SPE Offshore Europe (OE25) has reaffirmed its position as Europe’s leading offshore energy event, welcoming more than 25,000 professionals to P&J Live in Aberdeen between 2–5 September 2025, in what was widely regarded as a landmark week for the sector.  

Held at a critical moment for the North Sea and the wider energy transition, OE25 brought together attendees from around the world, including policymakers and industry leaders, and over 450 exhibiting companies, showcasing cutting-edge innovation, technology and services which are driving all aspects of the offshore energy agenda forward.  

High-level political engagement set the tone for the week. UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP; Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP; and Leader of HM Opposition, the Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, each delivered keynote speeches to more than 700 attendees on opening day. The session also featured a virtual contribution from Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s Minister for Climate and the Environment, alongside industry perspectives from Louise Kingham, Senior VP Europe and Head of Country at bp, and David Whitehouse, OE25 Conference Chair and Chief Executive of Offshore Energies UK.  

Speaking on the significance of the event, David Ince, Event Director of SPE Offshore Europe 2025, said: 
“SPE Offshore Europe proved this week that it remains the place to be for anyone invested in the future of energy – with powerful conversations, meaningful political engagement, and an industry united under one roof. 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.”  

David Whitehouse, OE25 Conference Chair and Chairman 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. Our entire sector is 'in it together' and it was heartening to hear GB Energy chair Juergen Maier echo these sentiments. It shows the criticality of the industry to the UK economy that energy minister Michael Shanks, the Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch, and Deputy First Minister of Scotland Kate Forbes engaged in the debate.”

Louise Kingham, CBE, Senior Vice President for Europe for bp gave the opening industry address, highlighting how the offshore energy sector is already rising to the challenge of meeting growing energy demand and contributing to energy security for Europe. 

She said: 
“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. This year’s conference came at a crucial juncture to reassert the technical breadth and depth of the sector as we work with government to ensure this region remains attractive for energy investments of all kinds in a competitive global context.”

The week also shone a spotlight on future talent, with multiple sessions dedicated to the role of graduates and apprentices in shaping the industry’s next chapter. Innovation was another defining theme, with 90 product and service launches announced during the show, underlining that the sector is alive with fresh ideas and momentum, despite challenging market conditions.  

Students were put through their paces in a number of challenges organised by event sponsors. These included the Removing Carbon Challenge, which demonstrated how carbon is extracted from carbon dioxide by using household items including bleach, vinegar and bicarbonate soda. The Solar Challenge taught students how to optimise the setting up of solar arrays while the Hydro Challenge provided education on hydro electric power generation. 

Mr Whitehouse added: 
“Building connections with future talent is a priority and I'm delighted that so many young people had the opportunity to benefit from the skills and education initiatives throughout the week."

With the supply chain at the heart of the exhibition by providing innovative equipment and technologies to support the offshore energy sector as well as the energy transition, industry voices echoed the importance of collaboration and action.  

Notable company announcements included DNV revealing a major investment in its Spadeadam Research and Development facility.  

Hari Vamadevan, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, UK & Ireland, Energy Systems, DNV, said: 
“We made a significant investment in SPE Offshore Europe this year as we recognise that action and collaboration are so important for the future of the North Sea. We've been so impressed by the conversations and engagement we've had at the stand this year and we're already putting plans in place for the 2027 event.”  

OE25 also hosted an unprecedented political turnout, with delegates witnessing cross-party recognition of the sector’s unique role in delivering both today’s energy security and tomorrow’s transition projects.  

SPE Offshore Europe is organised by The Offshore Europe Partnership, a joint venture between RX (Reed Exhibitions) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).

KeyFacts Energy news: Aberdeen Focus