The Australian Pipeliner July 2023

THE AUSTRALIAN PIPELINER | JULY 2023

ISSUE 198 | JULY 2023

Milestone for the ages SPIECAPAG CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF CONSTRUCTING GAS PIPELINES - page 18 2023’s Women in Industry stars

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The power of productivity tools

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What's next for hydrogen?

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CONTENTS

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Spiecapag is celebrating 100 years of constructing gas pipelines. Image courtesy of Spiecapag.

EXECUTIVE REPORTS President’s Message

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POLICY Electrifying everything is out

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COVER STORY A milestone anniversary for the ages

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PIPELINES IN QUEENSLAND Renewables in the spotlight for QLD WOMEN’S PIPELINE FORUM Leaders from the Women in Pipelines Forum

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WOMEN IN INDUSTRY Rise and shine: Discover this year’s Women in Industry stars

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Shaping the women of tomorrow

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Celebrating the women at James Vac Solutions

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Female Chair shaping the future of YPF

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RECRUITMENT Combating ageism in the workforce

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PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION Vertex G4Plant is the key for pipeline projects

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The power of productivity tools

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ROTHENBERGER trail blazes with ROWELD pipe welding system

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Why kwik-Zip is the right solution

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From hazardous to safe - how Oaka Constructions is keeping workers safe

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FABRICATION TFG Group - The superhero of maintenance services

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TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY Primus Line’s temporary surface pipeline solution

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A dealer relationship almost 30 years in the making

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INTEGRITY AND MAINTENANCE STATS Group seals exclusive Malaysian supply deal

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FUTURE FUELS How ROSEN Group’s new lab is exploring hydrogen’s potential

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Australian gas utilities transition to net zero

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The future of hydrogen distribution

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EVENTS Experience the power of the present and the force of the future

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REGULARS Members & memos

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APGA members

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People on the Move

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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.

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The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

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EXECUTIVE REPORTS

President’s Message

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k, can we hold up…we are already half-way through the year and there is still a ton of stuff to do. Not that we haven’t achieved already as an industry. Two large pipeline projects have come to an end; FMG’s Iron Bridge Project and APA Group’s Northern Goldfields Interconnect (NGI), Kurri Kurri, Port Kembla, Big Lake, The Western Outer Ring Main (WORM) all in full swing, plus a host of other projects we are getting busy on.

It is work that brings us together but it’s the people that make our industry. The Annual Convention in Perth from 14 to 17 October 2023 is coming up. This year’s theme is ‘Power of the Present, Force of the Future’. I know I don’t have to sell it because you know how the magic happens when we all come together.

So, this is a plug to get in early and get your early bird discount. More monies to spend at the coffee shop if you buy now, and with it being in Perth you should really plan and get in a few side trips like Busselton, Margaret River, or Rotto if you have the time. Should you go to Margaret River, I’ll gladly have you bring back a sample or two for me from the ‘coffee shops’ down there.

The focus for this edition is Women in the Industry - a topic dear to my heart because well, I am a woman. I have been very fortunate in my career to work with some amazing people of both genders. But in truth, the delivery of equality in the workplace, and mentoring has all been organic.

This edition will deep dive into how different companies are more formally managing this and how we can nurture and support safe spaces to grow and excel. For businesses, part of the model is also understanding the value of the return of these programs have, and how it might translate to your own business, or the one you work in, might make for interesting reading.

Other topics in this edition include features on pipelayers and side booms, integrity, safety, fabrication, transport, logistics and social license.

Continuing the conversation on the energy transition, I recently read a Bloomberg report that details for Australia to reach it commitments to the Paris Agreement 2oC, carbon capture and storage (CCS)and renewable gases are needed to achieve it, but we must gain policy support.

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It is only one analyst’s point of view, but this report says that without it, on the current economic transition pathway, by 2050 our climate landing will be 2.6C°. We all want Australia to reach net zero by 2050 so why would allowing pathways that include ‘carbon originating’ projects make sense?

Put simply, there are industries that can’t decarbonise without it and if we want to maintain our quality of life that has come about since the industrial revolution and get to net zero at the same time, then they’re needed in our energy mix.

It's hard for those not in our industry to wrap their head around this but somehow, we need to bring the paths back together as we are all wanting the same goal. APGA has had some recent media success in changing the conversation around renewable gases and our policy team is working hard for our members in this space.

