Attendees view equipment exhibits at the last PBIOS show. Held every two years since World War II, the show serves as an international marketplace for industry vendors. The oil show is exclusively open to industry professionals for the entire three-day exhibition.
(PBIOS photo)
Later this month, the construction industry's spotlight will shine on oilfields and pipelines in Texas, as dealers and manufacturers showcase their equipment at the Permian Basin International Oil Show (PBIOS) in Odessa, a biennial event.
Larry Richards, president of PBIOS, emphasized the significance of oilfield and pipeline construction within the show.
"Oilfield and pipeline construction are a huge part of the show," he said, adding that construction is not only essential for the event but also crucial for the entire industry — the creation of vital infrastructure in the Permian Basin is the catalyst for the industry's prosperity.
The event will return to the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa from Oct. 17-19, 2023. This year's show boasts more than 700 exhibitors, with approximately 20,000 attendees registered, according to Richards.
While companies supporting oil production occupy the 145,000 sq. ft. of indoor exhibit space, the main attraction lies within the approximately 30 acres of outdoor exhibit area, where heavy equipment takes center stage. This heavy machinery plays a pivotal role in various aspects of drilling and oil and gas transportation throughout the Permian Basin, Texas and New Mexico. It encompasses tasks such as road construction to reach drill sites, excavation for rig and pump locations, and large-scale earthmoving for refineries and other facilities.
In addition, the construction efforts extend to trenching and drilling for pipelines, aiming to keep up with the region's escalating oil and natural gas production. Notably, a complex network of water pipelines is emerging to efficiently transport large quantities of water from drill sites to saltwater disposal facilities, replacing the slower method of using vacuum trucks, which was common in the past. This water is then pumped for use in fracking operations, where a single well may require millions of gallons.
Richards, a seasoned industry veteran and retired CEO with three decades of experience, emphasized how the construction industry is spearheading generational changes in the oilfield sector.
Construction activities aren't limited to the Permian Basin and smaller shale basins like Eagle Ford. Major endeavors, such as the expansion of the port in Corpus Christi, are poised to facilitate the increased export of liquefied natural gas, Richards said.
Overall, Richards predicts that oil and natural gas production in the Permian Basin will reach an all-time high in 2023.
Among the equipment manufacturers and rental companies participating in PBIOS 2023 are Vermeer (Vermeer of Texas-Louisiana), Caterpillar (Warren Cat), Bobcat (Bobcat of Midland-Odessa), Komatsu and Vacuworx (Kirby-Smith Equipment). Rental companies supporting construction in the basin, including Beard Equipment of Midland and Cisco Equipment of Odessa, also will be among the exhibitors.
About PBIOS
The Permian Basin International Oil Show is a three-day gathering of producers, service companies, investors and innovators for the oil and gas industry.
Held every two years since World War II, it serves as an international marketplace for industry vendors. The oil show is exclusively open to industry professionals for the entire three-day exhibition.
From its modest beginnings in 1940 with just 35 exhibitors to its current 725 exhibits, it has continued to expand, embodying the resilience of an industry and a region that thrive in the face of challenges. CEG
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