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The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association’s (APGA) vision is to lead the sustainable growth in pipeline infrastructure for Australasia’s energy. APGA is a non-profit organisation formed to represent the interests of its members involved in: the ownership, operation, maintenance, design, engineering, supply and construction of pipelines, platforms and all other structures used in or in connection with the drilling for, extraction and transmission of hydrocarbons, solids, slurries and similar substances both onshore and offshore. As a single voice representing the collective interests of its members, APGA is dedicated to encouraging the extension and development of the industry.
The Australian Pipeliner is the official journal of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) and is distributed to members without charge and circulated to interested organisations throughout Australia and overseas. It is also available on subscription. The publishers welcome editorial contributions from interested parties. However, neither the publishers nor APGA accept responsibility for the content of these contributions and the views contained therein are not necessarily the views of the publishers or APGA. Neither the publishers nor APGA accept responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. All communications should be directed to the publishers.
From the CEO
Welcome to the March edition of The Australian Pipeliner. This year promises to be a big one for our industry. By the time you are reading this, we will be closer to knowing when the federal election will be – quite possibly in a campaign itself. Whatever the outcome of the election, I am confident in saying both sides of politics understand the critical role of natu-ral gas and the urgency in securing gas supply to ensure Australia has affordable and reliable energy in the decades ahead. Once the election is done, whoever is the Energy Minister will be very focused on action to ensure the forecast shortfalls are mitigated to the greatest extent possible.
Over the last couple of months, APGA’s advocacy has focused on the role of gas infrastructure in securing supply quickly. There is a clear need for infrastructure investment to provide the optionality, flexibility and storage needed to address changing market dynamics.
On top of that, further investment is required to meet the forecast demand for gas power generation in the 2030s and 40s. The Australian Energy Market Operator forecasts we need 13GW of new gas power generation in the decades ahead. That’s a lot of investment – equivalent to 19 Kurri Kurri projects – probably around $20 billion in power stations, pipeline connections and pipeline storage alone, plus several more billion for capacity upgrades across the East Coast Gas Grid. Again, APGA’s advocacy is engaging with the Federal Government’s Review of the National Electricity Market to make sure the right market signals will be in place to accelerate this investment.
APGA Secretariat
Registered Office:
7 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600
(PO Box 5416, Kingston ACT 2604)
T: +61 2 6273 0577
E: apga@apga.org.au
W: www.apga.org.au
ABN: 29 098 754 324
I’d like to close out this opening with recognition of one of the leaders of Australia pipeline industry. Wendy Oldham, CEO of SEA Gas, APGA Treasurer from 2017–2023, and Chair of the Australian Gas Industry Trust from 2022–2023, passed away surrounded by family in February. Wendy was a great supporter of the industry and the association throughout her career in the Northern Territory and South Australia, stepping away only due to illness, and will be missed by many. I am particularly mindful of the support she provided as Treasurer of the association while we navigated the financial impacts and risks of COVID-19 and her strong participation in APGA’s Owners Committee. Our thoughts are with her colleagues, friends and family.
STEVE DAVIES APGA CEO
Chief Executive Officer
Steve Davies
Head of Corporate Services
Dhammith Abeysuriya
National Policy Manager
Catriona Rafael
Head of Operations & Communications
Lawrence Shelton
Head of Engagement
Gayle Burns
Membership Officer
Katy Spence
Head of Corporate Affairs
Paul Purcell
Technical Advisor
Craig Bonar
Pluto LNG onshore gas plant. Image: Woodside
Australian Pipelines and Gas Association Chief Executive Officer Steve Davies touches on the critical role of gas as Australia heads towards the next federal election.
Mastering the complexities of marine construction
Commercial Marine Group has played a key role in repurposing and remediating pipeline and wharf structures in the Brisbane River.
With its origins in diving operations, Commercial Marine Group (CMG) has grown over a decade to become a marine construction company with teams of engineers, mariners and divers all over the country.
The business has engineering and project management capabilities, allowing it to offer crafted and innovative marine construction services from the design and feasibility stage, right through to delivery and inspection.
In 2019, CMG was appointed to remediate the structural piles supporting a Brisbane River pipeline, working with FSA Consulting Engineers (FSACE) to deliver the project.
In response to severe marine borer damage at the seabed level, CMG and FSACE developed an innovative jack-up pile replacement solution to restore deteriorated wharf structures while also maintaining full operational use.
A recent remediation project in the Brisbane River revealed widespread degradation in submerged timber piles, with advanced erosion concentrated at the seabed interface. Traditional repair methods, such as wraps and jackets, proved insufficient in addressing the core structural concerns.
CMG’s sonic echo testing technology enabled precise, non-destructive assessment of pile integrity, identifying defects without requiring invasive subsea investigations.
The jack-up pile method allows for the selective removal of compromised sections below the seabed, replacing them with highstrength steel piles.
The CMG team includes occupational divers, engineers, and marine plant operators, ensuring comprehensive and expert service delivery.
These are secured using scour protection bags – essentially fabric formwork grout bags, poured in-situ and patented by Scour Tech International. This protective system ensures long-term durability while preventing future erosion and marine borer ingress.
Successfully implemented by CMG, this cost-effective, minimally disruptive solution restored 80 per cent of piles in the structure. By extending asset lifespans and reducing operational downtime, CMG’s approach is redefining sustainable marine infrastructure remediation and is being widely recognised across industries, with the company becoming a finalist in this year’s Queensland Major Contractor Association’s Innovation and Excellence Awards.
Marine expertise
CMG is a specialist marine contractor focused on the remediation of marine structures. Over the past decade, CMG has worked with major asset owners in the resources sector, including BP, Ampol, Rio Tinto, and INPEX, to repair critical infrastructure.
“CMG is a turnkey solution provider, offering specialised plant and personnel for the installation and remediation of pipelines in both submerged and abovewater environments,” CMG
Engineering Director Nick Ayres told The Australian Pipeliner
“Our team includes occupational [commercial] divers, engineers, and marine plant operators, ensuring comprehensive and expert service delivery.
complex – technically or environmentally – then it’s exactly the sort of project that CMG is keen to take on.
“We’re here to solve these difficult problems for our clients. CMG prides itself in mastering
The work helped remediate structural piles supporting a pipeline that crosses the Brisbane River. Images: Commercial Marine Group
CMG is a specialist marine and coastal construction company.
Austrack has got your back
When it comes to water pipelines, Austrack Equipment has the background and experience to satisfy even the most demanding projects.
From its inception, Austrack has supplied specialised equipment to water pipeline projects all over Australia.
Numbered among the water pipelines it has provided equipment for are the Dungowan pipeline and the Murray River–Broken Hill pipeline in NSW, the FMG Ironbridge project in WA, and two pipelines in Queensland that are currently under construction – these being the Gladstone to Fitzroy pipeline and the Haughton Duplication pipeline.
Water pipelines can present some challenges beyond the usual encountered on other pipelines. Backfill specification presents as one.
Sand is the usual choice for pipe bedding material due to its superior compaction characteristics. But as it is imported material it needs to be transported to site, making it expensive. Additionally, conventional backfill techniques, where sand is dumped along the line and bucketed in as needed with an excavator, have the drawback of resulting in significant wastage, increasing the possibility of backfilling contamination, and the requirement for additional manpower and machines to complete the task.
Fortunately, Austrack Equipment’s customisation of the Trenchmaster EF450 Sandhopper addresses all of these issues. The integrated unit has a sandhopper holding 60 tonnes of sand which it receives directly from a delivery dump truck. It is operated remotely by a single operator. It moves inexorably at 5km per hour and the sand gets placed precisely where it needs to go by an accurate trench delivery paddle system.
to 30 per cent, the backfilling rate is accelerated, and manpower and machine requirements are reduced. All of this results in improved project economics.
Effective pipe handling is another major challenge with pipeline projects. Vacuum lifting technology has been widely adopted in this area due to safety and efficiency benefits.
As water pipeline projects spread throughout the country to keep up with rising urban populations, water pipeline contractors and their clients are looking to maximise productivity and safety.
Austrack’s SafeVac lifting systems have earned a stellar reputation in the pipeline industry for their ability to move pipe reliably at a rapid rate, all while keeping workers out of harm’s way.
these machines making their impressive debut on the $1 billion Gladstone to Fitzroy pipeline project.
The SV400 model incorporates the vacuum lifting system featuring a dual shoe on a spreader bar with a rear mounted vacuum pump and tank. All integrated into a tracked excavator. The finished result is a heavy-duty, high-performing vacuum lift ideal for largescale projects.
Austrack also recently launched the more manoeuvrable SV200 and is upscaling its fleet of these machines in 2025.
Integrated into a smaller wheeled excavator unit, the SV200 excels on projects where space is limited.
“A single shoe unit fitted to a wheeled excavator is ideally suited to handling a range of smaller diameter polyethylene pipes up to 2500kg,” Austrack Operations Manager Dylan Gamble told The Australian Pipeliner
“It is precise, nimble and adaptable and all the sophisticated datalogging that has made the SV400 so popular comes as standard on this smaller unit. All the safety and efficiency benefits of the SV400 are also available to users of the new unit.”
From the precise pipe bedding to efficient pipe handling, Austrack is delivering specialised equipment solutions to its partners in the water industry.
Austrack Equipment will attend the upcoming Ozwater 2025 which will be held in Adelaide at the Exhibition Centre from 20–22 May. The team can be found at stand Q08.
The SV200 in action. Images: Austrack Equipment
The Trenchmaster EF450 Sandhopper.
The success behind Steel Mains
The Australian Pipeliner takes a closer look at what makes Steel Mains the water pipeline powerhouse it is today.
While there may be opportunities to source cost-effective pipe materials from international suppliers, these options present a range of challenges for purchasers.
Steel Mains stands apart in the industry for its long history of local manufacturing and strong relationships with local raw material suppliers. Indeed, the company sources over 98 per cent sent of its raw materials from these suppliers. A partnership with Steel Mains is not just about purchasing a product; it’s an investment in a comprehensive solution, backed by an experienced workforce dedicated to meeting pipeline design needs.
Challenges posed by international suppliers, including extended lead times, flexibility in handling and storage, flexibility in production changes, quality assurance, product traceability and after sales support, are all minimised or eliminated when working with Steel Mains.
That’s why more companies are ensuring they keep their business in Australia, attracted by the surety and reliability of Australian manufacturing and supply chain security. Manufacturing locally provides flexibility of
While the name is no doubt already familiar to most in the pipeline industry, The Australian Pipeliner sat down with Steel Mains Chief Executive Officer Dean Connell to find out what exactly puts the company at the top of its game.
If you ask Connell, he’ll tell you it’s the end-to-end attention to detail the company offers its clients. Indeed, from consultation and design support, right through to delivery and the company’s reputable after-sales support, there isn’t an aspect of Steel Mains’ operations that isn’t meticulously thought-out.
A look under the hood
From two production facilities strategically located on either side of the country, Steel Mains can produce approximately 70,000–80,000 tonnes of steel pipe and fittings per annum.
Steel Mains is capable of delivering steel pipe from 114–2500mm in diameter, 5 –20mm in thickness and 6–13.5m in length, in various pressure class ratings up to PN42 for unrestrained (Sintajoint) and welded restrained (Sintalock) rubber ring joint pipe. The company also boasts fabrication, various
150-year service life, Steel Mains pipes mean business. The whole package is brought together by the company’s unique Sintakote corrosion protection coating, a premium fusion bonded polyethylene coating that can be applied to pipes and fittings.
Sintakote is a protective barrier coating that provides resistance to a wide range of aggressive soils – particularly acidic soils –compounds and chemicals, which safeguards the time-independent strength of steel. Research has shown that by following proper installation procedures, Steel Mains Sintakote steel pipeline systems can readily achieve operational lifetimes of more than 150 years. These pipes are also simple to assemble thanks to an innovative spigot-socket push-in jointing system, known as the Sintajoint rubber ring joint. These joints offer significant corrosion protection and high-pressure sealing for the pipe. With up to three degrees deflection and suitability for immediate backfilling, Sintajoint makes laying pipelines a cinch.
Sintalock is an additional level of protection that builds upon Sintajoint for specific applications. This joint provides a welded
Steel Mains’ successful involvement in large Australian water projects is attributed to its ability to supply high-quality, quick-to-install, longlife steel pipeline systems. Images: Steel Mains
lining and is designed for applications where cement mortar is not suitable, such as desalinated water, gravity sewers or drainage.
These jointing systems, which are available on all pipeline components and fittings, are highly tolerant to external shear loads and stresses caused by ground movement.
“Our Sintakote pipeline system and its Sintajoint jointing system are really the benchmark for water infrastructure projects in Australia, particularly where the client needs to de-risk the project, or where they are looking for a long-term asset design life,” Connell said.
Regional Authorities replaced sections of critical pipework in inner Melbourne suburbs that our forerunners manufactured in the late 1800s.
