Eastern Med Conference (EMC): Pontem in the Region!
Regional Presence and Team Growing
Cyprus in the centre of everything… Small island with big ambitions and potentials. Can Pontem Analytics be absent?… Impossible
We're thrilled to share some exciting updates from the Cyprus team as we were honored to be among the delegate attendees of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Conference & Exhibition (so called EMC), a premier event under the distinguished patronage of the Cyprus Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry. This prestigious gathering, hosted nationally by CHC (National Host), and co-hosted by global energy giants ENI and TotalEnergies, brought together innovators and thought leaders from the energy industry. Special thanks also goes to the sponsors, Chevron and ExxonMobil, for their invaluable support and presence.
“Quick Energy Appraisal: TL;DR Snapshot”
Conference Dynamics: Marked by a warm welcome from Prof. Toula Onoufriou and insights from Hon. George Papanastasiou, a diverse range of industry trends were covered, highlighting the importance of Eastern Med region in the global energy picture.
Strategic Sessions: In-depth discussions addressed regional challenges and showcased the significant growth of local service providers in the East Mediterranean, highlighted by an interesting technical discussion on CCS for the Prinos field (offshore Greece)
Networking: Having 15 years experience in the region and multiple ‘case studies’ on the marquee developments, Pontem's engagement with technical presenters and exhibitors helped to build bridges for future collaborations on the most technically-challenging projects.
Strategic Growth: Pontem Analytics strategically expands by opening a Cyprus office, collaborating with the University of Nicosia, welcoming new team members, and planning to scale up intern development / training program, reinforcing its position as a regional leader in energy.
A Recap of Key Moments and Insights
The conference kicked off with a warm welcome from Prof. Toula Onoufriou, setting the tone for an intellectually stimulating and collaborative event. The opening keynote, delivered by Hon. George Papanastasiou, provided valuable insights that resonated throughout the entirety of the conference.
1. Strategic Sessions
The Strategic Sessions, spanning the duration of the three-day conference, were a cornerstone of knowledge exchange and collaborative discourse. Distinguished panel discussions brought together key stakeholders from Government bodies, Operators, and Prospects of the region, as well as local service providers, engaging in insightful discussions addressing regional challenges, acknowledging the multifaceted dynamics that shape our industry. Notably, the exponential growth of local service providers in recent years underscored the remarkable capabilities and advancements within the region.
Among other excellent presentations, a standout presentation by Katerina Sardi, Energean’s Country Manager and Managing Director, explored the promising potential of utilizing the Prinos reservoir for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). The session delved into the environmental significance of CCS and its pivotal role in mitigating carbon emissions.
Despite the serious focus of the strategic sessions, the first day of the conference concluded on a vibrant note with a Gala Dinner featuring captivating Cypriot dances, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and enjoyment among attendees.
2. Exhibition
The Exhibition, a dynamic hub of innovation and collaboration, offered an unparalleled avenue for networking—the lifeblood of industry relationships.
The Pontem team, embodying proactive engagement, fearlessly reached out to a diverse array of exhibitors, eager to glean insights into their respective fields and identify potential synergies. With over 40 exhibitors contributing to the vibrant atmosphere, the exhibition floor buzzed with energy and opportunities.
One notable highlight was the impactful demonstration by N.A. Future Insulation, shedding light on the critical role of insulation in contemporary industry practices—an insight gleaned first hand through a meeting with the product's owner (see photo below). Having multilingual team, it was a pure pleasure to communicate in 3 different languages at the same time!
Amidst the myriad discussions, Pontem's Markos and Andreas engaged in insightful conversations with MPD Cyprus, delving into potential collaborative endeavors that could further enrich the industry landscape. The exhibition served as a nexus for knowledge exchange, idea exploration, and forging connections that extend beyond the confines of the conference venue.
3. Engineering Showcases
While every facet of the conference held significance, the Engineering Showcases captivated the attention of our team, resonating particularly with our engineering sensibilities. The showcase featured a compelling array of 10 presentations, each spotlighting innovations and improvements in cutting-edge technologies.
Among the standout presentations, Dr. Mohamed Kamal Gaber of Petrojet about “Flare Gas Recovery” left an indelible impression. His articulate presentation not only conveyed intricate technical details but also sparked extensive post-session discussions. Dr. Mohamed's openness to dialogue was truly commendable, and the Pontem team found themselves engaged in long/insightful conversations with him throughout the conference duration. Such interactions culminated in a memorable dinner, fostering not just professional connections but genuine camaraderie, an exemplification of the collaborative spirit that defines the engineering community. This experience, including the shared meal before his departure to Egypt, underscored the power of conferences in facilitating meaningful connections and knowledge exchange among industry professionals.
Cyprus Office Blossoms: Growing Pontem
Recognizing the strategic importance of Cyprus and the East Mediterranean in our long-term vision, Pontem Analytics has recently achieved a significant milestone by establishing an office in the region. This proactive move is a testament to our commitment to meeting the growing demand for engineering expertise in the local and regional landscape.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and collaboration with the University of Nicosia has played a pivotal role in this expansion, serving as a conduit for identifying and nurturing new talents eager to contribute to our dynamic team.
