Six of the best

O&G. Since IPLOCA was formed in 1966 what have been the most significant changes that the pipelining industry has witnessed?

JR. Safety health and environment have become forefront issues with pipeline owners rejecting tenders from companies with poor records in these areas. In many societies, directors of companies have responsibility for the health and safety of their employees. Injury or death resulting from negligence is a big matter. Many companies are taking these responsibilities seriously with considerable beneficial impact on the way the pipeline industry conducts its business. With globalisation, ease of travel and modern communications, many contractors are now working beyond their home borders with considerable success. Pipeline owners are more ready to speak about alternative contracting strategies than they were in 1966.

O&G. How does IPLOCA bring pipeline owners, engineers and contractors together to establish safety and planning procedures?

JR. Because of IPLOCA’s breadth across the contractor spectrum worldwide it acts as a clearing house for best practices among its members, addresses key areas of concern and helps owners and contractors reach harmony on safety and planning procedures. IPLOCA’s standing committee on Safety is active in these areas and the Association is strengthening its Safety Committee, accelerating its dialogue with owners in seeking our best practices and working on making safety non-proprietary. Through its Novel Construction Initiative, IPLOCA is working with owners to demonstrate the significant advantages of early contractor involvement in the planning of pipeline projects.

O&G. As the opportunities for larger and more ambitious projects arise, there is still the worry that the industry lacks qualified and skilled engineers. How much of an issue is this for IPLOCA and the pipelining industry and what is being done to address the problem?

JR. This is a huge issue for IPLOCA members as for all players in the pipeline industry. Various sectors of the industry have established initiatives to try to alleviate the problem. IPLOCA’s role is in the communication of these initiatives among its members, promoting involvement and identifying best practices.

O&G. If this gap is not plugged soon how serious will the skills shortage become for the industry in the long-term?

JR. We see this shortage as beginning to limit owner’s ability to schedule and complete projects at the speed they desire. The likelihood is that projects will be pushed back due to skill shortages across the board from project director to welder.

O&G. Today, what is the main impact of an ageing pipeline infrastructure and how does it affect regulations?

JR. There is a growing market for IPLOCA’s members in the rehabilitation of pipelines and certain members have been very innovative in developing appropriate techniques. The effect of ageing with regard to the regulatory process is that operating pressures of some of the older pipelines are being reduced until rehabilitation is completed.

O&G. And when it comes to corrosion, is it a case that prevention is the best cure? And what technologies out there make monitoring and maintenance easier?

JR. Prevention is certainly the best cure for corrosion. The materials used to coat pipelines today are very different from those used 20 years ago. Further, the development of padding machines has made better padding widely available and this too is an important weapon against corrosion.
IPLOCA’s role as a vendor-neutral umbrella organisation and forum for discussion and development is crucial as it strives to support and assist its pipeline construction industry members be successful.

As well as being President of IPLOCA, John Reed is also CEO of Heerema.

About IPLOCA

Founded in Paris in 1966, IPLOCA (International Pipeline and Offshore Contractors Association) provides a forum for members to share ideas, engage the industry, facilitate business opportunities and promote the highest standards in the pipeline industry. For further information, please visit: www.iploca.com.