“This pipework was in highly congested areas of the city causing replacement to create major disruption to the community, so the local water authorities sought long-term security and long service life – and therefore turned to Steel Mains’ Sintakote steel pipeline system.
“The fact that the existing riveted steel pipework had been in service for more than 100
as a pipeline material. When combined with our latest technology and enhanced corrosion protection, Sintakote steel pipe will serve the city of Melbourne well into the 2100s.”
Supporting the Australian industry
Steel Mains also backs the industry with engineering support services that help optimise pipeline design, accredited pipe installation training, and onsite representatives to ensure seamless project execution.
“Being a local manufacturer, Steel Mains offers one of the fastest lead times possible,”
“Using Australian BlueScope steel allows us to commence a project within four to six weeks of the placement of an order. When compared to alternative imported materials, this presents an exceptional lead time and is of major benefit to our clients as we are wellequipped to deliver pipes on time or ahead
And when asset owners choose to work with Steel Mains, they are in turn backing the national manufacturing industry, which Connell called the strategic fabric of Australian society.
Customers know exactly what they’re getting when they work with Steel Mains. Every link in the chain is rock solid, delivered to the highest standards of quality and transparency.
Steel ready for pipe manufacturing at Steel Mains’ facility in Somerton, Victoria.
Steel Mains’ pipeline systems are meticulously designed and manufactured to ensure efficient installation and reliable operation.
Why kwik-ZIP is an ideal fit for water pipelines
Durability and intelligent design make kwik-ZIP spacers and centralisers a premium choice for contractors in the water industry.
Working within the water pipeline industry is challenging. On top of the intricacies of the work itself that contractors must complete, the industry maintains a high level of standards and only the highest quality products are approved for use.
kwik-ZIP centraliser and spacer systems number among these chosen few products approved for this industry. Its products have earned a reputation as reliable, cost-effective solutions for centralisation challenges in many different industries, including the pipeline industry. Designed with a focus on simplicity, durability, and rapid on-site assembly, kwikZIP systems deliver tangible time and cost advantages, making them an essential tool for contractors across Australia.
The company’s HD, HDX and HDXT ranges of spacers have been successfully appraised against the Water Services Association of Australia’s (WSAA) product specification for casing spacers (WSA PS-324). This standard covers casing spacers used to facilitate the insertion and protection of carrier pipes when installed inside encasement pipes.
WSAA plays an important part in the water industry by developing product specifications to ensure a high level of standardisation and performance in the industry.
More generally, all kwik-ZIP products are certified by the Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC) for use in contact with drinking water. Its products are also approved for use within many utilities’ infrastructure, including Melbourne Retail Water Association, South-East Queensland’s Infrastructure and Materials (IPAM) list, Sydney Water and the WA Water Corporation.
In fewer words, this means that contractors and asset owners can be sure that kwik-ZIP’s products meet rigorous industry standards.
“Our products are recommended, specified and used by pipeline and civil contractors, water and gas utilities, drilling companies and international engineering firms across the world,” kwik-ZIP General Manager Paul Jeffreys told The Australian Pipeliner
It’s the combination of robust and convenient design features that allow kwikZIP’s products to meet the cut. Unlike traditional metallic alternatives, kwik-ZIP’s non-metallic spacers and centralisers are impervious to rust. Engineered from a highperformance thermoplastic blend, they are highly resilient and include integrated rubber grip pads to prevent slippage, eliminating the need for pipe pre-wrapping.
The modular design of these spacers can also accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters.
HD spacers are available in four sizes, ranging from a 30mm bow up to a 100mm bow, and can be used for both vertical and horizontal applications.
The HDX and HDXT series spacers are designed for use on medium to heavy weight pipes in cased crossings. They can be utilised on a wide range of pipe material including steel DICL, HDPE, concrete and MSCL carrier pipes among others, minimising running friction between the carrier pipe and the casing during installation.
The HDX casing spacer comes in four runner heights, 38mm, 65mm, 90mm and 125mm. The HDXT casing spacer also comes in five runner heights, 43mm, 58mm, 63mm, 103mm and 153mm.
Low friction and abrasion resistance is a staple of all kwik-ZIP spacers that allows for longer run lengths and lower insertion forces. This reduces the size of machinery needed for installation, saving energy, money, and valuable space on-site. In fact, kwik-ZIP systems are designed for tool-free assembly, eliminating the need for specialised technicians and equipment altogether.
HD-50 spacers on DN560 HDPE into a DN700 mild steel pipe. Image: kwik-ZIP
SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY APPLICATION
GripTight ® Test & Isolation
Plugs
GripTight Test and Isolation Plugs have been installed countless times in a wide range of applications. Their patented designs combined with hardened components and single-body, uninterrupted seals make for field performance that’s second to none.
Whether you’re testing open end pipe, systems terminating in long radius elbows, testing flange welds or isolating lines you can count on the GripTight Family of Test & Isolation Plugs from Curtiss-Wright to perform above expectations, test after test.
• OD and ID solutions available
• Patented gripper design for increased safety in high-pressure applications
• Eliminates welding end caps for pressure testing pipe spools and piping systems
• Test flange-to-pipe welds without pressurizing entire systems
• Isolate & monitor upstream pressure and vapors during hot work
• Standard pressure ratings up to 15,000 PsiG (1034 BarG)
• ASME PCC-2 Type I, III & IV Testing Devices
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Unique solutions for unique water challenges
Crusader Hose discusses the advantages of layflat hose systems over HDPE pipe in water transfer applications.
In industrial operations where large-scale water transfer is essential, efficiency, durability and ease of deployment are key factors in choosing the right equipment.
Traditionally, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe has been the go-to solution, but layflat hose systems are proving to be a highly competitive alternative. By using quality Crusader Hose, industries can achieve improved efficiency, increased operational flexibility, and significant cost-savings. When combined with specially engineered reel systems deployment and retrieval become faster and more streamlined than ever before.
Rapid deployment and recovery
One of the most significant advantages of all three layflat hose types over rigid pipe is how easily and quickly layflat pipelines can be positioned. Designed to redefine efficiency and reliability, layflat hose has no welding or pipe handling and installation. Crusader Hose systems guarantee quick deployment and retrieval, thereby reducing labour and transport costs. Their ease of handling enables teams to respond swiftly to setting up pumping operations and ensuring uninterrupted dewatering.
Portability and adaptability
Layflat hose is relatively lightweight and flexible in design. Unlike rigid pipes – which are bulky and cumbersome to transport –with precision-engineered reel systems, layflat
hose can be easily rolled up, transported, and deployed in urban, remote or rugged mining environments. Layflat hoses conform to uneven terrain with ease, unlike HDPE pipes, which can require extensive groundwork to ensure installation down mine pit walls. Layflat hoses are flexible, and that flexibility allows the pipelines to navigate over and around obstacles, making them highly adaptable to a variety of complex layouts, from streetscapes to open-pit mines.
Durability and performance
Crusader Hose’s Aqualine (for potable water), Flexiline (for industrial applications), and Waterlord (for high-pressure mining environments) are constructed from durable materials, featuring high-tensile polyester
textile reinforcement and extruded thermoplastic polyurethane. Without textile reinforcement, HDPE pipes need to be very thick to handle high pressures. HDPE pipes are also susceptible to temperature derating as welded joints can pull apart at high temperatures. There is no such issue with layflat hose.
Flow efficiency and water hammer performance
The slight swelling of up to 10 per cent for a charged hose minimises friction loss, allowing for higher flow rates and better energy efficiency. Because layflat hose is elastomeric and thereby inherently flexible (unlike HDPE pipe), water hammer effects are reduced.
Hamersley Reel System deploying up to 200m of hose. Images: Crusader Hose
Crusader Hose’s Bayswater 1000 series.
This equates to lower pressure amplitudes as well as a speedier dampening out of the pressure waves.
Cost efficiency
Compared to rigid pipes, layflat hose systems are more cost-effective. Lightweight design reduces transportation costs, and lengths of up to 300m reduces the need for welding.
Additionally, layflat hose can be retrieved and redeployed to other sites reducing replacement expenses over time.
Environmental impact
In addition to being reusable and reducing plastic waste, layflat hoses contribute to environmentally sustainable and responsible business practices.
Rehabilitation costs to remove bulky poly pipes, as well as the costs associated with cleaning up HDPE plastic waste, need to be considered when choosing pipeline systems. Layflat hose can be easily wound up and redeployed after more than 20 years of use.
Versatility
Layflat hose is compatible with a wide range of pumps and dewatering systems, making them a versatile choice for dewatering operations of all scales. They can handle varying flow rates and pressures, allowing operators to customise their dewatering solutions to specific site requirements.
Adopting layflat hose in a variety of operations can represent a significant step forward in efficiency, reliability, and costeffectiveness. Their portability, durability, and adaptability make them a practical solution for managing water in many environments. As interest in finding alternative solutions continues to evolve, layflat hose is set to play an increasingly important role in ensuring safe and profitable operations while minimising environmental impact.
The Argyle Reel System in use for quarry dewatering.
How Pipeline Plant Hire is backing the water industry
The Australian Pipeliner sat down with Pipeline Plant Hire to discuss the recipe behind the company’s success in the water infrastructure industry.
While demand for water is increasing, there is only a fixed amount available. In response to this growing need, water corporations are looking to significantly increase distribution networks and the efficiency of these systems.
Part of this challenge is delivering water pipeline projects quickly, safely and effectively. Vacuum lifting technology plays a critical role in achieving this end.
Pipeline Plant Hire (PPH) has been in the vacuum lifting space for over 20 years, cutting its teeth working with the likes of Iplex and Vinidex – relationships still ongoing to this day.
“Our strength has always been in the ability to craft the correct solution to long-standing and all too readily accepted inefficiencies in the vacuum lifting market,” business partner Global Pipeline Equipment’s Matt Dridan told The Australian Pipeliner
“The first thing we do is figure out what the project is, what the client is trying to achieve, and what kind of terrain they’re working in. From there we can design and supply the best piece of equipment for the job.”
While PPH machinery is known for its quality, this excellent performance is secondary to safety when it comes to design philosophy.
“Tragically, lives have been lost in the pipeline industry, and they sit at the forefront of our minds every time we review a design,” Dridan said.
“First and foremost, our equipment is designed to protect lives, and secondary to that has emerged greater efficiencies and enormous advances in pipeline assembly.”
PPH vacuum lifts have several innovative design features that allow it to deliver these results for clients.
“Our vacuum lifts are able to deliver the forces required to assemble pipe in situ, and in so doing, vastly increase efficiency and safety in pipeline assembly,” Dridan said.
“This is supported by a guidance system that helps guide the pipes together for assembly for O-ring joint types.
“This guidance system eliminates the need for ground crew to be in or near the trench in harm’s way.”
For heavy-duty pipeline projects, PPH offers vacuum lifts integrated into excavator host bodies. These machines have the greatest lifting capabilities and are ideal for dedicated pipeline projects.
The company also offers a quick-hitch attachment type, which is a vacuum lift that can be easily affixed to third party excavators. These attachments have a lifting capacity of 15 tonnes and, weighing only around 750kg, are much cheaper to freight across the country than a dedicated machine.
Unique to its vacuum lift fleet, PPH also incorporates a boost reservoir system as a failsafe.
“Our machines have oversized vacuum supply systems and in the event of power failure, our valves will automatically deliver vacuum to the load.
“They also have multiple layers of alerts for low vacuum warning, such as audio and visual alarms for operator and ground crew.
“Our vacuum lifts are built to thoroughly exceed Australian safety standards, because there are no second chances with lifting.”
Simplicity in design makes the machinery serviceable by the average worker, ensuring it can keep operating in even the most remote locations.
Images: Pipeline Plant Hire
While PPH first found success in the coal seam gas industry, in recent years the company has seen significant traction in the water industry, specifically in treatment, distribution and irrigation.
“The water market has really cottoned on to the vacuum lift and has been making great use of it. This has resulted in some great gains in efficiency and safety in so doing,” Dridan said.
“Several major water utilities such as Melbourne Water, Adelaide Water and SA Water have had some big projects that have been delivered with the help of our vacuum lifts.”
When asked the reason behind the water industry’s appetite for vacuum lifts, Dridan said it was all to do with the unique advantages offered by the machines.
“Safety is the number one factor for water authorities. Vacuum lifting offers a rare opportunity for both safety and efficiency to increase exponentially,” he said.
“Through effective use of a vacuum lift, no one is working at heights, and no one is working at depths – the two dangerous extremes.”
In addition to its vacuum lift capabilities, PPH offers a host of custom-designed material handling solutions, such as coil handlers and scrap pipe cutters.
“We have the ability to develop and provide material handling solutions for emerging challenges in the pipeline industry. That’s what we’ve sought to do and deliver on for many years now.”
All PPH machinery is designed to be simple, serviceable, and robust.
