IADC CONNECTION • EDITORIAL
IADC, members
keep focus
on people,
collaboration, industry value
FROM THE PRESIDENT
I believe in the long-term value of the oil
and gas industry. This belief comes from
the fact that energy directly impacts the
goals of individuals, organizations and
communities around the world. However,
the industry is facing a number of obsta-
cles, including those around regulatory
and logistical constraints, market frag-
mentation, and workforce recruitment and
retention. While these near-term challeng-
es are being addressed, it’s important to
note that IADC and its members are also
focused on the long game. Three primary
thematic areas will help us stay the course
in 2022 – collaboration, people, and indus-
try value.
Adapting to change
through collaboration
In his editorial in the last issue of this
magazine, Jeremy Thigpen – IADC’s
2022 Chairman and CEO of Transocean –
stressed the need for collaboration. “Our
collective efforts can yield demonstrable
results when we collaborate, share knowl-
edge, tackle common problems and devel-
op solutions to critical issues,” he stated.
This is the idea behind IADC commit-
tees – a pillar of the association through-
out its 80-plus year existence. I’m proud to
say that, not only did committee activity
not cease during worldwide lockdowns ,
but the virtual aspect of committee meet-
ings allowed new faces from around the
world to start popping onto screens. We
know the significant impact IADC com-
mittees have made over the years, and we
recognize the additional potential with
increased access for all members. By pro-
viding hybrid options for committee meet-
ings, we will maximize members’ ability to
collaborate and make an impact.
42 The past two years have taken their toll,
but have also revealed inherent connec-
tions within our industry. These connec-
tions serve as a platform for broader and, in
some cases, more non-traditional collabo-
rations. A recent example is IADC’s recip-
rocal membership with the International
Petroleum Industry
Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA). With
IADC’s growing sustainability efforts, this
connection provides our members with
the chance to align initiatives and col-
laborate across upstream and downstream
industries. IADC will continue to preserve
existing connections in 2022 while also
seeking new, non-traditional opportuni-
ties to expand its network.
Taking care of people
In Mr Thigpen’s editorial, he also
addressed the challenge of attracting tal-
ent during this period of market recovery.
“The opportunities for next-generation
drilling professionals will be plentiful
for those who are smart, ambitious and
believe in the value this industry creates,”
he said.
IADC recognizes that the talent of
tomorrow needs to be identified and nur-
tured today. The energy and growth we’ve
seen from our Young Professionals (YP)
Committee and student chapters program
signal that we are meeting an industry
demand among its newest talent. Potential
initiatives under consideration for YPs
include a “Lunches with Leaders” series
to facilitate cross-functional development
and regional networking events where YP
Committee members are based. Involving
YPs and IADC student chapters in indus-
try conferences, committee meetings and
chapter activities creates additional oppor-
tunities for engagement. If we nurture the
best resource we have, they will be better
informed and equipped to learn, lead and
achieve future goals they have for them-
selves and the industry.
The challenge around people doesn’t
stop there. Once they are in the industry,
we must train and develop them in order to
keep them in the industry. IADC has been
accrediting training providers for decades,
but offerings must adapt as the industry
progresses. As such, we are developing
new offerings in 2022 around H 2 S, ESG and
IADC’s flagship WellSharp program.
Jason McFarland, IADC President
Demonstrating industry
value with facts
The fact is that hydrocarbon fuels
solve a lot of problems for humanity. Mr
Thigpen states that “one of the key chal-
lenges we face is educating the public on
hydrocarbons’ critical role within civiliza-
tion – something we all take for granted.”
Current conversation about the energy
transition has a lot of the industry talking
past each other. ESG is not a new paradigm,
but the baselines and benchmarks are
siloed among varying organizations in the
energy, financial and regulatory sectors.
The IADC Sustainability Committee will be
stepping up efforts in this area, including
addressing sustainability reporting guid-
ance to help our industry be a resource as
the slow, steady adoption of alternative
energy sources continues. Additionally, the
Energy Efficiency Subcommittee of the
IADC Advanced Rig Technology Committee
will offer opportunities for alignment on
key topics between operators, drilling con-
tractors, vendors and regulators.
Whatever our goals are as individuals, as
organizations or as communities big and
small, there will be challenges and obsta-
cles to overcome. As easy as it is for some
consumers to flip a switch and access ener-
gy, IADC members recognize that energy
sources cannot be switched quite as easily.
It will be a slow and gradual transition to
alternative energy sources, and IADC and
its members have an active role to play
both during and after that transition.
In a world where perception, at times,
overshadows reality, the industry needs
to stay focused, and IADC is committed to
doing its part. I believe the key areas out-
lined above will help the industry stay the
course – something we must do to meet
growing worldwide energy demand. DC
M A R C H/A P R I L 202 2 • D R I L L I N G C O N T R AC T O R