Innovation

Novel Construction Spring Session

More than 90 delegates from around the world took part in the Novel Construction Spring Session held on 16-17 April 2025 in Palermo, Italy.

16 speakers shared their presentations over the course of two days. The following subjects were presented on the first day:

- Unlocking Efficiency: Computer Vision and Machine Learning in Pipeline Construction *

Dariusz Ciesla & Adam Wisniewski, AI Clearing

- Casing Spacers and Rollers for Microtunneling Projects *

Michelangelo Blasi, Laurini

- Building Expertise in Energy Transition

Guido Bonfanti & Rinaldo Bellingeri, Sicim Spa

- Strohm’s Thermoplastic Composite Pipe, a Field-proven Offshore Solution Moving Onshore

Mathieu Feisthauer, Strohm

- Innovative Robotic Solutions for Sustainable Pipeline Construction and Coating

Dinko Cudic, Henkel / Stopaq

- Progress in the use of Hydrogen in Gas Turbines for Carbon Reduction

Jean-Luc Di Liberti, Solar Turbines before reconvening in Geneva on 12 June to finalise selections. The next meeting in Budapest will feature an HSE & CSR workshop on 28 October, addressing the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and strategies for Driving a Positive Safety Culture. The committee remains committed to fostering continuous improvement and innovation in health, safety, and corporate sustainability.”

- Energy Transition Under the Trump AdministrationCurrent State of Play in the US

Bill Olson, Gulf Companies

- The Regulations Applicable to Artificial Intelligence *

Virginie Colaiuta, LMS Legal LLP

A workshop was held in the afternoon and participants were divided into small working groups for brainstorming. The group discussions were related to the following subjects:

AI Transformation, Skills & Resources, Standard & Regulatory Material, Energy Transition and Net Zero Construction.

On the second day, the following presentations were made, before the conclusions from the workshop were presented:

- AI-Enhanced Digital Transformation in Construction Planning and Execution

Wissam Abu Taha, WorkPacks

- Eliminating Welding through the Use of High Pressure Coupling to enhance Net-Zero Pipeline Construction

Jason LaValley, LaValley Industries & Frank Moritz, Victaulic

- Reducing Carbon Footprint on Pipeline Jobs through Hydroseeding *

Rob Verwilligen, Finn Corporation

- The Cost of Energy Transition – Economic and Environmental

Abhay Chand, Petro IT

- Empowering the Future: The NEXTGEN Journey in IPLOCA

Ramzi Abunemreh, Consolidated Contractors Company

We would like to thank our generous sponsors: Mediapoint, Max Streicher S.p.A., LaValley Industries, Henkel, Hercules Pipe Tools Engineering, Maats Pipeline Professionals, J. Murphy & Sons Limited, Sicilsaldo S.p.A., SICIM S.p.A., Spiecapag, Vacuworx Global, LLC as well as all those who participated in the Novel Construction Spring Session. We look forward to our next session which is planned for 29-30 October 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. The hotel is yet to be defined.

* Articles on these initiatives are published in this newsletter. All the presentations are available on IPLOCA NEST.

News from the Innovation Committee

Somaieh Salehpour, Innovation Committee Chair

“The IPLOCA Innovation Committee has recently taken significant steps to strengthen innovation in pipeline construction. At the Novel Construction event in Palermo, over 90 attendees gathered to explore forward-thinking ideas and practical solutions. The session featured 13 presentations made by 16 speakers from IPLOCA members and innovators, addressing key industry challenges and showcasing new technologies.

News from the Energy Transition Committee

Andrew Ball, Energy Transition Committee Chair

“The Energy Transition Committee continues to play a pivotal role in supporting members as they navigate a rapidly evolving alternative energy landscape. As the global energy transition accelerates, driven by the pursuit of net-zero emissions alongside the need for energy security and economic growth, the committee's work is increasingly critical.

“Key technologies at the heart of this transition include Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) and hydrogen. CCUS is essential for reducing emissions from hard-to-abate industries, allowing for the continued use of traditional energy sources with minimised environmental impact. Simultaneously, hydrogen, particularly green and blue hydrogen, is emerging as a flexible, low-carbon energy

“A highlight of the event was the official launch of NEST - the new IPLOCA knowledge hub. IPLOCA NEST is designed to connect members with innovative technologies, share learnings, and encourage cross-industry collaboration and can be accessed via the IPLOCA website (IPLOCA NEST - IPLOCA). All presentations from the Novel Construction sessions are available on NEST, making it a valuable resource for members looking to stay informed and inspired.

“These efforts reflect the committee’s ongoing commitment to creating a collaborative space for innovation, promoting practical adoption, and driving continuous improvement in the pipeline industry.” carrier, enabling decarbonisation across a range of sectors from transportation to heavy industry. Together, CCUS and hydrogen are foundational pillars of a more sustainable and resilient global energy system.

“Success in advancing this landscape demands adaptability, technological innovation, and strong collaboration with clients and construction partners, as we work together to shape the future of sustainable energy.

“The Energy Transition Committee also serves as a central platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration through the ongoing committee work and sharing information on IPLOCA NEST, the Knowledge Hub. Our current focus areas include the promotion of new technical standards and procedures, environmental impact assessments, pipeline repurposing, and sustainable procurement practices. In addition, we are facilitating enhanced collaboration between owners, suppliers, and contractors to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of the next generation of energy infrastructure and pipelines.”

Iploca Nest

We are proud to present IPLOCA NEST, the Knowledge Hub!

As many of our challenges today cannot be solved by one company, knowledge sharing and collaboration are key to progress and staying competitive.

That’s why in April 2025, we launched IPLOCA NEST, a centralised platform for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in the energy and pipeline industry. The space is designed to connect our members, foster innovative solutions, and provide access to essential resources that drive progress and excellence across our community. Whether you’re seeking guidance, sharing expertise, or exploring new technologies, the NEST is your go-to resource for all things innovation.

Benefits of the innovation hub:

- Enhance Knowledge Sharing: Provide a central space for accessing industry insights, best practices, and case studies.

- Support Problem Solving: Match members with the right expertise for addressing industry challenges.

- Foster Collaboration: Connect members with shared interests to co-develop solutions and exchange ideas.

- Drive Visibility: Highlight success stories, innovation outcomes, and member contributions.

- Promote Industry Leadership: Position IPLOCA as a pioneer in fostering collaboration and driving innovation in the pipeline industry.

Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for our industry. As this is a members-only platform, our members have received a special password to access IPLOCA NEST on our website: www.iploca.com/nest/.

We warmly invite our members to explore and try out IPLOCA NEST!