Calling in the big guns
Tesmec trenchers are helping to deliver a major water project in northern Italy.
The Canavese aqueduct, one of the most ambitious projects in Italy’s modern history, promises to be a game-changer for the region of Piemonte, in the north of Italy. This monumental infrastructure serves 50 municipalities across a 150km stretch, costing over 250 million euros ($411 million). At its heart lies a low environmental impact drinking water plant located in Locana, Turin.
The Canavese aqueduct is an essential solution in addressing the growing threat of climate change. By utilising water from mountain reservoirs, it ensures a steady and sustainable supply of drinking water while offering a critical safeguard for farmers facing unpredictable weather patterns. The infrastructure represents a reliable and resilient lifeline for local communities, ensuring they have access to clean water even during periods of extreme drought.
The Tesmec solution
Building such a massive system comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in the excavation and installation of pipelines. This is where cutting-edge trenching technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success.
Tesmec, a leading provider of trenching equipment, stepped up to support the project with its advanced machinery. Tesmec supplied two powerful chainsaw trenchers –the 1150 EVO CS and the 985 CS – to handle the arduous task of digging the trench for the water pipes.
These solutions are designed to tackle tough excavation conditions with efficiency, precision, and reliability. This double machine approach was necessary due to the changing pipe sizes and road widths.
The process involves a two-step excavation. Initially, the trench is dug to a depth of 60cm, and the crushed material is collected. The second step deepens the trench by another 140cm, ultimately reaching a depth of approximately 2m. This approach ensures that the trench is excavated with precision and the material is efficiently managed for other purposes, avoiding waste and reducing costs.
Advantages in pipeline projects
Tesmec trenchers offer several distinct advantages that make them an ideal choice for such a challenging project. First and foremost, their efficiency allows a single trencher to outperform a fleet of traditional excavators. This results in reduced logistics, lower fuel consumption, and less manpower, all of which contribute to significant cost savings. Tesmec trenchers also boast impressive reliability, ensuring that the excavation process continues uninterrupted, even under extreme conditions. With the ability to perform in rock and asphalt conditions, Tesmec machinery is a valuable asset in long-distance projects like the Canavese aqueduct.
Another key benefit is versatility. These machines can operate in a wide variety of environments – from urban to rural areas –with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area. This is particularly important when working on infrastructure projects that affect local communities, as it reduces noise and space disruption.
Another feature of Tesmec trenchers is the high level of precision they offer. Thanks to advanced technology, such as TrenchTronic 4.0, Tesmec machines guarantee that the trench is of consistent depth and width, with smooth bottoms and vertical walls.
Additionally, the material excavated is immediately loaded onto trucks via a conveyor, eliminating the need for further handling and cutting costs.
Tesmec’s 1875XL EVO.
Tesmec’s 1150 EVO. Images: Tesmec
This attention to detail and efficiency allows the project to progress smoothly, minimising delays and ensuring a timely completion.
Beyond operational efficiency, Tesmec’s technology contributes significantly to cost reduction. Fewer machines are required, and manpower is minimised, leading to lower logistics expenses, fuel costs, and easier site management. Moreover, the equipment’s advanced features – like remote monitoring, GPS guidance systems, and self-diagnosis –enable real-time project tracking, ensuring that every step is recorded and managed with precision.
Safety and sustainability are also at the forefront of Tesmec’s technology. By reducing the number of machines and personnel on-site, the risk of accidents is minimised, while also decreasing the project’s overall carbon footprint.
The energy-efficient design of Tesmec trenchers ensures lower fuel consumption, and the reduced noise levels help protect local communities and wildlife from unnecessary disruption. These features help to make projects more sustainable.
Introducing the 1875EVO XL
For even more demanding projects, Tesmec pushes the boundaries of trenching technology with the introduction of the 1875XL EVO.
This revolutionary chainsaw trencher is designed to handle large-diameter pipelines in even the harshest conditions. With its 950HP engine, this is the only solution in the world reaching trenching widths of 84 inches (213 cm) and depths of up to 24 feet (732 cm).
This state-of-the-art machine is engineered for efficiency and performance, capable of adapting to both double and triple chain boom configurations. The 1875XL EVO is a testament to Tesmec’s commitment to innovation, offering unparalleled productivity, reduced maintenance costs, and superior performance in abrasive rock conditions.
Equipped with the latest technology, such as TrenchTronic 5.0 and Smart Tracker, the 1875XL EVO monitors and records every aspect of the excavation process. This level of traceability ensures that every decision is based on accurate, real-time data, leading to better project management and results.
Tesmec trenchers deliver consistent depth and width.
Why HDPE pipe is a great fit for water
As the world moves toward more sustainable infrastructure, HDPE has become a material of choice for piping systems designed to last a lifetime while remaining reliable and leak-free.
Since the 1960s, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping systems have delivered leak-free, long-lasting water infrastructure worldwide, with a growing presence in many large- and small-diameter construction applications. It is cost-effective and can be installed in a number of environments, such as densely populated urban areas, that would prove difficult for traditional piping systems.
In particular, HDPE’s corrosion resistance and longevity makes it especially appealing for water applications.
“HDPE piping systems are superbly suited for potable water applications because their corrosion-resistant material and heat-fused, leak-free joints ensure that water quality remains uncompromised over decades of use,”
McElroy Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Jim Johnston said.
“Their flexibility, durability, and ease of installation not only reduce maintenance costs but also provide a sustainable, cost-effective solution for modern water distribution networks.”
Pipe bursting was used with this Duluth, Minnesota project to replace a 6-inch cast iron pipe with a new 12-inch HDPE water main. Images: McElroy
Working with water
The benefits of HDPE in water applications go beyond corrosion and longevity. When butt-fused according to standard, the joint formed by the fusion becomes as strong – or stronger – than the pipe itself.
When properly fused, HDPE doesn’t leak, so the risk of contamination from outside forces is eliminated. In addition, thermoplastic pipe does not support biological growth like other piping materials, and its chemical resistance make it a popular choice in wastewater and mine tailings applications.
According to the Plastics Pipe Institute, the polyethylene pipe industry estimates a service life for HDPE pipe to conservatively be 50–100 years, providing a tremendous savings in maintenance, both in terms of time, replacement parts, and wasted water.
With thermoplastic pipe, installation methods go beyond traditional trench-digging and often include trenchless methods, such as horizontal direction drilling (HDD), pipe bursting, slip-lining, and more. Eliminating the need for a trench not only reduces the amount of manpower needed for installation but also minimises the disruptions around the site.
In the field
In the United Kingdom, butt-fused HDPE was the material of choice for an expansive wastewater project to increase capacity for a new housing development.
The project was split into two phases. The first involved installing 10km of 560mm SDR11 through SDR17 polyethylene to connect new housing to the existing wastewater works. In its UK debut, the Tritan™ 560 from McElroy was used to perform the fusions.
Once the first phase was completed, fusion work began on the second phase, which
consisted of 160m of 560mm of SDR11 pipe slip-lined into a concrete ducting. To accomplish this, the machine itself was lowered into a pit that sat 10m below level ground.
The machine was put into the pit using an on-site crane and lowered down by the three lifting points on the machine.
“On this part of the project, the excavation and tunneling didn’t allow for a TracStar® to be placed into the pit,” Gareth Coley, a pipefitter for project sub-contractor Thermofuse said.
“The depth of the pit also meant that an in-ditch system would not be able to work. The only machine that was able to butt fuse within the confined space was the Tritan.”
Fused HDPE also played a large role in a waterway improvement project in Launceston, Tasmania. Recently, the Launceston City Deal was established to improve the health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary. As part of that effort, initiatives were launched to deliver infrastructure upgrades and pathogen reduction.
It is one of the largest projects of its type in the southern hemisphere, the improvements included construction of a new sewer line, requiring two river crossings and a trenched section completed using 900mm and 1000mm SDR11 HDPE pipe.
The first river crossing consisted of 700m of 900mm SDR11 pipe that was installed 40m below the riverbed using HDD.
An additional 400m of pipeline connecting the two river crossings was installed and backfilled in preparation for the second river crossing.
Two fusion machines – McElroy’s TracStar – were on-site to perform the fusions for this project job, with a smaller TracStar 900 Series 2 used by a second contractor to weld the 900mm pipe used in the river crossing.
The McElroy connection
According to McElroy, the benefits of HDPE when compared to traditional pipe materials are clear: lower costs, longer lifespan, and fewer leaks. But a pipeline is only as good as its installation, and McElroy equipment is designed to boost operator efficiency while also meeting the extreme demands of each specific job site.
In each of the projects above, operators and project managers praised their McElroy machinery for its rugged reliability, adding that their project timelines were met – or even beaten – thanks in part to the efficiency added by the equipment.
McElroy’s machine lineup spans a wide range of features, both for trenchless and inditch applications. TracStar machines are selfcontained and self-propelled, allowing them to be driven directly to the job. In the case of these trenchless water projects, the TracStars eliminated the need for additional heavy machinery to move the machines from one place to another.
In addition to its fusion machine lineup, McElroy’s DataLogger® 7 allows fusion technicians to log all parameters of each fusion, providing an added layer of accountability. That data is stored in the McElroy Vault™, a powerful cloud-based tool that allows for instant, credentialed access to the fusion information from anywhere in the world. That extra layer of oversight – and peace of mind that each joint was fused correctly – is an invaluable addition to infrastructure that serves thousands of people each day.
The world’s water systems are changing. Conservation and efficiency are becoming a top priority worldwide. Along with qualified operators, McElroy remains a leader in ensuring that the HDPE water lines installed today will last for generations to come.
This Tritan 560 was lowered into a pit to complete fusions for a water infrastructure project in central England.
A higher standard for safer electrofusion
As the demand for PE pipe continues to surge across Australia, ensuring that installation practices, particularly electrofusion welding, meet the highest safety and performance standards has never been more critical.
Across Australia, polyethylene (PE) pipe is increasingly being adopted for vital infrastructure. From water and sewerage systems to gas networks and irrigation, the versatility and performance of PE piping makes it a logical choice for many projects. However, along with that growth comes the pressing need to ensure installation meets the highest and safest best-practice standards –particularly for electrofusion welding.
The Plastics Industry Pipe Association (PIPA) recognised the risks when installers don’t have clear guidance. While PIPA’s established guideline (POP001) has long been the benchmark for safe, reliable electrofusion, its new companion document, POP001A,
Why the updated guidelines matter
Over the years, PIPA’s guidelines have been invaluable in ensuring consistent and safe PE pipe installations. Yet, with the industry expanding, feedback from installers indicated a need for more practical, in-the-field clarity. POP001A responds by breaking down electrofusion –from basic pipe preparation through to final cooling checks – into clear, easily digestible segments.
“From our work on the new guidelines, we focused on making them as practical and accessible as possible,” Vinidex Technical Manager Lucy Croker said. “We know that when operators have clear, step-by-
By following these new guidelines, installers can avoid common pitfalls, such as neglecting proper scraping of the pipe surface or rushing through critical cooling times. PIPA also reiterates in both POP001 and POP001A that only certified welders should perform electrofusion, aligning with AS/NZS 2033 and requiring PMBWELD302E accreditation.
The importance of proper training
Even the most comprehensive documents won’t replace practical experience. If contractors don’t understand the purpose behind each step, especially under job-site pressure, it’s easy to cut corners. To address this, Vinidex partners with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), offering courses that align directly with PMBWELD302E requirements.
These training programs walk participants through the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of correct pipe preparation, tooling, and welding procedures. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about giving installers confidence when they work on critical pipeline infrastructure. Understanding the new guidelines in tandem with accredited training helps maintain industry standards and mitigates the risk of failures or re-work.
Vinidex has long been an advocate for safer, more efficient practices. By working closely with PIPA – especially on the development and review of guidelines –Vinidex helps ensure that everyone in the supply chain, from welders to project managers, benefits from the latest technical advances and best-practice recommendations.
“We’re seeing electrofusion techniques passed down informally, which can lead to mistakes and poor techniques being reinforced,” Vinidex Specification and Technical Manager Alistair Woolfe said.
“By working with training providers such as TAFE and reinforcing best-practice standards, we ensure students have the right foundations in welding.
“Electrofusion technology has evolved, and the risk of mistakes rises without a clear understanding of updated methods. Our goal is to give trainees the knowledge and skills they need to consistently achieve safe, reliable welds.”
Vinidex Specification Manager Sam Sloan showing the evolution of Friamat Electrofusion Units. From the first unit (in pale green) introduced in 1972 progressing up to the latest release of the new Friamat Workflow enabled generation 9 unit. Images: Vinidex
Balancing technology and best practice
Of course, updated guidelines become even more effective when supported by reliable equipment. While POP001A takes centre stage, Vinidex also recognises the importance of advanced electrofusion systems, like FRIATEC’s ‘Free Tech’. Features such as exposed-wire fittings and app-based monitoring help installers keep track of key data, reinforcing correct welding parameters and minimising errors.
