August 2021 | ISSUE No. 337 | USRCC Business Newsletter
◾ USRCC Activities
On August 17, 2021, the USRCC held its 11th Annual Reception Honoring Delegations from Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to the Offshore Technology Conference at Hotel ZaZa, Houston, Texas. 

This year the reception was attended by about 160 international business and political leaders, including leading experts and executives from oil and gas industry, banking, shipping, transportation and logistics companies, suppliers, investors, and Government officials.

The attendees included representatives from Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers, Baker Hughes, ExxonMobil, Derrick Corporation, Radix Engineering & Software, Moody Rambin, Parker Drilling Company, Rusk Capital Management, Tucana Engineering, Andersen, DATA GUMBO, Halliburton, Weatherford, KPMG, Pan Asian Chemicals, Salamander Solutions, Turkish Airlines, Houston Airports, Ajamie, AWS, Eckel International, BPB ENERGY, AUTUS Corporation, Blade Energy Partners, Hitachi ABB Power Grid, GR2 Engineering Inc., Gas Innovations, BICO Drilling Tools, Agasoil, Sumitomo Drive Technologies, iValv Systems, Texan Stone, and many others. 

Honorable guests of 11th OTC Reception included Consul General of Angola in Houston, Commercial Attaché of the Republic of Turkey, Texas Governor Office officials, City of Houston officials, Vice Consul of Turkey in Houston, and others.

The delegation from Russia and CIS countries were represented by business leaders from QNP, Caspian Logistic and Procurement LLP, Atlas DDS LLC, BITAS LLC, and others.

Welcome remarks were made by Honorable Alexander Zakharov, Consul General, Consulate General of Russian Federation in Houston, who reinforced the importance of energy industry and Russia's role in energy transition. Mr. Zakharov’s remarks were followed by the speech given by Thomas Schuessler, Senior Vice President of ExxonMobil Production Company who spoke about networking opportunities provided by the reception and thanked the USRCC for its organizational efforts. He stressed the importance of commercial ties for ExxonMobil with Russia and CIS countries. Sandy Esslemont, CEO of Parker Drilling Company, reflected on being a part of Parker Drilling legacy working in Kazakstan, Russia and CIS. Jeff Shellebarger, Chairman of 23rd World Petroleum Congress Organizing Committee talked about the WPC‘s history and mission that has developed over the years and its continuing relationship with Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. He invited business leaders to join the 23rd World Petroleum Congress, which will take place in Houston in December of 2021.

In conclusion of the official portion of the reception the USRCC held a raffle sponsored by Turkish Airlines. Mr. Ken Bhappu, Regional Corporate Sales Manager, Turkish Airlines, commented on the fact that Turkish Airlines has the largest number of destinations in comparison with any other airline in the world and emphasized specific destinations that Turkish Airlines fly to in Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. The lucky winner of the raffle was Tad Pilinski, President of AUTUS Corporation.

The USRCC has received a strong support from its sponsors, partners and volunteers. The event was sponsored by 23rd World Petroleum Congress, Baker Hughes, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Parker Drilling Company, and Turkish Airlines.

Please visit USRCC’s official FaceBook Page to view event pictures.
Testimonials

“We are all grateful to the USRCC for hosting the 11th annual Welcome Reception for this week’s OTC and NAPE events.  This year, in particular, it was important to our industry and our global communities that we demonstrate our industry’s resilience by attending the Reception.  We at Parker, are especially proud to have sponsored the event due to the important relationships we have developed with our colleagues in Russia. We have a world-class operation in Russia that delivers efficient energy solutions to our communities in Russia – by maintaining our commitments to the USRCC we continue to build resiliency into our networks despite any pandemic or market volatilities.   
 
We are staunch supporters of the USRCC as it continues to promote the productivity of our workforce by connecting dynamic business leaders who promote our industry goals.  I find our participation essential as we continue to connect with key influencers who can build pragmatic energy solutions for our customers and communities.  The USRCC team are excellent facilitators and have helped me personally connect with key leaders in promotion of building better synergies and strategies to fuel the worlds energy demands.  
 
