closing Banquet, Jean-Claude van de Wiele  of Spiecapag was introduced as IPLOCA’s 2014-2015 president. The 2015 convention will be held Oct. 5-9 in Singapore.