Energy companies use cutting edge technology to extract hydrocarbons and other fuels from the ground. But there’s an overlooked tool these companies can use to fuel rapid growth in international markets, a tool that accelerates growth and also ensures the safety of key stakeholders.

This secret tool isn’t a new method for extraction or a new type of drill. Instead, it’s a human-centered solution many energy companies overlook: high-quality translation services.

The energy marketplace is global, crossing multiple country borders, cultures, and language. Effective communication on a daily basis is the only way to ensure energy companies keep running smoothly, particularly when partnering with people and organizations in powerhouse markets like China, the Middle East, and select African countries. The right translation services can accelerate growth for the exploration and production arms of any modern energy company.

Translation for safe production and processing of oil and gas

While the USA was the forerunner for many new energy extraction processes and technologies, these advancements are now being rolled out on a global scale.

But what many industry leaders overlook is that the operation and maintenance instructions for these new technologies will need to be translated into languages that the rest of the world can understand and utilize.

Without proper translation, these technologies may not be used to their full effectiveness. Worse yet, they could be used in ways that are not safe, leading to lost revenue or a loss of credibility for a global energy company.

Translation to streamline exploration and the creation of new partnerships

In order to isolate, extract, and process new energy sources, companies must work with local communities and governments. As more sophisticated technology is being used in developing nations to identify areas a potential drill sites, the need to ensure a peaceful relationship and negotiation with the local authorities is crucial.

One key example is Mozambique. This southeastern African nation is one of the poorer countries in the world, with little infrastructure and financial resources available.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), natural gas deposits recently discovered in Mozambique’s Rovuma basin have the potential to radically transform the country to a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, LNG exports are not likely to begin until after 2020. In addition to political and logistical challenges, the language barrier may also be a hurdle for international energy companies looking to break into this market. Mozambique is a multilingual nation with over 40 languages spoken, including Portuguese, a holdover from the colonial period.

By eliminating the language barrier, both the E&P stakeholders as well as the local governments can communicate clearly, keep workers safe, and negotiate a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Many developing countries are potential resources of hydrocarbons. But without the technology and expertise of the multinational corporations that are willing to invest in these areas, the economic benefits will never be realized.