Always grateful to the USRCC, and always looking forward to the next luncheon or event to stay connected and to be a part of something continuous!”  Amanda Jernigan, Global Account Director, Parker Drilling.

“I want to congratulate the USRCC for a great event on August 17, 2021. The reception to welcome delegates from Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan was very well organized and best of all, in these troubled times, very well attended. This is our third time sponsoring an event with the Chamber, and I for one, have benefited greatly from our partnership, with the contacts I have made, and the introductions provided by the USRCC. I made it a point to let everyone know the wonderful partnership we enjoy and encouraged them to also join the Chamber. I look forward to our continued relationship.” Ken Bhappu, Regional Corporate Sales Manager, Turkish Airlines.

“Let me thank you for a great networking event you organized! I was impressed by number of guests and level of guests’ proficiency. Your organizational skills were significant, service was great, and all guests felt comfortable and welcomed from engineer to executive, from clerk to Counselor. Please keep me in a loop regarding your next event! I will be happy to be a part of it.”  Anna Shchelokova, NAM and CSA Training Coordinator, Subsea Drilling Systems, Oilfield Equipment, Baker Hughes.

“This was my 10th time that I have participated in The Annual Welcome Reception Honoring Delegations from Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, TX organized by USRCC. As usual, the Reception was organized very well, and the selection of speakers was impeccable. Information delivered by the presenters was very interesting and up to date. Definitely, it was worth attending.” Tad K. PilinskiPresidentAUTUS Corporation.
SILVER SPONSORS

 BRONZE SPONSORS 


 RAFFLE SPONSOR 
INFORMATIONAL PARTNERS
USRCC at the Annual NAPE Summit 2021 in Houston 

The USRCC was proud to exhibit at the NAPE Summit 2021 in Houston, TX. The annual NAPE Summit is a hybrid expo and conference that is largest of its kind in the world. It brings together all industry disciplines and players from decision makers to companies of all sizes. NAPE Summit has an unprecedented record of success for closing deals. With the addition of the "green energy" component to this years portfolio, NAPE Summit is a "must attend" event to network with key players who have firsthand knowledge of the opportunities and prospects in the industry. 

More information is available here: https://napeexpo.com/summit

The USRCC was represented at booth #1535. Both attendees and exhibitors showed great interest in the USRCC’s activities and opportunities the Chamber presents for cooperation with its U.S.A., Russian, CIS and international member-companies.
USRCC Upcoming Events
Energy industry is facing multiple challenges from energy demand to decarbonization and the lowering of the investment interest. 

  • What is the future of hydrocarbons?
  • How is energy industry transforming?
  • Where is current growth in renewable energy sources?
  • Is Hydrogen Economy possible?
  • What role sustainability is playing in the energy industry?
  • How effective is energy industry in embracing innovation?
  • What is the energy project outlook for the 2nd half of 2021?

 C-level energy executives will discuss these and other related questions in a moderated webinar panel.
 EVENT DATE: 

Tuesday, September 14th, 2021 

8:00 am – 10:00 am (CST)  | 16:00 – 18:00 (MSK) 
Cost: complimentary 

Simultaneous translation into Russian language is included. 
Webinar details will be provided upon registration. 
MODERATOR:

 
JOHN W. GIBSON, JR. 


President and CEO 
Flotek Industries 


To read the full bio click here
DIALOGUE PARTICIPANT: 

 
LORENZO SIMONELLI 


Chairman and CEO 
Baker Hughes 

To read the full bio click here
Women are an essential part of the global economy. Join the USRCC in conversation with the influential women who have achieved success and are making an impact on the international trade and investment. 
This year’s discussion will focus on the diversity of the board representation, energy transition, successful company culture and other topics.
 