Still, technology alone can’t guarantee a durable joint – competent personnel, rigorous adherence to best practices, and proper training remain essential to achieving safe, long-lasting outcomes.
Projects of all sizes can benefit from welltrained welders following well-articulated guidelines. In fact, contractors who adopt the new POP001A recommendations alongside accredited training frequently report a smoother process, fewer installation hiccups, and reduced warranty claims. For asset owners, minimising downtime and unexpected failures isn’t just about saving
money – it’s also about ensuring the consistent delivery of services that communities rely on.
The combination of PIPA’s updated guidelines (POP001/POP001A) and hands-
Vinidex crew have their eyes on a safer future.
Belmont desalination plant works begin
Construction has commenced on Hunter Water’s biggest water infrastructure project since the upgrade of Grahamstown Dam.
The first sod has been turned at the site set to become Hunter Water’s new Belmont desalination plant.
Once operational, the NSW plant will convert seawater to drinking water through a process known as desalination. The plant will intake seawater from a pipeline roughly 1km offshore, with the water then undergoing pretreatment and reverse osmosis to eliminate salt and other particles. Finally, the fresh water will be treated to meet Australian drinking water standards.
Approximately 42 per cent of seawater becomes drinking water in a typical desalination process. The remaining seawater concentrate is pumped back into the sea, where it dispersed using specially designed diffusers which return the seawater concentrate to normal salinity levels.
The $530 million plant is expected to add up to 30 million litres per day of rainfallindependent water supply to the Lower Hunter’s water system. This accounts for roughly 15 per cent of the region’s average daily water needs.
Critically, this will help improve the resilience of the overall system and reduce the rate that water storages deplete in severe drought by roughly six months.
In celebration of the construction, Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary was pleased to welcome Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley and Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz to the Belmont site.
“This project will shore up a quality water supply for our growing region,” Catley said.
“There has been strong community calls for a reliable, safe and sustainable water source and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.
“I am pleased the construction phase will support many local jobs over the next four years and once operational, the plant will be powered by renewable energy.”
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said she was pleased to see work commence on such significant infrastructure for the region.
“The Lower Hunter is part of the largest regional economy in the nation. However, it faces heightened vulnerability to drought,” she said.
“This $530 million investment will bolster the region’s resilience and improve its capacity to manage drought risks in the future.
“Desalination offers the significant benefit of being a water source that doesn’t rely on rainfall, so it can provide a safe and reliable supply, regardless of the climate.
Members of NSW Government and Hunter Water turned the first sod in December 2024. Images: Hunter Water
The site of the planned Belmont desalination plant.
“It’s great to see Hunter Water move into the construction phase, advancing efforts to meet the region’s growing needs in an everchanging climate.”
NSW experienced a severe drought from 2017–2020, leading the government to –among a number of other measures – develop the Lower Hunter water security plan to ensure future water security in the region.
Currently, in a severe drought, Lower Hunter storage levels can drop to critical levels in about three years. If a drought continues longer, the region could run out of water. A changing climate and population growth also present a challenge to the current system. But the whole-of-government plan seeks to avert this scenario by mapping out an approach to water security for the next 40 years.
Getting the priorities in order
First and foremost, the water security plan prioritises ensuring safe drinking water, which Hunter Water will achieve through catchment management and maintaining a multiplebarrier approach to water supply.
The second priority is to make the most of what’s available. Here, the water corporation is increasing investment to support the Lower Hunter community to reduce water use by an ambitious 17 per cent, in addition to investing in reducing network leaks. This will be further supported by increasing recycled water use by 1.3 billion litres through a range of initiatives and continuing to share water with the Central Coast via the HunterCentral Coast connection.
Thirdly, Hunter Water is looking to improve the resilience of the system through new infrastructure such as the Belmont desalination plant and the planned Lostock Dam-Glennies Creek Dam pipeline, both of which will increase water supply to the region.
The final priority focuses on strategic water planning which bears in mind the cultural and communal value of the resource.
With construction of the Belmont desalination plant already kicked off, Hunter Water is already on its way to delivering longterm water security to the region.
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We specialise in applying our induction technology to solve seemingly intractable problems.
Induction bending of pipe up to DN900, wall thicknesses up to 100mm.
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Onsite induction bending (large diameter high volume projects)
Cold field bending machines also available for hire (up to DN1200)
A render of the constructed plant.
Revolutionising safe digging with vacuum excavation
Vermeer Australia is helping to deliver pipeline projects around the country with its fleet of vacuum excavation machines
Vacuum excavation has transformed the way contractors expose underground utilities, offering a safe and efficient alternative to traditional digging methods. By using high-pressure water or air to break up soil, this method ensures that critical infrastructure such as gas, water, electricity, and communication lines remain undamaged.
With the increasing complexity of underground networks beneath roads and footpaths, vacuum excavation has become a must have for contractors. However, not all machines deliver the same performance or come with the same backup. That’s where Vermeer Australia stands out.
In today’s fast-moving industry, contractors don’t have the luxury of waiting months for equipment. Projects kick off quickly, and any downtime can lead to costly delays. Vermeer Australia eliminates these challenges by offering ready-to-go vacuum excavation machines ranging from 2000L to 7600L capacities, ensuring customers are equipped no matter the job size.
Vermeer Australia’s expert sales team takes the time to understand its customers’ needs, recommending the best machine to enhance efficiency, minimise disruptions, and boost profitability.
Built for performance
Vermeer’s vacuum excavation machines are designed for durability and efficiency, featuring quality components, such as:
• High performance engines from trusted manufacturers like John Deere, Kubota, and Yanmar to ensure reliability
• Premium root blowers with a dual oil bath system protect both gears and bearings, unlike competitors that use grease on one side, increasing the risk of costly failures.
Handling heavy, mud-filled hoses can slow workers down, while blockages in traditional booms lead to wasted hours. Vermeer’s telescopic boom system is designed to tackle these common issues head-on.
The widening hose design, which starts at five inches and expands to eight inches, ensures that any blockages occur in the smaller section for quick and easy clearing. Other machines use a uniform diameter, making blockages harder to manage.
Operators can use a remote control to lower the boom to chest height, clearing obstructions in seconds without leaving the site. With 270-degree rotation, Vermeer booms provide superior manoeuvrability, making excavation faster and more efficient.
Levelling up operations
Vermeer vacuum excavation machines come packed with smart innovations, including reserve flow technology. Blockages are inevitable, but Vermeer’s reverse flow system clears them in seconds at the flip of a lever
An operator-focused design rounds out these machines. Features such as in-tank cleanout systems, intuitive controls, safety enhancements, and precise water pump PSI-to-litre ratios make Vermeer machines easy to use and maintain. Some models even include weight scales to keep the truck compliant with legal road limits.
For more than 20 years, Vermeer Australia has been a leader in vacuum excavation equipment, providing contractors with top-tier equipment designed for Australian conditions.
Vermeer’s vacuum excavation machines are designed with durability and efficiency in mind.
Images: Vermeer Australia
One of Vermeer Australia’s vacuum excavation machines.
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Welding powerhouse finds a home
ArcPro Welding Services shared with The Australian Pipeliner how it will be expanding its capabilities for piping and fabrication, and plans for larger projects are on the cards for 2025.
Queensland-based ArcPro Welding Services is preparing for an exciting new chapter in 2025, with plans to expand both its operations and service offerings.
Known for its reliable and flexible mobile welding solutions, ArcPro is set to open a dedicated workspace in the Toowoomba region, allowing the team to better accommodate off-site welding and fabrication projects.
Since launching, ArcPro has focused on providing welding services across Queensland, operating from a custom-built welding truck. This mobile-first approach has been key to reaching clients in remote areas, offering specialised services that might otherwise be out of reach.
Now, with growing demand, ArcPro’s Directors Cory Hill and Chantal Zander are excited to expand their capacity while maintaining the personalised service the company is known for.
The new Toowoomba facility, expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2025, will give ArcPro the space needed to handle larger and more complex projects without compromising their mobile capabilities.
“Our goal is to offer more flexibility,” Zander said. “The workspace will allow us to take on projects unsuitable for mobile work, while still being able to serve clients on-site.”
The facility will operate by appointment, ensuring that ArcPro can continue to provide tailored solutions while staying focused on its core mobile services.
While 2025 brings exciting new opportunities, ArcPro’s recent work highlights the team’s steady growth and ability to adapt to a wide range of projects.
ArcPro was brought in to assist a client with their first fabricated pipeline package – a 6km MSCL slurry line.
ArcPro provided the welding expertise required and completed the project ahead of schedule, with no repairs needed.
“We were happy to help the client get their project over the line,” Hill said. “It’s always rewarding to deliver a job that meets expectations and helps the client move forward.”
ArcPro also played a key role in a reverse flow pipeline installation at a compressor station in North Queensland.
The project involved fabricating and welding one-inch spools, installing a 14-inch pipeline, and completing structural welding throughout the facility.
In addition to pipeline work, ArcPro continues to diversify its offerings to better serve the industry.
For example, the team provided spool welding services for a manufacturer of used oil processing units.
This partnership also led to research and development work, supporting the introduction of prototypes into the mining industry.
Across these projects, the focus has always been on delivering quality results while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and efficiency.
“We take pride in keeping our equipment well-maintained and staying current with industry standards,” Zander said.
“It’s important to us that our clients feel confident in the work we provide.”
ArcPro offers a wide range of services, including welding supervision, procedure development, pressure welding, and general fabrication.
At the heart of everything it does is a commitment to quality, safety, and building lasting relationships with its clients.
“We’ve dedicated years to honing our skills, and we’re always striving to improve,” Hill said.
“What matters most to us is delivering reliable, efficient welding services that our clients can count on.”
Built on the same principles of hard work, quality craftsmanship, and a client-first approach that has defined the company from the start, with the new Toowoomba facility and a growing list of projects, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for ArcPro Welding Services.
ArcPro’s brand new shed. Images: ArcPro
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Pollards packing tuff
Through its Pack Tuff bags, Pollard’s Sawdust Supplies provides customers with an economical and reliable solution.
Based in Plenty, Victoria, Pollard’s Sawdust Supplies provides a reliable solution for pipeline bedding, and its Pack Tuff bags are supplied with timely service and competitive pricing.
Established in 1968, Pollard’s Sawdust Supplies has processed, packaged and distributed wood shavings and sawdust across Australia for more than 55 years, with no signs of stopping.
The company’s primary material is sustainably sourced Australian softwood and hardwood fibres, and its eco-friendly products are biodegradable and chemical free.
Pollard’s Pack Tuff bags are both durable and uncompromising, essential factors in facilitating multiple re-uses in the heavy-duty pipeline industry.
Light, yet hard-wearing and resilient, the Pack Tuff bags are an ideal solution for protecting assets, not only on-site but also during transportation of the pipes and for storage in laydown yards.
Pollard’s Director Peter Brennan said this is a strong point of difference with the product.
“The Pack Tuff bags can withstand a lot of hammering,” he said.
“Companies choose our bags because they can take significant rough handling on site.”
Pack Tuff bags are ideal for medium-to-longterm storage, for reliable transport applications, and for supporting pipes up off the ground.
The bags are also available in three convenient sizes to suit all diameters of pipes and will not explode under the weight of the pipe, with the largest Pack Tuff bags able to withstand up to 15 tonnes.
By comparison, hessian bags can deteriorate and tear easily which will render them useless; therefore, a tough, durable, heavy-duty product like Pack Tuff is essential to allow for multiple re-uses, particularly in a heavy industry such as pipelines. Sawdust filled Pack Tuff bags are far lighter than alternative options such as sandbags, and this allows for easier maneuverability and lowers risk from an occupational health and safety perspective.
Providing a flexible service, Pollard’s freight its Pack Tuff bags across Australia with pallets arriving on-site stretch-wrapped and weatherproof.
The bags have been used on numerous projects around the country involving companies such as McConnell Dowell, Steel Mains, MPC Kinetic, Spiecapag, John Holland, and Nacap, with many more on the way in 2025.
These projects include the Victorian Desalination Plant, Northern Gas Pipeline, Lake Way Gas Pipeline and currently the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline in Queensland. Pack Tuff bags were also used on the Wentworth to Broken Hill Pipeline, for which Pollard’s provided 25,000 bags.
In addition to the Pack Tuff bags, the company supplies a number of other hard and softwood products Australia-wide.
These include a variety of chemical free and graded sawdust products which can be used for a range of applications in addition to pipe bedding, such as animal bedding, absorbing oil and chemical spills, horticultural applications, and as a composite component for a multitude of end products.
The team at Pollard’s pride themselves on providing quality Australian sawdust and wood shavings products, which is why their customers keep coming back.
Pack Tuff bags won’t balloon under pressure and support all manner of pipe dimensions.