Lastly, a big shout out to Dean Bennett who has decided to leave APGA to pursue a role back in industry on the business development side. He joined APGA when events took a complete u-turn on themselves with COVID-19 changing the way people want to, and have time to, engage. We are still figuring it out in part and any thoughts on this, please talk to myself or one of the Secretariat.

As I said earlier, getting together is where the magic happens, and it is what makes our Association unique from any other. Outsiders feel it when they enter our family. Let’s work together to keep that. We wish Dean all the best in his next adventure, but at least we got him back from Canada!

I look forward to seeing you at the next event.

DONNA MCDOWALL APGA PRESIDENT Reference 1. ‘ New Energy Outlook Australia’, Bloomberg Finance May 2023 The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

ABN: 29 098 754 324 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 Chief Executive Officer Steve Davies Corporate Services Manager Michelle Wickson National Policy Manager Jordan McCollum Communications Manager Lawrence Shelton Engagement Manager Dean Bennett Membership Officer Katy Spence Events Coordinator Matthew Freeborough Policy Manager Catriona Rafael Government Relations Manager Paul Purcell

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MEMBERS & MEMOS

Federal Budget 2023-2024 puts gas market in the spotlight Energy has come out on top in this year’s Federal Budget, with the government investing a further $4 billion in Australia’s plan to become a renewable energy superpower and help burgeoning its renewable gas market.

Outlined in the announcement on Tuesday, 9 May, the government’s total investment to becoming a renewable energy superpower has exceeded more than $40 billion.

Among these, is the $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart, which aims to accelerate large-scale renewable hydrogen projects for the nation and bridge the commercial gap for early-stage projects, and position Australia to be a world leading hydrogen producer and exporter.

The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) warmly welcomed the $2 billion allocated to the Hydrogen Headstart as it will aim to help further develop Australia’s burgeoning renewable gas market.

“Through this Budget, the Federal Government has demonstrated that renewable gases like hydrogen and biomethane are an important part of Australia’s holistic decarbonisation strategy,” said APGA Chief Executive Officer Steve Davies.

“As of today, the only organisations producing and delivering green hydrogen to Australian businesses and homes are gas infrastructure companies, and the industry has strong

interest in working with third parties to share our insights and help facilitate the adoption of renewable gases rapidly and at scale.”

The government’s total investment to becoming a renewable energy superpower has exceeded more than $40 billion.

NT government finalises Beetaloo regulatory framework The Northern Territory government has announced the finalisation of the regulatory framework for gas production in the Beetaloo Sub-Basin.

All 135 recommendations of the 2018 scientific inquiry into hydraulic fracturing

The projects in the Beetaloo Basin will deliver much-needed supply to gas-power generators.

have been finalised, enabling safe and sustainable development of the basin.

“Having considered the system reform undertaken as a complete package, the NT Government is now satisfied that the risks identified by the inquiry have been sufficiently mitigated and is confident that applications for onshore petroleum production licences may now be accepted for consideration by the new regulatory regime,” the Final Implementation report concluded.

Deputy chief minister of the Northern Territory Nicole Manison announced the final report and outlined the benefits of the developing the sub-basin.

“Along with our world-class renewable resources, our highly prospective onshore gas resources will support our energy

security during the transition to renewables – and will improve living standards for all Territorians,” Manison said.

The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) voiced its support of the decision, indicating the commercial and environmental benefits of the move.

“These projects in the Beetaloo Basin will deliver much-needed supply to gas-power generators, which work in tandem with renewables to ensure the NEM is secure, and energy prices are affordable,” APGA chief executive Steve Davies said.

“The rapid but necessary exit of coal-fired generation, combined with delays to Snowy Hydro 2.0, makes clear the role that gas needs to play to keep the lights on, and gasfired generators need dependable and affordable supply in order to fulfil that job.”

Work begins on new pipe at Port Vincent SA Water has started installing around 990m of new water main at Port Vincent to prepare future growth for the area.

The new pipe is part of SA Water’s four-year $155 million water main management program and is being laid beneath Lime Kiln Road, Kent Road, Alma Street and Correll Street.

SA Water General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Amanda Lewry said the works will involve upgrading a key section of pipe which transports water to residents and businesses around Port Vincent.

