A Dorset section has been formed of the largest individual member organisation serving professionals in the exploration and production segment of the oil and gas industry.

The inaugural meeting of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Dorset Section will be held at The Grasshopper in Poole on Thursday March 5 from 7pm to 10pm.

The mission of the society is to collect, disseminate, and exchange technical knowledge concerning the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources, and related technologies.

It also provides opportunities for professionals to enhance their technical and professional competence.

The organisation is split into geographic locations consisting of Sections, such as Dorset, London and Aberdeen, as well as Chapters, which are run out of universities by students studying petroleum-related courses.

The closest chapter to Dorset is the University of Portsmouth.

Adam Wright, Chairman of SPE Dorset Section, pictured left, said the overall mission was to advance the oil and gas community’s ability to meet the world’s energy demands in a safe, environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.

Work on creating the Dorset Section only began in June and it is open to managers, engineers, scientists and other professionals.

Adam, who is the Technical Sales Manager at Downhole Tools International in Bournemouth, added: “The SPE Dorset Section is planning to achieve our goals through engagement with local companies, educational institutions and charities.

“We have 25-plus oil and gas industry-related companies within the South West, but geographically these companies have been quite isolated from the rest of the industry.

“Personnel travel considerably to build business links and there is not quite the connected industry that you get in places like Aberdeen.

“The SPE Dorset Section will provide a much-needed platform for collaboration and technical knowledge sharing in the South West of the UK.

“Through regular networking events and technical presentations, we aim to give a sense of community to a part of the oil and gas industry that is relatively secluded geographically from the rest of the industry.

“The South West has a wealth of industry knowledge and is a growing sector within the UK oil and gas industry.

“Technical knowledge exchange will be at the forefront of our goals, to provide all industry and academic professionals with an opportunity to share and enhance their industry expertise.”

More details of the March 5 inaugural event can be found at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spe-dorset-section-kickoff-tickets-85608662815.

A technical presentation series that showcases the innovation and expertise of members as well as brings in external industry presenters to enhance knowledge sharing is planned.

The groundwork has also started for joint events with the Jurassic Coast Trust, The Geological Society and Southampton University but all are in their infancy.

The SPE Dorset section is also on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/spe-dorset – and a website is in the works.