Pollard’s remains the distributor of choice for pipe transport solutions around Australia.
Images: Pollard’s Sawdust Supplies
WE CAN DO THIS THE EASY WAY, OR WE CAN DO THIS THE EASY WAY.
Need a pipe handling system to make your job faster, safer and easier? At Pipeline Plant Hire we have two flexible solutions ready to go. Hire and attach a PL1500 to your machine, or hire a fully-equipped VL machine as an efficient, all-in-one solution. All our vacuum lifter are capable of safely lifting 15 tonne. Our PL1500 integrates seamlessly with your host excavator using the main controls and hydraulics to operate the vacuum lifter. This system makes your life easier, more productive, and the whole site safer. Talk to us about a solution today.
A future of subsea development
As the global energy sector evolves to meet increasing demand and security of supply, subsea pipeline tie-ins have become a critical component of offshore infrastructure development.
With a growing focus on safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, operators are looking for innovative ways to connect new oil and gas fields to existing networks without shutting down production or to re-route pipelines to decommission redundant infrastructure.
STATS Group, a global leader in pipeline isolation, hot tapping and connection solutions, is at the forefront of this technological shift with its advanced range of subsea mechanical hot tap clamps and proprietary intervention and isolation technologies. These technologies ensure these critical pipelines remain pressurised ensuring uninterrupted product flow to customers, while tie-ins are completed safely.
Meeting the challenges of subsea infrastructure development
Pipeline owners and operators face significant challenges when upgrading or expanding subsea infrastructure.
The traditional method of hyperbaric welding for connecting new pipelines to existing assets poses considerable risks, costs, and logistical hurdles.
STATS Group has developed an alternative solution that addresses these challenges headon. Its subsea mechanical hot tap clamps facilitate the permanent connection of new branch pipework to existing pipelines without the need for hyperbaric welding or pre-installed tees. These clamps enable hot tapping into a live pipeline under pressure without interrupting production, delivering unparalleled safety and efficiency.
STATS Group’s clamps can also act as access points for deploying temporary line stop isolation technology, the combination of these technologies significantly reduces downtime preventing operators from decommissioning and recommissioning the entire subsea infrastructure.
The company’s patented BISEP® line stop technology provides a fully proven and monitored dual seal barrier, enabling the safe breaking of containment on pressurised systems in compliance with the highest industry standards.
Dual BISEPs can be deployed to provide a mid-line isolation for repair or maintenance without halting operations, as flow is maintained through an integrated bypass.
In addition, the BISEP is the only line stop isolation tool that satisfies the design criteria for DNV Type Approval for Pipeline Isolation Plugs, ensuring safe worksite
Diver training of 18-inch subsea hot tap clamp and SureTap hot tap machine prior to deployment in the Bass Strait, offshore Australia.
Images: STATS Group
18-inch mechanical hot tap clamp with 12-inch branch, valve and SureTap hot tap machine.
conditions for divers and the environment during breaking of containment activities.
The design criteria ticks the requirements for Pipeline Isolation Plugs to provide dual seal and isolation in accordance with Offshore Standards: DNV-OS-F101 (Submarine Pipeline Systems) and recommended Practices: DNV-RP-F113 (Subsea Pipeline Repair) and is code compliant with: ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division 2, making it a preferred choice for operators worldwide.
Driving innovation in subsea pipeline solutions
The demand for safer, more efficient subsea tie-in solutions is expected to grow as operators worldwide seek to optimise infrastructure and reduce operational risks. STATS Group’s portfolio of mechanical hot tap clamps and proprietary isolation and intervention technologies positions the company as a trusted partner in meeting these needs.
“As a trusted partner in subsea pipeline infrastructure development, STATS Group is committed to addressing the industry’s most complex challenges with our market-leading subsea technologies,” STATS Group Regional Manager of Asia Pacific Gareth Campbell told The Australian Pipeliner
“We have strategically positioned ourselves to support our clients by delivering innovative and efficient solutions tailored to their project needs. Maintaining and strengthening these relationships remains a priority, as we continue to share our expertise and project insights to drive operational efficiencies and deliver the highest standards of service across the industry.”
As the energy sector navigates increasing complexity and operational demands, STATS Group continues to pioneer advancements in subsea pipeline technology. Its engineered solutions not only address current industry challenges but also set new benchmarks for safety, efficiency and sustainability in offshore operations. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, STATS is poised to lead the next wave of subsea infrastructure development.
Global success in subsea tie-in projects
STATS Group has demonstrated its expertise in subsea tie-ins through successful projects worldwide, spanning from Asia, the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea.
The company’s solutions have proven effective in a variety of operational conditions, with growing demand in the Middle East, a region set for significant subsea infrastructure development.
One notable project took place in the Bass Strait, offshore Australia, where STATS Group supplied an 18-inch hot tap clamp with a 12-inch branch and the SureTap® hot tap machine for a critical pipeline tie-in. The project showcased the efficiency of mechanical clamps, which provided a robust flanged off-take while the 18-inch pipeline remained at 72.5 bar pressure.
In the Dutch North Sea, the company supported Petrogas in connecting two gas fields to existing subsea pipelines. This project aimed to enhance the domestic gas supply and unlock a natural gas reservoir containing 100 billion cubic feet of gas. STATS Group supplied a SureTap hot tap machine along with 16-inch and 12-inch high-pressure hot tap clamps, both featuring 8-inch branched off-takes designed to withstand 135 bar pressure.
On the Norwegian Continental Shelf, STATS Group collaborated with Aker BP and Subsea 7 to install an 8-inch mechanical hot tap clamp and SureTap hot tap machine.
This was for tying in a new gas lift line to an existing pipeline in Aker BP’s Hod Development, which operates at 143-bar.
This permanent clamp used rubber seals in a first-of-its-kind design for the Norwegian Continental Shelf, eliminating the need for hyperbaric welding. The innovative approach resulted in major time and cost savings.
Subsea hot tap clamp diver training, Victoria, Australia.
The silent success of Elaflex
Elaflex is backing the pipeline industry with expertly crafted expansion joints.
As a specialist in safe connections for the transfer and handling of sensitive gases and fluids, this 100-year company has evolved from a humble bronze foundry in Germany to a global powerhouse in manufacturing and product development.
But even if you don’t know the name Elaflex, chances are you’ve seen its products in action.
“Go to a petrol station anywhere in Australia and you will be holding the Elaflex ZVA nozzle in your hand while fuelling your vehicle,” Elaflex Pacific Sales Manager Mario Iglic told The Australian Pipeliner
But Elaflex is about more than nozzles. Through growth and acquisitions the company now offers a vast range of products to the pipeline industry, including, penetration seals, custom fabricated expansion joints and convoluted pipe with electronic leak prevention systems.
These expansion joints have the critical job of joining pipelines to infrastructure such as treatment plants and power facilities, while also eliminating damaging axial movement. With so much on the line, Elaflex delivers the highest quality expansion joints with the help of partner company Ditec.
Founded in 1973, Germany-based Ditec is part of the Elaflex Group and specialises in the manufacturing of expansion joints for a wide variety of markets and industries.
Between Elaflex and Ditec, the two companies can supply expansion joints ranging from half an inch all the way up to five metres in diameter.
For joints up to three meters, Elaflex is able to supply directly from its own stock for the fastest turnaround time, while Ditec steps in for larger or custom orders.
“Ditec is one of the very few manufactures in the world that can make expansion joints for round, rectangular, oval, or other designs, for high pressure applications up to DN5000,” Iglic said.
“Ditec has supplied expansion joints to water and energy projects all over the world –even in nuclear facilities, and that’s a very difficult certification to get.
“You can be sure that when you’re going to Elaflex and Ditec, you’re dealing with high quality and reliable equipment.”
Ditec’s approach to manufacturing is as rigorous as it is precise. Its expansion joints aren’t produced en masse from a production line but are each handmade.
This allows Ditec to alter its standard models to suit custom orders and ensure it produces only premium quality.
“Even with this high degree of quality in manufacturing, lead times are extremely efficient considering that the product is coming from Germany,” Iglic said.
It’s this combination of quality craftsmanship and worldwide presence that makes Elaflex an ideal partner for pipeline operators in Australia.
Elaflex also has capabilities beyond pipeline construction and fuel transfer, such as leak detection.
“We also have another company within Elaflex Group called SGB, which does leak detection monitoring,” Iglic said.
“Specifically, they create monitoring units for double-walled piping and double-walled tanks, which makes it especially relevant to the hydrogen industry.”
From LNG facilities to water treatment plants to petrol stations, Elaflex products are at work all over Australia every single day. Now, this silent powerhouse of a company is making itself known to the pipeline industry.
Whatever the project, Elaflex stands ready to serve.
supplied expansion joints to water and energy projects all over the world.
Ditec has
Image: Elaflex
We make life flow.
As a leading manufacturer of pipe systems and solutions, Vinidex has been responsible for connecting Australians to water and energy for over six decades.
From large-bore pipes systems for the transfer of water and gas, to custom-made fabricated products, we’re continuing to come up with quality solutions that you can trust will deliver high performance, will stand the test of time, and tread carefully on the environment.
To find out more about our industrial solutions, visit vinidex.com.au
Best gets better
Technological refinements and enhancements are coming to Enduro’s MFL-DfL inline inspection tool, which is already considered one of the world’s leading pigging tools.
Available exclusively in Australia through Pipe Tek, the tool is available in a range of sizes from 4–24 inches, meaning that it is suitable for the majority of pipelines. The technology can form the backbone of the management of pipeline assets, ensuring the integrity of the infrastructure is maintained and is operating safely.
Scalable, robust and compliant
In a single pass of a pipeline, Enduro’s MFLDfL can collect a range of data on the condition of the asset, including metal loss, deformation and inertial surveys. In addition, the tool also collects internal and external discrimination and residual field data.
The DfL utilises axial magnetic flux leakage data to provide an assessment of metal loss occurring within a pipeline. The process of identifying features and anomaly types is simplified because the tool concurrently collects relevant data.
Once the tool has completed a run and gathered data, processing and analysing the closely coupled data allows analysts to more effectively identify pipeline features and assess conditions. Any areas indicating geometry and/or metal loss can be simultaneously evaluated for deformation, strain, profile, and permeability variations.
The tool utilises incredibly advanced design, data storage and packaging techniques, evidenced by the diverse data sets being taken and limited physical size and weight of the units themselves, which are shorter and lighter than most tools on the market.
Enduro’s MFL-DfL is an excellent option for pipelines with short launch and/or receiver traps, because the data can be quickly examined to determine new features or anomalies and reported to operators for prompt response, saving time and money.
Analysis of the pipeline data can be conducted and compared to previous runs, before a correlation report is generated identifying any new features that weren’t present in previous surveys.
Most importantly, the use of the MFL-DfL tool is about increasing the safe operations of any given pipeline. Locating and addressing any potential integrity issues as soon as possible mitigates the chances of a pipeline rupture or failure.
Refinements in the pipeline
Enduro has recently introduced new technology to the existing range of MFL-DfL tools, specifically the addition of wireless calipers. In most tools, the calipers consist of spring loaded arms or mechanical fingers that extend to the wall of the pipeline, measuring the internal diameter and shape, as well as collecting data on deformations, dents, ovalities and other anomalies affecting the integrity.
Wireless calipers represent a major technological advancement in pipeline integrity, leading to even more accurate data collection, as the tool will be much more sensitive to the conditions inside the pipeline. It also means the tool can be pulled through the pipeline up to lengths of 2000m instead of relying on a compressor onsite or liquid medium to move the tool through the pipeline.
Pipe Tek COO Taddam Farrant said these advancements were game changers, especially for Australia.
“We’re working out in the most remote parts of the country, and in some cases the world, so getting access to water or something like a compressor can hold up an integrity project,” he said.
“From a logistical standpoint it means we can streamline our mobilisation.
“In terms of data collection, the benefits are obvious – a more sensitive tool is going to mean we’re picking up on more anomalies earlier in the process, giving operators more notice to act.”
Custom solution
While Pipe Tek has one of the country’s largest range of pigs in stock, each MFL-DfL unit is ordered directly from Enduro and custom built for the specific client. Operators who are more inclined to contract out their integrity and maintenance work have the option to engage Pipe Tek to manage this for them instead.
In both instances, Pipe Tek’s experienced team supports asset owners with training on the use of the tools, offering guidance with collection and interpretation of pipeline data, as well as reporting.
Farrant said seven years after the company first partnered with Enduro to bring the MFL-DfL tools to the local market, operators are seeing the sustained benefits of the tools.
“If you work in pipeline integrity then you know about Enduro and the company’s standing around the world,” he said.
“One of the things we were conscious of when we first partnered with the company, was that we were going to have to disrupt an already established market in Australia. However, with the support of Enduro’s team in the US and the results these tools have delivered for asset owners since they were introduced, we’re gaining a lot of traction.