Please click here to view the prior Speaker Series speakers.
EVENT DATE:
 
Wednesday, September 15th, 2021
9:00 am – 11:00 am CST
Cost: Complimentary

Registration deadline: COB Tuesday, September 14th, 2021.
Webinar details will be provided upon registration.
MODERATOR:
MELODY MEYER

Independent Non-executive Director, BP
Chair of the Safety and Sustainability and Member of the
Remuneration Committees

To read the full bio click here
SPEAKERS:
JENNIFER SIMONS

Senior Vice President, 
Chief Administrative Officer
and General Counsel,
Parker Drilling Company

To read the full bio click here
MACHTELD DE HAAN

President,
Shell Lubricants Americas

       To read the full bio click here
The 10th Annual Welcome Reception Honoring Russian and CIS Delegations to the Breakbulk Americas 2021 
Breakbulk Americas has been the established hub for the project cargo and breakbulk industry for more than 30 years. Based in Houston, it hosts more than 5,000 professionals from across the industrial supply chain based primarily in Canada, U.S. and Latin America, including the America’s largest EPCs and oil & gas companies. The conference provides shippers with the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with the leading specialized carriers, forwarders, ports, terminals and packers who have the expertise and resources to handle oversized cargoes with unique handling requirements. 

The U.S.-Russia Chamber of Commerce invites you to join the welcoming Russian and CIS delegations to the 10th Annual Breakbulk Americas Reception. This annual event draws decision makers in U.S.- Russia trade and investment, including senior representatives from major shipping and logistics companies, leaders in the oil and gas industry, government officials, elected officials and more. 
EVENT REGISTRATION: 

 Wednesday, September 29th, 2021
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CST

 Four Seasons Hotel | Whitney Room 
1300 Lamar Street, Houston, TX 77010 
 USRCC Members - $30 | Non-members - $60 

"Pay at the Door" Option will be available at: 
USRCC Members - $35 | Non-Members - $65 

Registration deadline: COB Tuesday, September 28th, 2021 
Refunds will not be issued after September 27th, 2021 
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: 
2900 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 133, Houston, TX 77042 

+1 (713) 429-4680 

info@usrussiacc.org | www.usrussiacc.org 
The U.S.-Russia Chamber of Commerce is hosting this Webinar to discuss the long-term challenges facing the global supply chain. Energy, Shipping, Mining and Metals, and Agriculture industries’ leaders will share their experiences as to what their respective industries are doing to combat the missing pieces that make the global economy move products smoothly.
  • How to handle supply chain disruptions?
  • How to decrease costs throughout the supply chain?
  • How to meet consumer demands and improve quality, speed and service?
  • What are the advantages of digitalization of supply chain management?
These and other related questions will be covered during this Webinar.
EVENT DATE:

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021

8:00 am – 9:30 am (CST) | 16:00 – 17:30 (MSK)
COST: COMPLIMENTARY

Registration deadline: COB Monday, October 4th, 2021.

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:

2900 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 133, Houston, TX 77042 | +1 (713) 429-4680
info@usrussiacc.org | www.usrussiacc.org
MODERATOR:
ANTON POSNER

Chief Executive Officer,
The Mercury Group and Mercury Resources LLC;
North East Chapter Chair and 
New York Representative,
U.S.-Russia Chamber of Commerce

To read the full bio click here
SPEAKERS:
C. BRIAN HESSE

President and CEO, 
Rusal America Corporation

To read the full bio click here
SCOTT BERGERON

Director of Business
Development & Strategy,
Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG

To read the full bio click here
ROBIN MARTIN

Head of Market Development,
London Metal Exchange

To read the full bio
click here
SCOTT R. EVANS

C0-founder,
Waybridge

To read the full bio
click here
The U.S.-Russia Chamber of Commerce
invites you to the partner event -
Gastech Exhibition & Conference at Dubai World Trade Center,
September 21-23, 2021.

