Hey Gordon,
Thank you so much to engage on this discussion.
I fully agree with everything you've outlined. We need a radical shift in the way the industry thinks about, manages, and treats well integrity. More than anything, as well integrity specialists, we must stop acting as firefighters-only responding to emergencies-and start acting as preventive care physicians (like those who conduct annual check-ups and proactively monitor their patients). Instead of waiting for the well to "call us in the middle of the night" with a critical failure, we need to be systematically monitoring, evaluating, and addressing early warning signs before they escalate into crises.
We also need to stop being politically correct with polished statements and faces in leadership positions that, in practice, do little to drive real change. Well integrity is not just a compliance checkbox; it is the foundation of safe and sustainable operations. As an industry, we must recognize that we already have the answers to the transformation we need-not just for well integrity but for the broader perception of the oil and gas sector.
If we were truly committed to safety and integrity, we wouldn't carry the burden of being seen as the "dirty" industry, the villains of energy. The energy transition should not be viewed as an escape from our own failures, but rather as an opportunity to demonstrate that we are capable of operating responsibly, sustainably, and with integrity. The real issue isn't that oil and gas is inherently "dirty"-the issue is that, historically, we have been negligent and reactive. But that can change if we, as an industry, genuinely commit to it.
All it takes is the will to act. We must move beyond passive roles, beyond empty rhetoric, and actually implement practical, authoritative actions that create lasting change. We need to stop blocking or slowing down those who are trying to make a difference and instead join forces to leave a meaningful legacy for our generation and the ones to come.
I also strongly agree that we need global integration on this issue, engaging and committing at both local and international levels-not passively, but actively, with concrete actions that truly elevate the role of well integrity in our industry.
I do hope and I will fight until my very last breath to make this happen!
Cheers,
------------------------------
Mayra Aquino
Principal Well Risk Engineer - GMVi
mayra.aquino@gmvi.co.uk------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2025 10:25 PM
From: Gordon Duncan
Subject: ATCE 2025 - Calling All Well Integrity Specialists!
Mayra,
Thanks for raising, however it does appear to be a common issue across many conferences/meetings whereas Well Integrity gets a slot (as you say normally a sub act under completions or Interventions) and featured at the same time as presentations in another room that features a Prized presenter.
So how do we raise the awareness that Well Integrity needs to be fully recognised and featured within all disciplines that come on contact with a well during all 6 phases of the well life cycle.
One such opportunity is to engage with the regulators and governing bodies by further raising awareness on "why Well Integrity makes good business sense" and to encourage change from a Reactive to a Proactive business and not just wait for the next Deepwater Horizon or Piper to force the issue.
We need all WI Specialists to reach out to their local regulator and further attempt to form a Joint Panel to address this at all future events until our voices are heard.
Cheers
Gordon