“At the end of the day the performance of these tools really does speak for themselves. I haven’t seen anything that comes close to the results and vital information we can gather for clients.
“And with the addition of wireless calipers, the best is getting better.”
Tool being removed from pipeline. Image: PipeTek
Pigging with a purpose
For more than a decade, Piping Specialty Supply Service has been offering expert advice, high-quality equipment, and tailored strategies to support industries across Australia.
With exclusive partnerships and a strong commitment to innovation, Piping Specialty Supply Service (PSSS) provides cutting-edge pigging solutions for pipeline construction, maintenance, and preservation.
A key factor in PSSS’ success is its exclusive partnerships with leading global manufacturers.
As the sole Australian distributor for Royal Poly Products, the company supplies premium Perth-made foam pigs, ensuring faster lead times, lower costs, and a reduced environmental footprint.
Its’ collaboration with Royal Poly allows PSSS customers access to tailored pigging strategies and detailed assessment of their pipeline systems.
Additionally, strong collaborations with Rosen, Pipeline Innovations, and CDI – a global leader in pipeline pig tracking and communication equipment – allow PSSS to provide a comprehensive range of pigging products suited to various pipeline applications.
PSSS Managing Director John Wilton said these exclusive partnerships create a unique advantage.
“We’re not just supplying pigging tools… we’re providing complete, customised solutions that ensure pipeline efficiency and longevity,” he said.
Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, PSSS works closely with clients to develop
Every pipeline presents unique challenges, from debris accumulation to complex layouts, and PSSS takes the time to analyse each case before recommending a strategy.
In a recent project involving a seawater intake system, PSSS devised a pigging solution to combat debris build-up and the absence of permanent pigging facilities.
By implementing customised pigging schedules, temporary setups, and real-time monitoring, PSSS ensured optimal performance and minimal downtime for the client.
“Our goal is always to find the best pigging solution for each specific pipeline,” Wilton said.
“Whether it’s a complex project or a routine maintenance operation, we have the expertise and equipment to deliver.”
Beyond providing high-quality pigging equipment, PSSS offers comprehensive support, including expert advice, technical documentation, and continuous assistance to ensure the smooth operation of pigging systems.
The company’s large inventory of pigging products and accessories guarantees quick turnaround times, meeting even the most urgent customer demands.
Additionally, PSSS is committed to sustainability, prioritising Australian-made products to reduce reliance on imports and support the local economy. This approach not only enhances supply chain reliability but also contributes to a more sustainable
The tools
PSSS supplies a diverse range of pigging tools, each designed for specific pipeline challenges.
• Pathfinder foam calliper pig: This advanced bore measurement tool detects scale, wax deposits, and dents, ensuring precise pipeline assessment. Equipped with eight calliper sensors, roll angle sensors, and tilt sensors, it provides detailed bore measurements downloadable via USB.
• Foam pigs: Used for cleaning, drying, batching, and product removal, these pigs come in five densities and various configurations, including criss-cross, wirebrush, and plastic bristle options for tailored performance.
• C oated foam pigs: Constructed from open-cell polyurethane foam with a polyurethane elastomer coating, these pigs are ideal for regular pipeline maintenance and are available in multiple densities.
• Steel mandrel pigs: Designed for longterm use, these pigs feature replaceable sealing elements and various brush attachments, making them effective for both on-stream and precommissioning cleaning.
• Foam sphere pigs: With a spherical design, these pigs navigate 90-degree bends and T-joints, making them ideal for complex pipeline configurations.
• Pig test headers – launcher/receiver: Available for hire, these headers support multiple pipe sizes (four, six, and eight inches), ensuring seamless pig launching and receiving for various pipeline operations.
• Intrusive omni-directional pig signaller: This system tracks pig launch and arrival, utilising a magnetic system to reduce moving parts and minimise leakage.
• CD52 bandit pig passage signaller (nonintrusive): Designed for harsh environments, this device detects pig passage speeds and integrates with SCADA systems, lights, and alarms for real-time monitoring.
Rosen steel mandrel pigs.
Royal Poly Products’ Australian-made foam pigs. Images: PSSS
• Traxall 620 pig tracker: With the ability to monitor up to three transmitter frequencies, this tracker ensures accurate pig movement tracking, even in extreme weather conditions.
• PigAlert and PigAlert Pro: Innovative pig tracking solutions from CDI that provide real-time text message notifications and GPS tracking with no monthly fees. PigAlert detects magnet-equipped pipeline pigs, while PigAlert Pro adds flag trip detection and switch closures from intrusive pig signalers.
Both devices offer optional remote and wireless flasher indicators for convenience.
PSSS has a reputation for reliability, innovation, and industry expertise. By providing tailored solutions, high-quality equipment, and comprehensive support, PSSS is a trusted partner for the pipeline industry.
“Pigging isn’t just about cleaning pipelines. It’s about efficiency, longevity, and ensuring safe operations,” Wilton said.
“At PSSS, we’re committed to delivering solutions to our customers that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.”
With exclusive partnerships, custom strategies, and a commitment to sustainability, PSSS remains a leader in pipeline pigging solutions, helping businesses maintain, assess, and optimise their infrastructure
GF Piping Systems and Sonomatic have partnered to elevate HDPE weld inspection in Australia.
Sonomatic is proud to announce a strategic partnership with GF Piping Systems, a global leader in flow solutions, to deliver high-quality ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) services for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe weld inspections across Australia. This collaboration brings together Sonomatic’s expertise in advanced ultrasonic NDT techniques with GF’s industry-leading HDPE piping solutions, ensuring weld integrity and reliability for critical infrastructure projects.
The importance of HDPE weld integrity
HDPE piping is widely used across industries due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation. However, ensuring the structural integrity of HDPE welds is crucial to maintaining pipeline performance and longevity. Unlike steel welds, HDPE welds can exhibit unique defect characteristics, necessitating specialised inspection techniques to assess their quality accurately.
The fusion welding process for HDPE involves five key stages: Alignment, pipe-end facing, heat soak, pressure application, and cooling. As the molten plastic cools, the pipe sections bond together with a minimal Heat Affected Zone (HAZ). While this process creates strong joints, the presence of internal fusion defects, lack of fusion, or inclusions can compromise the weld’s performance.
Advanced NDT for HDPE welds
Sonomatic provides industry-leading inspection solutions utilising Time-Of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD) and Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) to assess HDPE welds. These methods allow for precise detection of internal fusion joint defects in butt welds and electrofusion coupler joints, ensuring compliance with acceptance criteria and fitness for service.
GF Piping Systems had previously implemented TOFD for HDPE weld inspections, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying potential defects. Through this partnership, Sonomatic enhances and expands the capability, integrating its expertise to further improve the accuracy and efficiency of inspections. Currently, Sonomatic has successfully deployed TOFD for inspecting HDPE butt welds, and as part of the collaboration with GF, will extend its services to include PAUT inspections, enhancing the overall assessment of HDPE weld quality.
The inspection process is tailored to accommodate HDPE piping with wall thicknesses from six millimetres and diameters from six inches and upwards. These advanced techniques provide a non-invasive and highly accurate means of verifying weld integrity, reducing the risk of failures and costly rework.
A commitment to quality and reliability
The collaboration between Sonomatic and GF Piping Systems underscores a shared commitment to delivering high-quality piping solutions backed by rigorous inspection standards. By combining cutting-edge NDT technology with GF’s industry expertise, this partnership ensures that HDPE piping systems in Australia meet the highest levels of safety and performance.
Sonomatic looks forward to supporting GF Piping Systems and its customers with weld inspection services, reinforcing the integrity of HDPE infrastructure across the region.
Ensuring the structural integrity of HDPE welds is crucial to maintaining pipeline performance and longevity. Images: GF Piping
This collaboration brings together
Sonomatic’s expertise in advanced ultrasonic NDT techniques with GF’s industry-leading HDPE piping solutions.
Above. Beyond. Below.
Michels in Motion: Between March 2023 and February 2025, Michels completed three record-breaking HDDs in New South Wales. These 2,250-metre HDDs included an elevation change of 590 metres.
Michels established as an energy
Michels completed our first Horizontal Directional Drill in 1987
Michels establishes permanent presence in Australia in 2022
Identifying selective seam weld corrosion
T.D. Williamson Senior Product Manager – Global Pipeline Integrity Matt Romney discusses selective seam weld corrosion.
Nearly 40 years ago, an eight-inch gasoline pipeline failed north of Minneapolis, USA, resulting in a serious incident. In the investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the pipeline, which had been hydrostatically pressure tested above its normal operating pressure two years earlier, had failed at a pressure below that. Although the cause was not identified, investigators concluded susceptibility of the low frequency, electric resistance welded (LFERW) pipe to weld corrosion was a contributing factor.
The NTSB then called for better data collection on pipeline leaks and failures, including those potentially related to selective seam weld corrosion (SSWC).
SSWC occurs in the bond line of the longitudinal seam weld, where the corrosion attacks the long seam weld material preferentially compared to the surrounding base pipe material. These recommendations evolved into today’s pipeline integrity management requirements.
Though there have been a small number of SSWC-related events since 1986, none have risen to the same impactful level. Much of the credit goes to coatings and cathodic protection that help keep corrosion at bay. In addition, improved pipe manufacturing practices have prevented LF-ERW pipeline material from being installed since the late 1960s and early 1970s. Even today, industry research organisations such as Pipeline Research Council International continue to research SSWC susceptibility and integrity management recommended practices.
Further, given that 80 per cent of US
the ability to detect, identify and size SSWC is just as important as ever — perhaps more so, since SSWC is a time-dependent threat with the potential failure risk increasing over time if the corrosion is still active.
Understanding the risks
SSWC can occur when a susceptible long seam weld is subjected to an active corrosion environment. Because of its susceptibility to preferential corrosion, the long seam weld material corrodes at a faster rate than the pipe body material, resulting in a deep V-shaped groove aligned with the long seam weld axis.
Due to its aggressive corrosion depth growth rate and orientation perpendicular to the primary stress, an SSWC anomaly poses a greater threat to pipeline integrity than a similar volume of general corrosion crossing the long seam weld does.
SSWC is classified as an interacting threat. Typically, interacting threats are defined as two or more coincident features or anomalies whose coincidence results in a greater integrity threat to the pipeline system than what each feature or anomaly poses individually.
In the case of SSWC, classic corrosion mechanisms occur coincident with a susceptible seam material. This interacting nature poses a greater threat risk for a number of reasons, including:
• The axially oriented nature of SSWC may be difficult to find with conventional axial magnetic flux leakage (MFL) technology
• W hen SSWC is detected, it may be difficult to characterise. In fact, SSWC anomalies in the long seam weld can
similar to trim defects or stable manufacturing anomalies, which are typically lesser integrity threats and often considered benign.
Advances in in-line inspection (ILI) technologies have made it easier to detect and characterise anomalies in the long seam weld. Complex sensor arrangements on magnetiser assemblies that magnetise the pipe in complementary directions have been particularly useful.
This is because SSWC features have a pair of nested feature geometries – in many cases, the seam weld is embedded in a field of general volumetric corrosion.
Further complicating matters, T.D. Williamson (TDW) Principal Data Science Engineer Adrian Belanger said, is the fact that the corrosion containing the selective seam weld corrosion can manifest itself in a number of ways.
It’s possible for a patch of corrosion to cross the seam without manifesting any preferential growth along the seam but contain deep, narrow, axially aligned grooves that follow the seam. Additionally, the corrosion could be preferential to the seam with only shallow SSWC notching within it. In both cases, using only a single direction of magnetisation can mischaracterise the corrosion or miss it altogether.
“Because the conditions vary so widely, it’s extremely difficult to consistently distinguish between SSWC and general corrosion crossing the long seam by using a single magnetisation direction,” Belanger said.
Improving accuracy requires multiple magnetic field orientations, and one of those fields must be sensitive to long, axially
Using multiple magnetic field directions provides additional context about the actual anomaly geometry and position.
Spiral MFL (SMFL) is the only technology that generates a helically oriented field in the pipe wall. Beyond the general detection of the long seam, the SMFL data provides a complementary view of the SSWC defect, similar to taking a photo from two different perspectives to create a 3D image.
TDW Data Science Engineering Manager Robert Coleman said that SpirALL® MFL, one of six primary sensor technologies on the company’s MDS® Pro platform, provides a more thorough look at axial features, particularly in or near the seam weld. It enables a more robust assessment of the signal than traditionally axial fields.
The MDS Pro platform simultaneously delivers multiple data streams to provide a comprehensive analysis of the pipeline. In addition to SpirALL MFL, the MDS Pro platform includes a number of features.
• A xial MFL (MFL), which is sensitive to geometric general metal loss features such as pits, general metal loss and circumferential slotting and gouging.
Given that traditional MFL field direction is parallel to the SSWC anomaly, the field response has a lower sensitivity to axially oriented anomalies, but can identify the corrosion on the long seam that SSWC can initiate in.