Gastech is a global platform that convenes industry leaders annually in their shared mandate towards a zero-carbon economy. A key enabler of engagement between policy makers, business leaders, disruptors and innovators, Gastech 2021 will drive the conversations, collaborations and connections to address the challenges and opportunities created by the energy transition. Lower and zero-carbon fuels will play a central role in the delivery of the new energy landscape, as global focus continues to move towards a decarbonized and sustainable environment. Gastech 2021 will take place in Singapore, an epicenter for trade across Asia, reflecting the rapid shift Asian economies are making towards Natural Gas and LNG to meet their energy demands. Gastech will help you shape the strategies that will enable your company to thrive, providing an opportunity to explore new markets, forge exciting new partnerships and generate new business across the gas, LNG, hydrogen and energy value chain.

Gastech will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. Gastech is supported by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates. H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure commented that “The UAE is delighted to be hosting Gastech, one of the world’s leading events for the gas, LNG, hydrogen, and energy industry. Gastech comes at an important time for the energy industry with a shared global mandate to lower carbon emissions and provide clean affordable energy for all. Gastech is a key enabler of conversations and connections that drive the energy transition agenda."
USRCC Membership
Are you taking advantage
of your USRCC Member Benefits?

The U.S.-Russia Chamber of Commerce provides a variety of Membership options to fit your business needs and goals. Renew your membership or join for the first time today!

For more information click here.
Member's News
Lukoil Startrs Exploration Drilling at Block 12 in Mexico

Lukoil.com, August 18, 2021: LUKOIL started drilling its first exploration well at Block 12 located in the southern area of the Gulf of Mexico. The Yoti West-1Exp well will be drilled by Valaris 8505 semisubmersible rig, which was transported to Block 12 after its successful work at Block 10 (the Sayulita-1EXP well). The exploration will focus on turbidite deposits of Upper and Lower Miocene. Water depth at the drilling site is 207 meters. Read more...
New ASTM International Standard Supports Asset Inventory by Exception

Sn.astm.org, August 17, 2021: ASTM International’s asset management committee is developing a new standard practice for conducting inventories. It utilizes Inventory by Exception (IBE) to allow the physical inventory process to only focus on locating assets that were not touched or physically inventoried. The new standard is used to verify items on record using IBE, which decreases the number of assets requiring an inventory reconciliation during a specific cycle. This can greatly increase the productivity of staff who are tasked with performing a physical inventory. It also decreases the time spent conducting physical inventories and increases inventory accuracy. Read more...

The Extraordinary General Meeting ("EGM") Invitation is Expected to be Dispatched to Sulzer Ltd Shareholders on August 20, 2021.

Reuters.com, August 17, 2021: At an EGM of Sulzer Ltd’s shareholders, to be held in Winterthur on September 20, 2021, Sulzer Ltd’s board of directors will propose to the shareholders to approve the demerger plan published at the end of May 2021 and to formally incorporate medmix AG after expiry of the two-month creditor notification period and the two-month shareholder review period without any requests from shareholders or claims by creditors. Read more...
New Edition Of Cybersecurity Standard For Pipelines Provides Comprehensive Approach To Cyber Defense For Critical Infrastructure

Api.org, August 18, 2021: The American Petroleum Institute (API) today published its 3rd Edition of Standard (Std) 1164, Pipeline Control Systems Cybersecurity, underscoring the natural gas and oil industry’s ongoing commitment to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure from malicious and potentially disruptive cyber-attacks. Read more...
USRCC Announcement
The USRCC Member is seeking
business representative in Russia

Here are the key requirements:

  • The company / individual should have the industry contacts in dealing with Sulphur plants, CO2 capture and/or academics;
  • The representative should have a working knowledge of the amine industry;
  • The representative should have the understanding of how business works in the Russian region;
  • The company / individual could have represented tray vendors, solvent suppliers, other software, or Engineering, Procurement and Construction company.

For more details please contact: info@usrussiacc.org
Please indicate in subject line "Russian Representative"
GET INVOLVED

The USRCC is looking for new team members!

Volunteers play a key role and the contributions they make impact the day-to-day functions of the chamber and shape the future of the relationship between Russia and the U.S.

