SPE Offshore Europe 2025 (OE25) drew over 25,000 energy professionals to Aberdeen’s P&J Live between 2–5 September, underscoring the show’s role as Europe’s largest offshore energy event at a time of heightened scrutiny for the North Sea.
More than 450 companies exhibited across the week, with 90 product and service launches announced. The programme featured political and industry leaders addressing an audience of 700 on opening day. UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes MSP, and the Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, Leader of the Opposition, all gave keynote speeches, joined virtually by Norway’s Minister for Climate and the Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
Industry figures used the stage to argue for a whole-energy approach to the North Sea. David Whitehouse, OE25 Conference Chair and Chief Executive of Offshore Energies UK, said: “It was important to see industry unite in embracing a future economy that requires ‘all energy’, encompassing oil and gas, renewables, hydrogen and storage.”
Louise Kingham CBE, bp’s Senior Vice President for Europe, highlighted the sector’s breadth: “The North Sea’s diverse energy resources and the expertise that has been built up around it is a tremendous asset for the UK and Europe.”
Event Director David Ince positioned OE25 as a showcase of political engagement and commercial opportunity. “Exhibitors and delegates alike have told us the quality of conversations and business opportunities have been exceptional — and we’re already seeing many rebook for 2027,” he said.
The show also placed future talent in the spotlight, with sessions dedicated to graduates and apprentices. Students participated in challenges themed around carbon capture, solar arrays, and hydroelectric generation, supported by event sponsors. Whitehouse noted that building connections with young people remained a priority for the sector.
The supply chain remained central to the exhibition, with technology announcements aimed at both energy security and transition. DNV confirmed a major investment in its Spadeadam R&D facility. Hari Vamadevan, Executive Vice President and Regional Director for the UK & Ireland at DNV, said the company had been “so impressed by the conversations and engagement” at OE25 that plans for 2027 were already underway.
Political turnout was unusually strong for an industry event, with cross-party participation signalling the offshore sector’s continued economic importance. Offshore Europe is organised by The Offshore Europe Partnership, a joint venture between RX and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