“Replacing water mains which are nearing the end of their operational life with new pipes made of modern materials minimises the

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potential for leaks and breaks, which can happen due to a variety of reasons such as the condition of the soil, temperature of the ground and water pressure changes,” Lewry said.

“As regional communities see population growth, demand for services, including water and wastewater, are increasing.

“We’re planning and preparing for this future growth to ensure we can continue to provide reliable services to our regional customers.

Lewry said SA Water's water mains have a lifespan of up to 100 years.

The majority of what it installs is part of its replacement program which is made of PVC. This material is known for its flexibility and

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

resistance to movement, compared to fibrocement. Construction is expected to take nine months to complete, with works occurring Monday to Sunday between 7am and 5pm.

The new pipe is part of SA Water’s four-year $155 million water main management program.

MEMBERS & MEMOS

Throwback on an impactful project with HDI Lucas HDI Lucas has shared information about the Chatswood Sewer Amplification Project it delivered as part of Sydney Water‘s Sewerfix Program in 2003.

To this day, this project still holds one of the Australian records for an inclined bore by horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technique – 1830m in length at a 1 per cent positive grade.

The Chatswood Project comprised a network of new street sewer lines and a new sewage main which needed to be a gravity main to avoid pumping stations. Trenching was virtually impossible because the route follows Victoria Avenue, the area’s main East-West artery.

Sydney Water originally proposed a mix of HDD and microtunnelling.

HDI Lucas was responsible for the design,

To this day, this project still holds one of the Australian records for an inclined bore by horizontal directional drilling technique.

construction, and installation.

While this would have achieved the same outcome, the community impact would have been unacceptable – requiring pits up to 17m deep, 6m long and 2m wide, which would have created lengthy noise, safety, and traffic problems.

A single 1810m directional drill, eliminating the need for pits along with their risks, congestion, compensation, and liabilities, was proposed as a solution by HDI Lucas.

Although longer and more precise than any other HDD gravity sewer installation in the world, HDI Lucas was confident of its solution and provided comprehensive engineering analysis and demonstrated its experience in many of the world’s longest HDD sewer and water installations in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Hong Kong.

Verbrec contracted for pre-feasibility study of Mid-West Shared Infrastructure Project the work areas of energy and power, robust business case to further develop the Australian engineering services company concentrate transportation, return and top infrastructure bringing high quality Verbrec is set to carry out the pre-feasibility up water, end of line facilities, port, magnetite from the Yilgarn, to market. study for the Mid-West Shared and marine.

The pre-feasibility study will also include Infrastructure project (MWSIP) in Western Australia (WA).

Awarded by the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG), the study will develop a costing model associated with the development of infrastructure for the export of iron ore, from the Yilgarn region of the Mid West of WA. Funded by Mindax Ltd and in part AGIG, the study will specifically cost the capex and opex of a base case shipment of 30 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of Awarded by the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group, the magnetite iron ore. study CCE_CT-161531 QP TAP0123 -revised 22.5.pdf 1 22/05/2023 12:49:28 PM will develop a costing model associated with the It will also include factored estimates for development of infrastructure for the export of iron ore.

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POLICY

Electrifying everything is out

By Jordan McCollum, National Policy Manager, APGA

APGA National Policy Manager Jordan McCollum discusses the recent IPCC Assessment Report on the Mitigation of Climate Change.

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e have the tools, electrify everything: this is the catchcry of many energy decarbonisation advocates. But the scientists at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) disagree. The science is in – and electrify everything is out.

The recent IPCC Assessment Report on the Mitigation of Climate Change indicates that far from electrifying everything, a diverse and interconnected energy system is needed to limit global warming 1.5°.

As the preeminent international authority on climate change, the IPCC regularly assess and reports on mitigating climate change. Chapter six of the most recent Sixth Assessment Report goes into detail about how the global energy system is anticipated to change across four net

Figure 1: Electricity in final energy.

zero emission scenarios.

Not one of the IPCC scenarios proposes 100 per cent electrification of energy demand for any sector.

In fact, IPCC scientists anticipate that electricity use will account for less than 50 per cent of final energy use on average in 2050. Far from being an absolute conclusion, this average sits amongst a range that spans from 30 per cent to 64 per cent of final energy demand across all four scenarios. Not even residential and commercial energy demand is anticipated to fully electrify in IPCC net zero scenarios.

