PCN Europe: Oil & Gas-sustainability-environment: These words are becoming more and more interconnected. Which are the leading trends and main innovations linked to this topic?
Mr. Ali: First of all, it is nice to talk to you today.
As you are aware, we are here to talk about the new Mobil SHC Hydraulic environmentally acceptable lubricant (EAL), a readily biodegradable synthetic hydraulic oil.
Increasingly, we are witnessing a greater focus on environmentally friendly products in the market. In response to this demand, we have developed the new Mobil SHC Hydraulic EAL to assist customers, and users of lubricants, be more responsive to environmental needs, reduce energy consumption and ensure that hydraulic equipment is both reliable and efficient.
PCN Europe: How is this possible?
Mr. Ali: It is possible because at ExxonMobil we are committed to research and development. It's through this commitment that we have solved the challenge of producing an environmentally friendly product that is both biodegradable and maintains high performance standards.
In the past operators had to compromise between performance and biodegradability. However since the introduction of the new Mobil SHC Hydraulic EAL, customers can now benefit from a product that is both environmentally friendly and lasts up to six times longer than conventional hydraulic oils.
The new EAL also boasts reduced energy consumption in hydraulic systems, making it a win - win situation for users.
PCN Europe: How Exxon's products support maintenance and operation activities within oil and gas platforms?
Mr. Ali: Our objective is to improve equipment reliability and, as a result, reduce unplanned downtime. We achieve this by producing lubricants that successfully reduce the unreliability of equipment and last longer than conventional lubricants; the Mobil SHC Hydraulic EAL. Continued use results in reduced downtime and improved safety.
As Mobil SHC Hydraulic EAL helps to improve equipment reliability, the amount of human interaction with equipment is reduced.
PCN Europe: How much did the decrease in oil price impact on your business?
Mr. Ali: Our business aims to help our customers save money. When the price of crude falls, our customers want to be as cost effective as possible and, as a result, we receive increased interest in our products and services.
From a lubricants perspective, we have received heightened interest in improving efficiency and reducing costs, something which is always a priority for our customers.
PCN Europe: Do you think Oil & Gas companies will increase investments in bio and sustainable solutions in the future or this trend is doomed to become secondary?
Mr. Ali: I think it is an increasing trend. Companies continue to look at environmentally friendly solutions and, in our case, this is with regards to lubricants and services.
As I mentioned before, through continued innovation, we have demonstrated that it is possible to create a biodegradable environmentally friendly product that does not sacrifice on performance.
The key message from us today is that at ExxonMobil there is no trade-off between biodegradability and performance. As a leader in the field of hydraulic environmentally acceptable lubricants - we've managed to achieve both in one product.
Finally, as legislation continues to shape the market more and more by increasingly focusing on environmentally friendly products - bio and sustainable solutions will remain paramount for many years to come.
PCN Europe: Which are the most intriguing and tough challenges the sector is now facing? Why?
Mr. Ali: As always, cost-effectiveness remains a top priority. Continued exploration and production of crude and gas requires the ongoing application of leading technologies. Therefore the challenge remains for us to be a frontrunner in technology, development, leadership, while also delivering improved efficiency and cost effectiveness for our customers.