There are many ways you can get involved with the USRCC. Whether you are an experienced leader or a student, there is a place for you. By volunteering, you can be at the very center of our high-profile events held in Houston, Chicago and New York City and interact with influential leaders in the U.S.-Russia trade and investment.
To learn more about the position 
or contact us directly at info@usrussiacc.org  
call 713.429.4680
This Week in Review
US Examines Russia’s Market Economy Status

Russiabusinesstoday.com, August 18, 2021: As a result of the Russian economic and political change in the 1990s, Washington has regarded Russia as a market economy since 2002. In effect, the classification limits the US anti-dumping import duties and penalties against Russian exporters. It also cleared the way for Moscow to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2012, a body that regulates the maximum rate of import tariffs that members may charge each other on various categories of products. Read more...
What Will Have the Most Impact on Oil Prices?

Rigzone.com, August 16, 2021: In this week’s preview of what to watch in oil and gas markets, one of Rigzone’s regular energy prognosticators outlined exactly what will have the biggest impact on oil prices in the short term. Read more...
Russia’s First LNG Bunker Vessel Delivered for Baltic Operations

Maritime-executive.com/, August 12, 2021: Russia’s first Liquefied Natural Gas bunkering vessel was recently delivered to its owners and shortly will be repositioned from the shipyard in China to the Baltic to begin service. Named the Dmitry Mendeleev, the vessel will be operated by a division of Gazprom Neft for ship-to-ship fuel bunkering in the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic. Read more...
Russian Govt Mulls Building New Hydro Plants in Far East

Interfax.com, August 18, 2021: The Russian president ordered the Cabinet and the governments of Amur Region and Khabarovsk Territory to consider building new hydropower plants following a meeting on floods and forest fires in the regions and the response efforts to them, the Kremlin website reported. This refers to power plants on the Niman and Selemdzha rivers. The government is supposed to submit a report on this issue by October. Read more...
Russia Expects Global LNG Market to double by 2040–2045

1prime.biz, August 19, 2021: The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market will double by 2040–2045, Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin said on Thursday. "The LNG market has not fallen in spite of the pandemic. If we consider the long-term prospects… the market can reach 750–800 million tonnes per year. We expect that the volumes and demand for LNG will grow until 2040–2045. For comparison, we are at about 360–370 million tonnes per year, it will double," Sorokin said. Read more...
Nord Stream 2 Not Confirming Reports Pipeline to be completed on August 23

Tass.com, August 19, 2021: The Nord Stream 2 AG company labelled media reports saying that the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline would be completed on August 23 as ‘speculations’. A source in the company told TASS on Thursday that it "cannot confirm" this . Read more...
Rosneft in Talks with Potential Investors in Flagship Vostok Oil Project

Arabnews.com, August 14, 2021: Rosneft is in talks with various groups of investors on joining the company’s flagship Vostok Oil project, a member of Rosneft top management said during a teleconference with investors and analysts held August 13, according Russian TASS news agency. Potential investor groups include oil traders, international integrated oil and gas companies as well as national champions such as Indian companies, the company said. Read more...
 Houston-Tyumen Sister Cities
After the "SUP" Forum, the Organizers Expect the Growth of Youth Business Projects

Tumen.mk.ru, August 19, 2021: On August 20 in Tyumen, with the support of the government of the Tyumen region, the international business forum "Meeting of successful entrepreneurs" starts. Founded in Tyumen in 2013, the forum has become a unique platform for communication between entrepreneurs from all regions of Russia and abroad, the growth of entrepreneurial initiative, mastering new knowledge and skills, strengthening partnerships, and launching interesting business projects. Read more...
CIS Business News
Kazakh President Tokayev, Prime Minister Mamin Meet with Russian PM Mishustin, Approve High-Level Trade Deals in Nur-Sultan

Astanatimes.com, August 19, 2021: Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting on Aug. 19 with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, reported Akorda press service. Tokayev appreciated the results of the talks held on the eve of the meeting of the heads of the governments of Kazakhstan and Russia. Read more...
Azerbaijan May Hold Renewable Energy Auctions at End-2021 or Early 2022 – Ministry