• IDOD sensors are sensitive to the location (internal surface/external surface) of general metal loss anomalies.
• L ow-field MFL (LFM) produces a lowstrength magnetic field in the pipe wall and, as such, is sensitive to changes in material permeability. Among other things, LFM technology can be used to assess permeability changes due to the pipe manufacturing process. LFM signal changes coincident with an SSWC anomaly could indicate an additional feature or atypical condition.
• High-resolution geometry characterises dents, expansion, wrinkles, and changes to
Geometry data can be used to assess the presence of trim or long seam weld anomalies that could contribute to MFL/ SMFL data signals of the pipeline. Geometry data can be useful for characterising certain seam types such as electric flash weld (EFW) pipe, which is known to be susceptible to SSWC.
• High-resolution mapping documents the center line of the pipeline. In recent years, this technology has grown in popularity for bending strain and line movement analyses.
The industry’s first SSWC classifier
Considering that MFL field is less impacted by axially oriented anomalies, comparing its data to that of SMFL improves the characterisation of SSWC anomalies.
In fact, the difference in signal response between MFL and SMFL was critical to the Department of Transportation (DOT) project that eventually led to the development of the industry’s first validated SSWC classifier by TDW.
The classifier leverages the data collected by the MDS Pro platform to characterise long seam weld corrosion anomalies. It utilises an algorithm based on the amplitude and width of both MFL and SMFL signals. The project noted a large SMFL amplitude response that was sharply narrow in the width direction being an indicator that the anomaly was circumferentially narrow and axially oriented. When the SMFL signal response is uncharacteristically large compared to the corresponding MFL response at the same location, the anomaly is more likely to be SSWC.
To validate the model, TDW analysed about 700 SSWC calls made on 75 ILI runs between 2013 and 2021. Dig feedback data was available for 201 of these calls, and NDE only found three SSWC anomalies that were not reported as SSWC by the classifier. Additional features often misidentified by ILI were used as controls during validation, including general corrosion crossing the long seam weld, lack of fusion, mill anomalies, long seam weld variations, axial planars and linear indications. The validation process demonstrated the classifiers’ ability to accurately classify features as SSWC, distinguishing them from features that might create similar signatures in MFL data alone.
Since TDW introduced the classifier, it has been used by operators across the globe. The validated performance specification allows operators to confidently characterise the integrity risk of each anomaly and prioritise their mitigative actions.
Key to the success of the TDW classifier is the approach leveraging two separate highfield MFL technologies, axial MFL and SMFL, to characterise the seam weld corrosion anomalies. The axial nature of the SSWC feature limits the field response that is achievable with a pure axial MFL tool configuration, independent of the axial tool sensor resolution. Improved classification is achieved with a magnetic field crossing the axial SSWC anomaly, characterising the true axial nature of SSWC anomalies when present.
With better data, pipeline operators can figure out what they’ve been missing. The result is safer, more compliant systems.
High field axial MFL field response at the long seam weld (left). High field SMFL field response at the long seam weld (right) with long seam weld identification.
Making methane leak detection simple for natural gas midstream operators
Bridger Photonics is helping the pipeline industry eliminate and manage methane leaks.
Oil and gas companies rely on millions of kilometres of pipeline to transport oil and natural gas from wellheads to end consumers. The abundance and relatively low cost of natural gas is driving demand and adoption, requiring a growing network of pipelines across the globe to deliver it to markets.
Companies operating in the midstream, or transmission sector are responsible for building and maintaining an integrated network of infrastructure and pipelines to facilitate the movement of natural gas. From processing plants to liquified natural gas (LNG) facilities, to city gates and industrial end users, transmission occurs through a vast network of high-pressure pipelines.
Challenges facing the midstream sector
Although large emissions are big news across the globe, overall emissions reduction is still important. Large emissions represent only a portion of the overall emission rate from facilities in every basin ever measured at Bridger Photonics, and the smaller and midsized emissions make up the bulk of total emissions. We also know that smaller and mid-sized emissions are the feedstock for eventual larger, super-emitter leaks. This means that midstream operators must reduce overall emissions, while at the same time managing for large emissions.
Balancing the need for quick emissions reduction with the practical challenges of implementing changes is a major hurdle for midstream operators. Understanding the emissions profile of midstream assets, and where leaks are, how big they are, and how frequently they occur, is a foundational first step.
Addressing emissions present significant challenges for midstream operators. Given that smaller and mid-sized leaks can eventually grow into large-emitters, it’s crucial for operators to adopt a preventative approach for emissions management. Additionally, the need to accurately distinguish between emissions from one’s own facility and neighbouring sources complicates the task.
By addressing leaks early on, operators can avoid large emissions events. As the saying goes: ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’.
Bridger Photonics’ Gas Mapping LiDAR™ technology was recently approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for methane emissions detection for US regulatory compliance. This approval follows widespread adoption of the technology by industry leaders and comes after the US EPA’s inclusion of advanced technology in its latest Methane Rule, providing operators with more efficient options for methane emissions detection.
The vast expanse of pipelines and the dispersed nature of facilities pose significant challenges for pipeline operators in detecting and addressing emissions. With infrastructure often stretching across remote and hard-toaccess areas, coordinating quick responses from ground crews becomes increasingly difficult. The windshield time needed to cover infrastructure and dispatch crews for followup is a major concern in the industry.
Operators must ensure that crews can reach identified leaks as quickly as possible, while maintaining safety, which requires efficient communication, logistics, and resource allocation. Balancing crew response times with the demands of ongoing monitoring is a key challenge for ensuring pipeline safety and operational efficiency. Midstream operators have increasingly adopted efficient advanced technologies that don’t require windshield time to detect leaks. Whether the leak is from a compressor station, a processing facility, or another source, when ground crews must mobilise for follow-up or repairs, insights from advanced technology like aerial LiDAR streamline the process.
Emissions reduction solutions for midstream
Bridger Photonics can provide comprehensive data on customer assets using its aerial LiDAR technology. This allows customers to gain an advantage through a complete understanding of emission sources, sizes, and frequencies. The company offers a flexible detection sensitivity ranging from 1–15 kg/hr all with
a 90 per cent probability of detection, allowing customers to choose the sensitivity that best suits their operations. From there, customers can make informed decisions to optimise system processes, implement timely upgrades, or retrofit equipment, all to achieve the greatest emissions reduction as fast as possible.
Bridger Photonics technology scans up to hundreds of kilometres of pipeline in a single day, accurately imaging emissions and localising sources to within approximately two meters. This accuracy allows customers to guide ground crews directly to the leak source, accelerating the response time for repairs, and enhancing safety.
The company’s continuous spatial coverage ensures comprehensive monitoring of both above and below-ground infrastructure, from transmission lines to compressor stations, with minimal downtime and best-in-class detection sensitivity – achieving far greater efficiency than vehicle-mounted or other types of monitoring systems.
Bridger Photonics partners with midstream companies to offer a comprehensive solution for reducing emissions. The team ensures unparalleled efficiency by scanning significant amounts of pipeline daily, with minimal downtime and the ability to accurately detect emissions both large and small.
Bridger Photonics is capable of scanning hundreds of sites or kilometres of pipeline in a single day. Image: Bridger Photonics
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A rising tide lifts all boats
APGA Head of Communications and Operations
Lawrence Shelton discusses how sharing best practices can help to elevate the pipeline industry.
Every challenge presents an opportunity for the industry to refine its methods.
Image: kotoamatsukami/ stock/adobe.com
In an industry as dynamic and critical as pipelines, success isn’t just measured by individual achievements – it’s defined by the collective progress we make as a sector. Sharing best practices isn’t just a courtesy, it’s a necessity. By openly exchanging insights, lessons learned, and proven approaches, we can drive continuous improvement, enhance safety standards, and ensure a more resilient future for our industry.
The pipeline industry is built on decades of expertise and innovation. Each project, challenge, and breakthrough presents an opportunity to refine our methods. When organisations share what works – and what doesn’t – they contribute to a broader knowledge base that benefits everyone. Whether it’s a new safety protocol, a more efficient construction technique, or a novel approach to asset management, the impact of these shared insights is profound.
Safety remains the industry’s top priority, and collaboration is key to maintaining and improving our high standards.
By sharing best practices, companies can identify trends, anticipate risks, and develop proactive measures that protect workers, communities, and the environment. In an era where technology is rapidly advancing, open discussions about successful innovations help drive efficiency while maintaining safety.
Strengthening industry resilience
The pipeline sector faces ongoing challenges, from regulatory changes to evolving energy demands. A culture of transparency and knowledge-sharing helps the industry remain agile and adaptable. Industry forums, working groups, and knowledge-sharing though committee involvement allow professionals to exchange valuable insights that prepare us for the future. When one company makes a breakthrough, the entire sector benefits – whether it’s in emissions reduction, operational efficiencies, or sustainability initiatives.
Fostering a mindset of shared learning requires more than just intent; it requires action. Companies can encourage best practice sharing through several means.
• Industry events and forums: Conferences, technical sessions, and working groups provide platforms for open discussion.
• Partnerships and collaborations: Crosscompany and cross-sector initiatives help spread knowledge and innovation.
• Encouraging open dialogue: Internally and externally, creating an environment where teams feel empowered to share insights.
The more we share, the stronger we become as an industry. Best practice sharing isn’t about competition, it’s about ensuring that the pipeline sector continues to innovate, improve, and meet the needs of a rapidly evolving world. By embracing collaboration, we safeguard not just our businesses, but the industry’s long-term success.
It’s time to lean into knowledge-sharing as a strategic advantage. What insights will you contribute to move the industry forward?
East coast must keep up
Experts across the energy industry have spoken out on the importance of natural and locally sourced gas to keep Australia’s east coast competitive and secure.
Woodside Energy Chief Executive and Managing Director Meg O’Neill has called for an energy policy debate based on “science and facts” to ensure Australia’s energy security and affordability doesn’t lag behind.
In front of a packed Town Hall at the Melbourne Mining Club’s luncheon on Thursday 6 February, O’Neill said it was time to find the right solutions to ensuring the security of energy in Australia moving forward.
“Amid rising global protectionism and greater competition for capital, Australia must sharpen its competitive edge even further,” she said.
“Moves by the new Administration in the US to deregulate the economy and spur new energy investments make the challenge for countries like Australia even more acute.
“Affordable energy keeps operating costs down which means companies have more
capital to invest in things that increase productivity… We must keep it this way.”
O’Neill is adamant that the key to keeping energy affordable lies in investment into natural and locally sourced gas.
“Investment in new gas supplies can underpin the next wave of growth for an industry that is so important to Australia’s ongoing prosperity, by supporting the emergence of a critical minerals processing sector, and the decarbonisation of steelmaking,” she said.
“I am encouraged at the growing recognition of the importance of natural gas here in Victoria… But to achieve decarbonisation and economic growth –which ultimately secures our future prosperity – we need further action at all levels of government.”
While O’Neill is eagerly awaiting response on her outlines to government, she also holds firm that onus falls on the entire industry.
“We must sharpen our focus on technology and innovation, to ensure Australia’s resources sector remains cost-competitive and a world leader,” O’Neill continued.
“We must maintain our significant social and economic contributions, to ensure we keep the trust and confidence of the Australian community.
“And we must continue to decarbonise our businesses in line with national and international goals.
“As we navigate this shared challenge, we must have the courage to keep all options on the table and be guided by the facts as we map a prosperous future, together.”
O’Neill outlined Woodside’s role in a joint venture in the Bass Strait Project, operated by ExxonMobil.
“Every molecule of natural gas Woodside sells from Bass Strait is consumed by local manufacturers and power generators and homes in eastern Australia,” she said.
Pluto LNG onshore gas plant.
Images: Woodside
O’Neill reiterated that investment in new gas supplies can “underpin the next wave of growth for an industry that is so important to Australia’s ongoing prosperity, by supporting the emergence of a world-class critical minerals processing sector, and the decarbonisation of steelmaking”.
She is not the only industry expert to highlight the current shortages and the need for improvement, with her call to action following the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) pleas to state and federal government in January.
The ACCC’s latest quarterly report on the east coast gas market confirmed that the gas industry continues to provide reliable and affordable energy for Australian homes and businesses, estimating a surplus across the east coast over 2025 and 2026.
However, it warned Victoria and NSW face peak-period shortfalls this winter and structural shortfalls across the east coast by 2027 if new gas projects aren’t developed.
Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the ACCC report underscores the urgency for governments to fast-track new gas projects and provide policy certainty to avoid shortfalls across eastern Australia.
“At a time when Australians are facing cost-of-living pressures, governments must do everything in their power to remove these barriers and ensure reliable and affordable energy for Australian homes and businesses,” McCulloch said.
