THE OFFSHORE INDUSTRY IN INDIA: TRENDS & FUTURE PROSPECTS

With over 40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, ship management, seafaring, and entrepreneurship, Rakesh brings extensive expertise in administration, operations, quality management, project management, and business development across international settings. In international settings, he has adeptly overseen high-performing, multicultural, and cross-functional teams across Brazil, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, South Korea, China, Angola, Maldives, India, and Singapore.

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Here, in this exclusive CXO article, Rakesh Ayri, CEO, Seamac Limited effectively delineates his insights about the offshore industry. Let's delve in to know more!

The offshore industry in India plays a critical role in the country's economy, particularly in oil and gas exploration, marine construction, and renewable energy. With shifting global energy demands and rising environmental concerns, this sector is at a pivotal moment of transformation. This article explores current trends in the Indian offshore industry and potential future developments.

1. Changing Energy Landscape

Historically, oil and gas exploration, led by companies like ONGC, has dominated India’s offshore industry. However, the global shift towards renewable energy is driving change in this sector. India has set ambitious targets to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix, with offshore wind energy emerging as a key area of focus.

Rise of Offshore Wind Energy

The Indian government has identified potential sites along the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for offshore wind energy projects, targeting 30 GW of capacity by 2030. This transition from fossil fuels to renewables is expected to attract significant investment and spur the development of new infrastructure and technologies.

Challenges & Opportunities in Oil & Gas Exploration

Despite the growing emphasis on renewables, oil and gas exploration remains crucial for India. The sector faces challenges such as declining production from mature fields, rising operational costs, and stricter environmental regulations. To address these, companies must invest in advanced technologies like deepwater drilling, enhanced oil recovery, and digitalization. According to Oil Minister H.S. Puri, the exploration and production (E&P) sector offers investment opportunities worth $100 billion by 2030.