Academic Dialogue Salutes Two Decades of Excellence: OPT and University of Maribor Embark on a New Chapter of Global Innovation

In 2026, Shandong OPT Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "OPT") marks a significant milestone: its 20th anniversary. To chart the blueprint for the next two decades, OPT has officially launched a series of global commemorative events. Recently, as the inaugural event of this series, a five-member delegation from the University of Maribor in Slovenia—comprising Zoran Novak, Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Matjaž Finšgar, Vice Dean; and Sebastijan Kovačič, Secretary-General—was invited on their first-ever visit to China. The delegation conducted an in-depth technical exchange and industrial tour in Dongying, Shandong Province. This visit not only signifies the comprehensive implementation of OPT's international technical cooperation strategy for its 20th anniversary but also stands as a landmark event in the deep integration of industry-academia-research collaboration between China and Europe in the energy and chemical sectors.

Industrial Exploration: Witnessing Technological Innovation and Green Transformation in China's Energy and Chemical Sector

During their stay in China, the expert delegation from the University of Maribor visited OPT's core R&D and production facilities, conducting a systematic review of technological innovation and sustainable development practices in China's oilfield chemical industry. At OPT's R&D Center, the guests were briefed in detail on proprietary achievements, including unconventional density cement slurry systems and medium-to-high temperature well cementing technologies. They highly commended OPT's technological breakthroughs in specialty oilfield chemistry. At the Shikou New Production Base, the delegation inspected the modernized smart production line and comprehensive quality control system, providing highly valuable professional guidance and optimization recommendations for the planning and construction of the production line. Furthermore, at the Shengli Oilfield Ecological Production Area, the guests gained firsthand insight into China's systematic practices in green extraction and ecological protection. Both parties engaged in profound discussions on the R&D and application of eco-friendly oilfield chemicals and pathways for low-carbon transformation.

The visit received strong support and high-level attention from relevant government departments in Dongying City. Wang Fujie, Deputy Director of the Dongying Municipal Science and Technology Bureau and Director of the Bureau of Foreign Experts; Xu Yan, Deputy Director of the Dongying Municipal Foreign Affairs Office; and representatives from the Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, the Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, and the High-Tech Entrepreneurship Center of Dongying Economic Development Zone held a thematic symposium with the delegation. Leaders at all levels extended a warm welcome to the experts, emphasizing that Dongying is continuously building a high-standard platform for opening up. By linking top-tier global research resources, the city aims to empower local enterprises with technological innovation and drive the deep integration of the regional economy with global industrial and innovation chains.

To maximize the effectiveness of technical exchanges, OPT leveraged its role as a vital bridge, partnering with renowned domestic universities—including China University of Petroleum, Qingdao University, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, and Shandong Institute of Petroleum and Chemical Technology—to organize multiple cross-border academic salons and technical matchmaking sessions. Focusing on frontier fields such as oilfield chemistry and new energy materials, all parties engaged in deep dialogues and reached multiple substantive cooperative intentions in joint scientific research, international talent cultivation, and faculty-student exchange programs. This has laid the foundation for a cross-border innovation ecosystem driven by a tripartite collaboration among "enterprises, universities, and foreign experts."

Founded in 1859, the University of Maribor is a premier public research university in Slovenia. Its motto, "Create Your Future," resonates profoundly with OPT's 20th-anniversary vision of "embarking on a new journey." This cross-border academic dialogue serves not only as a tribute to OPT's two decades of dedication to the energy and chemical sector but also as a brand-new starting point for both parties to face the future together and co-create value.

Standing at the new starting point of its 20th anniversary, OPT will continue to uphold its core values of teamwork, R&D innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. The company will deepen strategic cooperation with top-tier global universities and research institutions, continuously advancing cross-border technological synergy and global market expansion. Looking ahead, OPT will contribute Chinese wisdom and corporate strength to the sustainable, high-quality development of the global energy industry through world-class oilfield chemicals and solutions.