Show & Tell

In 2013 Aberdeen hosted a high-level government delegation from Mozambique to share its experience in developing oil and gas infrastructure. What role can Scotland play as a partner in helping Mozambique to develop its emerging offshore gas industry?

Scotland has an incredible wealth of energy resources obtained using a range of technologies, which could help Mozambique fully capitalize on its oil and gas industry. Oil and gas is the largest industry in Scotland, and over the past four decades production in the North Sea has created a strong supply chain, a skilled workforce, a renowned academic sector, and well-developed energy infrastructure. We have developed specific strengths in several key areas, which have helped to transform developments globally as well as at home. Scottish industry has taken drilling and well technology to new levels, while the subsea-engineering technology now deployed around the world was borne out of necessity in North Sea waters. Much of the global subsea activity is now developed, designed, and delivered in Scotland. The subsea market is predicted to double over the next five years, and with the UK accounting for one-third of the current market, we will have a significant role to play in this growth. We’ve also developed world-class expertise in many other areas including production and process management, asset integrity, downhole technology, and project management.

How can Mozambican companies benefit from Scotland’s experience and expertise in the oil and gas industry?

Scottish companies have built up a significant expertise over the past 40 years that could benefit Mozambican companies. For example, according to Ernst & Young’s review of the UK oil field services industry in 2012, the supply chain across the UK has achieved revenues of over $39 billion a year. In Scotland alone, 2,000 companies operate within the supply chain, and although there is a concentration around Aberdeen, many of these are located elsewhere in Scotland. These span the entire oil and gas upstream lifecycle, through exploration, development, production, and decommissioning.

What makes Mozambique an attractive destination for Scottish investment?

Africa remains one of the primary drivers of the deepwater industry alongside the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil. Indeed, current exploration and production drilling activities in the Gulf of Guinea and offshore Mozambique and Tanzania have increased global demand for deepwater drilling assets. Successes in these markets are adding additional fields to the region’s development backlog and further establishing Africa as a hub of deepwater activity. In particular, new exploration, such as the offshore Rovuma basin in Mozambique and Tanzania, has the potential to boost regional production and exports substantially. Scotland’s significant offshore experience, built up over 40 years of harsh conditions in the North Sea, means our companies are ideally placed to support Mozambique as it realizes its potential in this area.

How would an independent Scotland leverage its expertise in the oil and gas sector to build diplomatic relationships internationally?

An independent Scotland would continue to develop relationships internationally to promote its expertise within the oil and gas industry worldwide. We would leverage Scotland’s renown in the international arena and our approach to global affairs to develop Scotland’s economy, which would be key to ensuring the continued and increased prosperity of the nation.

What role are Scottish investors playing in the Mozambican economy?

Sustainable Energy Scotland and Scottish Development International assist companies to internationalize, with a number of companies evaluating locations for future expansion. Africa is a key market for us and information continues to be gathered to inform companies of the opportunities.

What is your outlook for the future of economic relations between Scotland and Mozambique?

Scotland is keen to strengthen economic relations with Mozambique. Developing close links with our research and academic institutions, as well as our oil and gas businesses, will be beneficial for both parties.