Azernews.az, August 18, 2021: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev approved the Law On Use of Renewable Energy Sources on July 12, 2021. The law envisages selection of electricity producer from renewables via auctions or by direct involvement. The rules for selecting electricity producers from renewables, as well as contract forms, qualification request, bid request, field selection report are being prepared. After adopting the rules for selecting electricity producers from renewables, the first alternative energy auctions may be held in Azerbaijan at the end of 2021 or early 2022. Read more...
US-Russia Related News in Russian
◾ Новости недели
Байден Подписал Указ, Позволяющий Ввести Санкции против Некоторых Российских Трубопроводов

Tass.ru, Август 20, 2021: Президент США Джо Байден подписал в пятницу указ, позволяющий вашингтонской администрации вводить санкции в отношении некоторых российских трубопроводов, предназначенных для экспорта энергоносителей. Об этом говорится в распространенных Белым домом документах. Читать далее...
JODI: Россия в Июне Сохранила Второе Место по Добыче Нефти

1prime.ru, Август 19, 2021: Россия в июне вновь осталась на втором месте в мире по объему добычи нефти с показателем в 9,734 миллиона баррелей в сутки, США сохранили мировое лидерство, а на третьем месте осталась Саудовская Аравия, свидетельствуют данные организации "Совместная инициатива по нефтяной статистике" (JODI). Читать далее...
Эксперт Оценил в $1,5 млрд Возможные Потери от Решения США Признать Экономику РФ Нерыночной

Interfax.ru, Август 16, 2021: Решение Минторга США начать процедуру рассмотрения нерыночности российской экономики является политическим, противоречит обязательствам США перед Всемирной торговой организацией (ВТО), не несет системных рисков для экономики РФ, но может стоить порядка $1,5 млрд для компаний из ряда секторов, сообщил "Интерфаксу" экс-директор департамента торговых переговоров Минэкономразвития РФ, заведующий кафедрой торговой политики ВШЭ Максим Медведков. Читать далее...
«Транснефть» Оптимизирует Траты на IT

Kommersant.ru, Август 19, 2021: «Транснефть» собирается до 2025 года вложить 38 млрд руб. в свою цифровую трансформацию, следует из проекта новой IT-стратегии компании. При этом компания собирается провести оптимизацию своих существующих IT-структур, сократив часть сотрудников своей дочерней «Транснефть-Технологии» и переведя значительную часть остальных на удаленную работу. Эффект от оптимизации оценивается в 11 млрд руб. Читать далее...
«Газпром» Спрогнозировал Поставки Газа по Nord Stream 2 в 2021 году

Rbc.ru, Август 19, 2021: По газопроводу «Северный поток-2» в 2021 году может быть поставлено 5,6 млрд куб. м газа, говорится в поступившем в РБК сообщении компании об итогах работы с января по июль. Ранее в «Газпроме» подтверждали, что планируют ввести «Северный поток-2» в эксплуатацию в этом году. На фоне сообщений о конкретных запланированных к прокачке объемах стоимость газа в Европе на бирже снизилась. Читать далее...
 USRCC Executive Partners 
U.S.-Russia Chamber of Commerce
2900 Wilcrest Drive
Suite 133
Houston, TX 77042

713-429-4680
The U.S.-Russia Chamber of Commerce (USRCC) is a 501(c)(6) not for profit corporation with its headquarters in Houston, Texas, and offices in the Midwest and the Northeast. The USRCC was established in 2009 to promote trade and investment between the Russian Federation and the U.S.A.  
The information contained in this newsletter is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice on any subject matter. USRCC does not accept any responsibility for any loss that may arise from reliance on information contained in this newsletter. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the USRCC or its members. Links within this newsletter lead to other websites, including those operated and maintained by third parties. The linked sites are not part of the USRCC newsletter. USRCC includes these links solely as a convenience to the newsletter subscribers, and the presence of such links does not imply a responsibility for the linked site and its operator. USRCC cannot certify the accuracy of the material provided by the original source.

Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.