As major energy and LNG developments progress across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), operators and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors face increasing demands on materials, logistics and infrastructure. Improving performance is not always about adding more capacity. Better coordination, greater visibility and earlier planning can help make more effective use of existing resources.
In an exclusive interview with Oil & Gas News (OGN), Lee discusses how international experience, integrated operations and digital technology can help address these challenges while supporting the region's longer-term energy ambitions.
Reducing materials bottlenecks and improving project delivery
On large-scale energy projects, missing components, poor inventory visibility and disconnected processes can affect construction and commissioning schedules. Identifying these constraints early is essential to keeping projects on track.
ASCO's integrated materials management approach connects procurement, expediting, freight, customs, inventory control, kitting and final delivery through one managed process. This creates clearer accountability and helps teams identify delayed or critical materials before they disrupt operations.
The approach has delivered measurable improvements in ASCO's international operations, including an 80% reduction in materials processing time, 46% faster kitting and a 54% reduction in dispatch time.
For GCC operators and EPC contractors, the opportunity is to improve materials readiness, reduce avoidable delays and strengthen control over complex project logistics.
Making better use of existing infrastructure
As energy activity increases, greater capacity does not always require new ports or supply bases. Improvements in vessel and berth planning, cargo flows and materials coordination can help operators make more effective use of existing facilities.
Lee highlights the importance of bringing marine logistics, materials management and supply base operations together, supported by digital technology that provides better visibility of inventory, movements and emerging constraints.
However, technology alone is not the answer. Accurate inventory records, effective warehouse layouts and well-managed processes are essential foundations for digital tracking, automation and operational control.
Preparing for decommissioning and environmental challenges
Alongside investment in new energy infrastructure, the region must also consider the longer-term requirements of ageing offshore assets.
Drawing on ASCO's North Sea experience, Lee explains why decommissioning readiness should begin well before production ends. Early assessment of hazardous materials, naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), waste treatment routes and onshore facility capacity can help prevent costly delays and environmental risks.
ASCO's approach combines specialist environmental expertise with materials management, marine logistics and digital waste tracking to support safe handling, full traceability and opportunities for reuse and recycling.
The priority is applying established operational principles in ways that reflect local infrastructure, regulatory requirements and market needs.
Supporting the Middle East's evolving energy requirements
With almost 60 years of international experience and a permanent regional hub in Doha, ASCO is combining proven operational expertise with local partnerships, regional talent development and technology to support energy projects across the GCC.
From improving materials availability and maximising port capacity to preparing for future decommissioning requirements, Lee's interview explores how better-connected operations can help clients improve safety, efficiency and resilience.
Read Lee Vettese's full interview with Oil & Gas News for further insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the Middle East's energy sector.