She welcomed the ACCC’s recommendation that ‘the role of gas should be explicit in government planning for the energy transition’ to incentivise and coordinate investment in new gas supply
The report noted that liquified natural gas (LNG) imports are likely to be required to supplement gas supply in Victoria and NSW, but cautioned imports could increase gas prices and “continued domestic gas production will be important to limit risks to energy security on the east coast and market stability associated with reliance on international
McCulloch said both Victoria and NSW should focus on developing their own gas reserves instead of relying on imports.
“The priority should be on providing reliable and affordable gas sourced close to where it is needed,” she said.
“Australian gas producers are committed to providing reliable and affordable energy for Australian homes and businesses, but as the ACCC has confirmed governments must act to restore investment confidence and ensure timely approvals for new gas supply.”
Woodside CEO Megan O’Neill speaking at the Melbourne Town Hall.
To make DEI a core value, the pipeline industry must commit to change and take action. Image: chalermphon/ stock.adobe.com
March backwards
Gretyl Lunn, on behalf of the Women in Pipeline Forum, explains why the pipeline industry needs to keep talking about gender equality.
It feels like International Women’s Day is more important than ever this year. This year’s theme of ‘March Forward’ is about moving beyond reflection and making concrete efforts to drive change and ensure a truly equal future for all women and girls.
In 2024, psychological safety and the benefits diversity brings to an organisation have been more prominent than ever. Companies now have a legal obligation under Respect@Work to eliminate harassment. Diversity programs have moved away from equality and towards high level cultural change.
However, the reality is that sometimes we are reminded of how far we have to go. While reflection and psychological safety is important, moving on to these topics may have blurred the lines in the original fight for gender equality in the industry: ensuring a safe workplace where women are respected and are truly equal. Despite the progress made, sexual harassment and assault in the workplace and harmful cultures remain pervasive issues that cannot be ignored. While we move forwards with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies at a high level, are we marching backwards on the ground?
The reality on the ground
It has been three years since the release of Creating Cultural Change for Gender Equality within the pipeline industry. Yet, since that time, multiple women working on projects and at networking events in the
energy industry have experienced incidents of assault and harassment. These complaints span multiple states, highlighting a continual pervasive issue. Despite high-level efforts to address these concerns, and widespread support, day-to-day behaviours and attitudes continue to undermine these initiatives. This includes dismissive comments and a mentality such as: ‘What did you expect putting female graduates on site?’ and ‘don’t talk to her today, she’s moody’.
Despite the progress made in reducing harmful behaviours, reports like the Everyday Respect report highlight a troubling trend: Backlash, resistance, and retaliation against women. This resistance is particularly evident among a small but growing percentage of young men in Australia. The Diversity Council of Australia found in February 2024 that seven per cent of Australian workers strongly opposed DEI programs at work – up from three per cent in 2017.
The persistence of misconduct is a stark reminder that DEI cannot be relegated to a mere checkbox exercise. The experiences of women within the industry illustrate the urgent need for comprehensive DEI programs and training that address not only diversity but also create safe and inclusive environments. While it would be ideal for DEI to be seen as an added benefit to all, it is still a necessity.
One significant issue is that DEI efforts are often confined to the cultural and economic elite, focusing on diversifying the C-suite.
This can lead to a perception among average workers that these initiatives have no impact on their lives, fuelling further backlash.
A call to action
When DEI initiatives are genuinely embedded into an organisation’s culture, they become an integral part of ‘who we are’ rather than just ‘what we do’. This requires a shift from treating DEI as a plug-and-play initiative to making it a core value. To make DEI a core value, the pipeline industry must commit to change and take action such as:
• If you see or hear something that’s not right, report it or speak to someone immediately
• Pay attention to your coworkers. If someone seems different or off, check in with them. Your support can be crucial
• If you witness harmful behaviours, call them out. Silence can be complicit
• Actively promote an inclusive and respectful environment. Encourage diverse perspectives and ensure everyone feels valued.
• Continuously educate yourself and your team about diversity and psychological safety for all
• Demonstrate inclusive behaviour in your daily actions. Your example can inspire others to follow suit.
International Women’s Day 2025 is a call to action for everyone to continue the fight for gender equality. The reality is that without continuous effort, we risk marching backwards.
Building future knowledge
Future Fuels CRC CEO David Norman discusses the path ahead.
This year marks the final year of Future Fuels CRC’s seven-year research program on renewable gas. Through this research collaboration, Australia’s energy industry has made some world-leading steps forward with hydrogen and biomethane. As we deliver our final 41 research projects this year, we will handover Australia’s pipeline research effort to a new industry organisation that will be launched later this year. But before that, there are so many achievements and new research outputs to share.
Educating a future workforce
Future Fuels CRC has supported 52 PhD and Masters students to work on our research projects while preparing themselves for careers in the new industry. Among them, 24 students have already completed and moved on to jobs in renewable gas, the energy industry and government. The final cohort of 28 students are now finalising their research and will complete this year. Led by Professor Shaun Coffey, the education and training portion of Future Fuels CRC has taken a very engaged, hands-on approach to developing these students and held our final residential school this February in Geelong. These schools have been an opportunity for our students build their networks, develop their career planning and learn more about the energy industry.
Our latest research from the University of Wollongong seeks to build upon the insights from the earlier CO2Safe-Arrest JIP project by applying failure locus-based fracture models to predict running ductile fractures in gas pipelines.
Industry site visits have always been a big part of these schools and this year the students joined our board directors to visit the Viva new energy hub in Geelong. This project is Australia’s first commercially scaled and publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling station. Importantly it has the capability to produce and dispense renewable hydrogen in commercial quantities and refuel a fleet of heavy hydrogen-powered trucks and buses. Beyond our PhD and Masters program we have also engaged hundreds of engineering and management students through our hackathon and management school programs. These programs allow undergraduate students to apply their skills to renewable gas projects as part of their studies.
New fracture propagation mode
Although highly effective, the cost and challenges of full-scale burst tests make their widespread use in pipeline projects impractical. However, sometimes burst tests are the only means to validate designs outside the envelope of applicability of the BattelleTwo Curve Method.
The researchers evaluated five fracture models. The models were calibrated using three types of lab-scale tests: flat bar tensile tests, pure shear tests, and punch tests. A novel calibration approach using digital image correlation measurement was developed to eliminate the need for finite element analysis simulations.
Householder energy usage
Understanding how and why people use electricity and gas at home is essential for developing policies and technologies that align with real consumer needs. We need to understand what influences their energy practices and how conditions such as home efficiency, affordability, household size, and cultural or linguistic diversity shape energy consumption patterns. The RMIT University team’s latest research explores the energy consumption and outcomes of 48 owner-occupier households. The study uncovers key insights into household energy use practices, vulnerabilities, and the transition to decarbonised energy by integrating realtime energy and indoor temperature monitoring, householder interviews, and field observations.
The findings include social energy practices that shaped indoor temperatures and four household archetypes that represent people’s approaches to the low carbon home transition.
Identifying investable biomethane project sites
As part of our work to enable biomethane production and injection into Australian gas networks, the University of Adelaide’s researchers have delivered their latest report and online tool to identifying the most investable biomethane project sites in Australia. Delivered as part of our project RP1.2-06, this report and tool is a must for anyone developing the biomethane industry.
The report contains a spatial analysis of the techno-economic viability of biomethane grid injection projects in Australia. This is built on prior work in Future Fuels CRC projects RP1.2-04 and RP1.2-06 where a prototype spatial analysis tool was developed. Additional research was undertaken to expand the analysis in two major areas: updated costing estimates, and adding carbon emissions and reduction estimates to the spatial assessment so that Australian carbon credit units can be explored as part of the wider business case. With these additions, the Levelised Cost of Energy for a biomethane project could be estimated at each point across Australia. The Australian industry and government now have additional data and analysis capability they need to focus project developments into the most economic areas.
Future Fuels CRC students and board directors visiting the Viva new energy hub in Corio, Geelong. Image: Future Fuels CRC
‘Spoilt for choice’ in PNG
The biggest names in the energy industry are active in Papua New Guinea – and opportunities abound for suppliers and contractors.
The upcoming Papua New Guinea Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) will offer resources companies a chance to network and grow their business in the prospective region.
Slated for the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby from 2–3 July, the PNG Expo will offer a curated exhibition floor and an informative speaker program. Additionally, the PNG Expo will host a suite of networking opportunities to help delegates get the most out of their time in Port Moresby and maximise their exhibition experience.
Key exhibitors like Metso, Blackwoods, Sandvik, Dreager, Lincom, and Putzmeister have already locked in their spot, with many more to come. Additionally, TriCab, a premium supplier of high-performance flexible cable and accessories, has renewed its sponsorship for 2025.
Fertile grounds
In PNG, the resources industry is a strong driver of economic growth.
Since the 1900s, the industry has evolved to see cast quantities of gold, copper, silver nickel and oil and gas. Fast forward to 2025 and business is booming.
Recently, joint venture partners Santos, ExxonMobil, Kumul Petroleum Holdings, Mineral Resources Development Company and JZ Nippon delivered the Angore gas development.
The milestone unlocks a one trillion cubic feet natural gas resource, which will deliver up to 350 million standard cubic feet (mmscf) per day of gas to support stable, long-term PNG LNG production.
Production at PNG LNG began in April 2014 and since then the project has supplied more than 83 million tonnes of LNG to the Asian market. With an investment value of more than $19 billion, the project celebrated its tenth year of production in 2024 and has routinely exceeded its nameplate capacity of 6.9 million tonnes per annum by 30 per cent.
Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said production success at Angore demonstrates
the prolific nature of Papua New Guinea’s gas resources in the province of Hela.
The company is also advancing a number of other gas developments.
“Associated gas from Agogo and Moran could deliver at least another 125 mmscf per day and we are working to make this development final investment decision-ready by 2026,” he said.
“In addition, we are currently drilling the Hides Footwall well, an exploration well that, if successful, could deliver up to another 160 mmscf per day.”
Additionally, gas fields such as P’nyang, Muruk and Juha also remain in the queue to sustain PNG LNG production.
“This is a great position for Santos and PNG LNG to be in – we are spoilt for choice with no shortage of healthy upstream development options to keep our LNG infrastructure full,” Gallagher said.
With so much in the works for Santos and other energy giants, it’s little wonder that industry figures are lining up for the PNG Expo.
The 2024 PNG Expo. Image: Prime Creative Media.
The publication covers everything from upstream gas exploration and facilities, to construction and maintenance of hydrocarbon transmission pipelines and water pipelines. With mature readership lists developed over several decades, excellent brand recognition in the industry and a strong reputation for producing high-quality original content, The Australian Pipeliner has unparalleled access to key decision-makers in the upstream and midstream sectors.
Tracking the latest appointments
In this regular column, The Australian Pipeliner celebrates new appointments in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific’s pipeline sector.
Ben Little joins Bridger Photonics as brand new to the industry, but he is confident of succeeding with a wealth of transferrable skills.
“I often say ‘the world is not flat,’ so while this industry is new to me, I’ve found commonalities across companies and industries, particularly in their stages of growth. Growth requires a thoughtful approach – building on what makes us unique while adapting lessons learned from scaling other businesses,” Little said.
Thomas Pewtress has taken up a new position as Leasing and Business Development Manager at KOR Equipment Solutions.
Pewtress has worked in the industry for the last six years servicing clients around Australia and New Zealand.
Tailoring the client’s need to a solution has been a primary focus and passion for him through this time and something he takes great pride in delivering.
Matthew Potts has recently taken up the role of General Manager of Piping Speciality Supply Service (PSSS).
With over 30 years in the hire industry, Potts has developed a strong understanding of the piping sector, including industry standards, best practices, and the latest technology.
Potts was drawn to the industry by the critical role pipelines play in infrastructure. His new role will allow him to apply his extensive hire industry experience while also expanding into the specialised field of piping.
Three things drove Little to join Bridger Photonics – the incredible culture, the important work that the company is doing in reducing emissions on a global scale, and being able to lead a worldclass company from his home state of Montana.
Bridger Photonics is at the forefront of methane emissions detection, with a strong focus on equipping companies with the necessary data to effectively reduce emissions.
Through this period, he has also worked within KOR’s leasing team to support the development of a suite of leasing products that create growth, assist startups and facilitate expansion of fleet capability.
Beyond KOR, Pewtress is heavily involved in a number of community projects including leading the Monash Business Association as Chair and a Director of the Pinewood Community Bank.
He looks forward to leading PSSS’ dynamic team, driving strategic initiatives, and contributing to the company’s growth and success in the pipeline industry.
PSSS provides innovative pipeline solutions, specialising in highquality products and services delivered to the pipeline, mining, and construction industries.
Its customer-focused approach ensures tailored solutions, product availability, and a strong emphasis on safety, efficiency, and reliability.
If your company has recently employed a new person within your business you would like profiled in ‘People on the move’, send details of the career news alongside a high-res photo to Editor Timothy Bond at tim.bond@primecreative.com.au
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