To date, we take pride in welcoming two talented individuals into our team — Markos Georgis and Ivan Ryabikin, both hailing from the esteemed University of Nicosia's Oil and Gas Engineering department. It's worth noting, in the spirit of full disclosure, that I too had the privilege of being a graduate from the same department in the past. Looking ahead, we are excited about the prospect of potentially adding Andreas to our roster in the upcoming semester, further bolstering our collaborative and dynamic team.
The allure of Cyprus as a conducive working environment cannot be overstated. Beyond its strategic location, the island offers a thriving atmosphere, complemented by excellent weather conditions, breathtaking views, and a lifestyle that harmonizes work and leisure seamlessly. This expansion not only positions Pontem Analytics to better serve the regional market but also reflects our dedication to fostering local talent and contributing to the flourishing engineering community in Cyprus.
Closing Time… What’s Next?
At the conclusion of the conference, each member of our team was asked to encapsulate the entire event in just three words—no elaboration, just the essence. Here are their concise reflections:
Markos: “Networking, Optimistic, Diverse”
Ivan: “Networking, Innovative, Politics (Interesting….)”
Andreas: “Networking, Enlightening, Helpful”
Kostas (Interviewing yourself can get complicated, so I will leave my infinite thoughts aside, ha!.
Remarkably, the unanimous choice of 'Networking' by each team member, despite being interviewed separately, underscores the resounding success of the event. It vividly demonstrates that the conference not only met but exceeded expectations, with networking emerging as a central and highly impactful theme—a testament to the event's effectiveness in fostering meaningful connections and collaborations.
Some Q/As
Question 1: Andrea, drawing from your experience as a former professional football player, how do you envision AiKynetix and Pontem Analytics making a meaningful contribution to Cyprus football?
Andrea’s Answer: After reviewing what AiKynetix does, with the combination of the Pontem Analytics skills, we could definitely analyse and potentially improve Cyprus football. It might be difficult to attract the big teams, but everything is doable with the correct contacts (never say never).
Question 2: Ivan, how do you feel to be the first graduate engineer with Pontem Analytics in Cyprus?
Ivan’s Answer: Thanks God, I didn’t expect to find a job that quickly… I am very grateful to Dr. Ernestos Sarris that recommended me and to Pontem Analytics for giving me such an incredible opportunity. Every day I am learning something new!
Question 3: Markos, your internship is almost done (3 Months). How you found it?
Marko’s Answer: I am honoured to be part of the team, and privileged meeting Tommy in person. It was not difficult but on the same time it was not easy too. I clearly see the UNIC studies relevant with the work that we do, however, there is plenty of room to develop.
In the aftermath of the successful conclusion of the EMC Conference, Pontem Analytics is gearing up for a series of strategic moves.
Building on the positive outcomes of the conference, the company is set to intensify its commitment to talent development by scaling up intern training initiatives. High-performing interns will be identified and welcomed into the growing Pontem family, contributing to the team's proficiency in data analytics. As the unrivaled leader in flow assurance on the island (arguably the only one), Pontem Analytics aims to solidify its position by further expanding the team's expertise and reinforcing its status as the go-to company for such solutions. Looking beyond the local landscape, Pontem aspires to gain more exposure regionally, actively seeking opportunities to undertake projects for clients beyond the island's borders. The company is poised to showcase its extensive experience in regional fields, positioning itself as a trusted partner in diverse industries.
Aiming for even greater visibility and influence, Pontem Analytics is setting its sights on the next level—actively pursuing opportunities to be featured as speakers at upcoming major conferences (maybe STEM? who knows…), thereby cementing its reputation as an industry thought leader.
Appendix - Cyprus EEZ
The potential of Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as a significant energy frontier has been underscored by a series of notable developments in recent years. With a total of nine exploration wells drilled between 2011 and 2022, the region has seen a heightened focus on uncovering its energy resources. This exploration effort has yielded impressive results, with the discovery of five gas reservoirs enhancing the strategic importance of Cyprus in the energy landscape. These discoveries not only hold the promise of bolstering the local economy but also contribute to the broader regional energy security landscape, signaling Cyprus' emergence as a significant player in the energy sector. Preliminary estimates indicate substantial gas reserves, further solidifying the country's position as a key player in the evolving energy market.
Aphrodite (Chevron / Shell / NewMed Energy) —> 3.6-6 TCF (Select Phase)
Calypso (ENI / TotalEnergies) —> 6-8 TCF (Appraisal Phase)
Glaucus (ExxonMobil / QatarPetroleum) —> 5-8 TCF (Appraisal Phase)
Cronos (ENI / TotalEnergies) —> 2.5 TCF (Appraisal Phase)
Zeus (ENI / TotalEnergies) —> 2-3 TCF (Appraisal Phase)