Counter to much public commentary, the IPCC also sees a substantial quantity of natural gas remaining in net zero 2050 scenarios. While on average gas use declines to half that of today, IPCC uncertainty on gas use is substantial, with scenario outcomes ranging from 10 per cent to 115 per cent of current natural gas demand in a net zero energy future.

This large natural gas use appears to stem from lower-than-expected estimates of hydrogen utilisation and virtually no mention of biogas or biomethane. This is despite the European Union targeting 35 billion cubic metres of biomethane supply and 20MT of hydrogen supply by 2030.

The IPCC’s conclusions follow in the footsteps of the 2021 International Energy Agency (IEA) Net Zero Emissions Roadmap which clearly depicted a net zero energy system with a diverse array of no- and low- emissions energy sources.

The IPCC could foreseeably transition to even lower levels of fossil fuels with greater

Figure 2: Gas without CCS.

consideration for renewable gases as was seen in the 2021 IEA report which identified renewable gases as the backstop to possible shortcomings of a future carbon capture and storage industry.

Time and time again, when the international climate and energy scientists project pathways to achieving net zero emission ambitions, the conclusions far from advocate for electrifying everything.

Instead, international climate and energy scientists advocate for measured action to create resilient energy systems which are supported by a diverse combination of energy sources.

Much like the resilience of today’s energy system has been secured by a diverse combination of energy sources, the net zero energy system of tomorrow will also need a breadth of supply options to be resilient. Yes, the science is in – and electrify everything is out.

Reference Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Climate Change 2022 Mitigation of Climate Change (Assessment Report 6) available at https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/ downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGIII_ FullReport.pdf

For more information visit www.apga.org.au

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PIPELINES IN QLD

Renewables in the spotlight for QLD Over the past year, there has been significant investment in Queensland (QLD), with many projects improving energy and water security as the state moves towards a renewable future.

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n early 2023, the Federal Government pledged $70 million to support the development of a renewable hydrogen hub in Townsville.

Similarly, the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) received development approval from the Gladstone Ports Corporation for its hydrogen park site in Gladstone.

In other energy investment news, construction began on a new Queensland SuperGrid Link between Cairns and Townsville as part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

As for pipelines, the state’s government officially signed off on funding for the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline, supporting more than 400 jobs in the southwest regions.

Comet Ridge and Jemena reached an agreement for a new gas pipeline connection from the Mahalo North Project into the domestic gas market.

Albanese announces funding for Queensland hydrogen hub The competitive Townsville Region Hydrogen Hub program will deliver funds towards projects that accelerate the development of a hydrogen industry in North Queensland.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that a thriving hydrogen industry in North Queensland would be critical for Australia’s push to becoming a renewable energy superpower.

“The hub will help secure jobs and economic growth in Queensland, delivering on one of our key commitments, and could also pave the way for exports to our valued trading partners in Japan, South Korea and across Asia,” Albanese said.

Green light for Gladstone Hydrogen Park site The new project is set to deliver up to 10 per cent by volume renewable gas blended with natural gas to local businesses and homes connected to AGN’s Gladstone gas distribution network.

AGIG Chief Executive Officer Craig de Laine said it is an important step in decarbonisation.

“This is an exciting project that raises the benchmark for the domestic hydrogen industry of the future, building on our experience of safely and reliably delivering blended renewable hydrogen to our customers,” de Laine said.

“Hydrogen Park Gladstone is the first step in delivering the low carbon future of domestic gas supply in Queensland.”

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Queensland has plenty on the cards in terms of renewable projects this year.

Cairns to Townsville SuperGrid Link underway Backed by $40 million in local Government funding, the publicly owned Powerlink project will upgrade part of the existing 132 kilovolt (kV) coastal transmission line to permanently operate at 275kV capacity.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the new SuperGrind Link improves renewable energy reliability for North Queensland.

“This Queensland SuperGrid link between Cairns and Townsville will improve the reliability, security and affordability of energy supply to North Queenslanders, and unlocks up to 500 megawatt (MW) of additional renewable energy capacity on this third circuit to the far north,” de Brenni said.

“It means we can pump more renewables into the Queensland SuperGrid and create more good jobs in our publicly owned energy system for workers in North Queensland.”

