THE continuing slim-down and rationalisation of the North Sea oil and

gas industry has not spread to the biennial Offshore Europe Exhibition

which has attracted more than 1800 exhibitors from 19 countries.

With the opening less than two weeks away, the massive tented

extension which is added to the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference

Centre at the Bridge of Don to accommodate the event, is now in place.

One tent covers an area equivalent to two football pitches without any

pillars to obstruct the floor space and is understood to be the biggest

of its kind in the world. It is designed to move slightly with the wind

which causes a rippling effect on the roof.

Mr David Stott, co-chairman of the Offshore Europe Partnership, said

that when Offshore Europe closed its doors in 1991 they anticipated that

by this year the number of exhibitors would have been reduced.

''However, we are surprised but delighted that it has managed to

maintain its momentum and size,'' he said. ''I have searched for a

reason why it should have done so well but frankly cannot explain it.''