In his  address,  Shri Gautam  Sen,  ED-COED  stressed on the key  element  of  professionalism  that  has become critical in any exploration  venture. He also appreciated the fact that the two premier associations APG & SPG had joined hands in conducting this workshop which would definitely go a long way in advancement of petroleum exploration.

Due to last minute engagements Shri D.K. Pande, Director (Exploration), ONGC and Patron of both APG and SPG was unable to attend the workshop. James Peters read out his address in which he stressed the need to synergize with improving business performance in exploration. Welcoming experts from the Industry and Academia, Shri Pande wished that the workshop add value to our exploratory efforts. 

 Dr. Peter Rose in his address congratulated both APG-SPG in working together which would help in closing gaps and lead to converging of the geology and geophysics disciplines.  He also opined that holding joint meetings would increase the diversity and interspersing of knowledge.  Such joint meetings would also go a long way saving time and money.  Towards  this,  he said that the first  AAPG - SEG  joint meeting  is being slated for  2009  leading to the merger of these  international  scientific  bodies.

The dignitaries on the dais presented Dr Rose with a silver plaque on behalf of APG & SPG, while Dr Rose presented an autographed book  Risk Analysis and Management of Petroleum Exploration Ventures written by him to the President SPG.

The  first  technical  session  held the participants in  rapt  attention  where  Dr. Rose  delivered  three lectures  on  (1)  Geotechnical Project and  E&P  portfolios,  assumption  requirements,  consequences and fallacies.   An  interactive  session  wherein  he  lucidly  brought out  the  subtle  differences  between the  deterministic  view  and  probabilistic  views in  E&P  work  through  participants  feedback in  Oil  and  Gas  Reserves  estimating  -  we have  met  the  enemy  and  he is  us.  This was followed by an overview on Perspectives on Petroleum Exploration & Production, Oil Gas prices & intelligent energy futures.

The  second  technical  session  comprised three  lectures  covering  critical  issues in petroleum  exploration, the first  by  Dr. Manika  Prasad of IIT, Mumbai on  Using  Rock  Physics  to Identify  Permeability  Zones  followed by    Petroleum  Systems Methodology and Exploration  Strategy  by  Mr.  JVC  Howes,  an  international  petroleum  geosciences  consultant,  who  brought out the  nuances of the  Petroleum  System  Methodology in drawing up  Exploration  strategies,  and  by  Martyn  Millwood  Hargrave,  MD of  IKON  Science  Ltd,  who  spoke on Beyond Bright and Dim: - Some Practical Lessons in using Rock Physics and calibrated seismic attributes in exploration, reservoir characterization and time lapse seismic   explaining the judicious  use of rock  physics in exploration,  reservoir  characterization and time  lapse  seismic.

The  third  technical  session  consisted of two  lectures  one  on Imaging  below  salt and basalt  by Tim  Brice of  Western  Geco  Reservoir  Services,  Mumbai.This was particularly interesting in the present Indian scenario wherein sub-Trappean imaging is a critical issue.

The concluding lecture was delivered by Dr.  D.K Mukhopadhyaya  of  IIT,  Roorkee  on  Application of Balanced  Structural  Cross-Sections in Hydrocarbon Exploration  wherein  he  brought out the importance of  structural  balancing of cross sections  in  validating  interpretations  especially in thrust  fold  belts and  taphrogenetic  regimes.

Shri J.P. Paliwal, Working Secretary, SPG, India proposed the vote of thanks.