$370 m to boost Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline The new pipeline will carry raw water from Wivenhoe Dam and connect with Toowoomba Regional Council’s existing water infrastructure to deliver water to Warwick and will be an opportunity to deliver treated water to the Toowoomba region communities of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby, and Clifton.

The pipeline also provides drought contingency for residents of Southern Downs Regional Council.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the cabinet had locked in the final funding amount of more than $370 million.

“This is fantastic news for the people of Western The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

Queensland, with a pipeline of good, quality jobs just around the corner,” Palaszczuk said.

“We know that water security is vital to these local economies, as well as the liveability of our Queensland communities.”

In addition to the pipeline, the funding also includes upgrades to the Wivenhoe Pump Station to boost existing capacity, construction of new water treatment facilities to service communities along the pipeline route, and installation of network monitoring to reduce losses and improve water security for Southern Downs.

New pipeline for Mahalo North project As part of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a preliminary front-end engineering and design (pre-FEED) agreement, Jemena will immediately undertake a pre-FEED study of a high-pressure gas transmission pipeline of 73km from the Mahalo North Gas Project to Jemena’s Queensland Gas Pipeline.

Jemena Managing Director Frank Tudor said the agreement is a key step in providing regional Queensland with additional gas.

“The announcement means we will be able to leverage our experience and understanding of regional Queensland to conduct a pre-FEED study with a view to constructing a 73km pipeline which is capable of delivering around 25 terajoules of gas per day to the domestic market,” said Tudor.

“It is also good news for local communities in regional Queensland who stand to benefit from an influx of jobs and local contracts throughout the planning, construction, and commissioning of the proposed pipeline and broader development as part of Comet Ridge’s Mahalo North Project.”

COVER STORY

A milestone anniversary for the ages Growing from installing 10km of high-pressure pipeline from a gas field in the 1920s to becoming a leading global contractor in pipelines and associated facilities, Spiecapag is celebrating 100 years of constructing gas pipelines in 2023.

How does the company continue to adapt and innovate 100 years on?

The pipeline was commissioned and online days before an incident at Moomba cut the gas supply line to Adelaide.

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he Australian Pipeliner sat down with Spiecapag Managing Director John Walsh to talk about the significant milestones over the past 100 years, the changing landscape of the industry and where the company is heading.

100 years is a long time. Where did it all start?

In the late 1800s and early 1900s our founding company SPIE was best known for constructing electrical metro tram lines and railways. In fact, that’s the origin of the name – the “IE” is for industrialisation and electrification.

In 1923, it expanded into other infrastructure projects, building France’s first high-pressure gas pipeline. While it was only a 6-inch line running about 10km, the pipeline connected France’s first onshore gas field development at Vaux en Bugey to the nearby town of Ambérieuen Bugey.

Over the decades, SPIE continued to play a major role in European oil and gas pipeline construction, and in 1977, it merged with CAPAG, another well-known pipeline constructor who had been active in pipeline construction since the 1930’s and became SPIECAPAG. Eventually, we dropped the hyphen.

What are some of the highlights over that period?

Our reputation is being the constructor who gets the challenging projects built.

Looking back at projects across the world, the 42-inch and 46-inch AGT pipelines for BP (BTC and SCP) in Georgia and Azerbaijan (2002-2006) saw Spiecapag crews crossing

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mountains at 2500m altitude in temperatures as low as -30 degrees C, and over very steep terrain.

Subsequent projects such as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline in Albania and Greece, as well as the recent Coastal Gas Link pipeline across the Rockies in Canada, show we don’t shy away from a challenge.

Coming back into our region, just to Australia’s north, the 1990’s Kutubu oil pipeline and the 2013 PNGLNG gas pipeline opened up hydrocarbon export in Papua New Guinea (PNG). These were built through some of the most varied and challenging terrain imaginable, and at a time when there was no supporting infrastructure or road networks in PNG – true pioneering construction.

Back home in Australia, how long has Spiecapag been operating here?

Our first project here was the Sydney-Newcastle Pipeline in 1982, where a major focus was minimising the environmental impacts on the Hawkesbury River. Since then, we have seen lots of open trenching and trenchless construction projects across the country. There were plenty of other challenges, and many working on the project will remember the rocky sections and some of those steep sections with large boulders.

We delivered several other large projects including the 756km Tenneco pipeline (SouthWest Queensland Pipeline) in the 1990s, which was memorable for its hundreds of kms of rock.

Other milestone projects include the SEA Gas pipeline in 2004, entailing 687km from Victoria to Adelaide, which was commissioned and online just days before an incident at Moomba cut the original gas supply line to Adelaide.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

Being a leader from the early years, and able to remain at the forefront of the industry certainly helped, as does our global presence, which can open exciting doors for our staff to work on.

Many innovative approaches to project construction learned on one continent have been quickly applied elsewhere, and have continually honed our methodologies.

Many of us can imagine a not-too-distant future involving hydrogen and other future fuels, and we are seeing projects designed with larger and heavier pipelines, pushing the welding away from manual and into auto welding. That plays to our strengths.

We have been delivering large auto-welded gas pipelines for over 30 years and understand the stringent requirements and the logistical challenges to build pipelines to this standard.

We also play an active role in pipeline standards and research. It makes sense to understand and participate in how pipelines are likely to be designed in the future, because that allows us to be ready for when they are built.

You mentioned future fuels, is this where do you see the industry heading?

I don’t think anyone can say with certainty where the industry will be heading short-term, but gas is certainly part of that.

On other fuels, there are trends, but also lots of challenges to be resolved, and which technology proves the greatest scalability, affordability and reliability is yet to be confirmed.

That said, longer term we can see greater In 1982, the Sydney-Newcastle Pipeline was the first project for the company in Australia.

COVER STORY

A major focus was minimising the environmental impacts on the Hawkesbury River.

volumes of gases being used in low-carbon mobility and increasing use of emerging nonhydrocarbon fuels.

Supply and demand could drive an increase in import terminals to ease shortages seen on the east coast, specifically in the southern states, although government intervention through artificial price controls is having an impact on that. Without oversimplifying it, it makes sense that Australia continues to play to its strengths while incubating future export industries and net-zero technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration, and demonstrates its support for gas exploration and production, as consistency on that front will send the right signals to investors.

Longer term there is an ever-growing number of hydrogen and/or ammonia projects all around Australia taking advantage of cheap renewable energy and the potential high value export markets in our region.

Throughout all of this, our population continues to grow, and that means that not only energy needs to be transmitted, but also water, and Australia has plenty of challenges on that front too.

It’s a fascinating time for our industry, and we are excited to be part of that. We prize our local and global experience building all kinds of pipelines for utilities and dom-gas/LNG, and hope that will serve our clients well as we explore this path in the coming years, decades and, dare I say it as we celebrate our first 100 years, centuries ahead.

combined with a post COVID-19 boom resulting in an influx of new staff, which results in a skills shortage and has the potential to impact project safety. Working through this is an unerring focus for us.

The workforce challenge is compounded by how the hydrocarbons sector is negatively perceived in some quarters, reducing the potential graduate pool. We are thankful that our global presence allows us to draw on highly experienced experts from around the globe to support our projects and mentor the next generation of pipeliners in Australia and our region.

While uncertainty can be caused by many factors, in pretty-much all scenarios in the global fuel mix, Australia can continue to play an important role in producing low-carbon fuels. That said, there is a cycle to our industry, and short-term dips in investment have always been a factor, so we are thankful to be active across several sectors including energy, water, utilities, and future fuels, using a variety of methodologies including horizontal directional drilling. This allows us to retain and develop the skilled teams we need to deliver major projects as well as continue to develop capable staff.

What are the company's values and how do they guide business decisions?

Our vision is centred on the concept of “Build Better Together”, the same concept that drives our parent company, VINCI Construction.

Build: We share a passion for building, finding solutions and delivering infrastructure for communities. This guides us in developing our staff, utilising cutting edge innovation, and sharing our experiences to improve.

Better: Our constant focus on continual improvement because you can always find a better way to do the job.

Fostering a culture of autonomy and trust, empowering the projects to make the decisions that are needed.

Together: Because people come first. Whether it is focusing on our employee’s safety and teamwork, or our clients to ensure positive outcomes, or the wider community, delivering a legacy that lasts long after the project construction has completed.

Our communities in Australia and our region, are growing, and these three simple words will work well to serve our ambitions as a company, an industry, and a broader community. Let’s Build Better Together the world we live in.

The SEA Gas pipeline was a significant milestone project for the company.

What are some of the trends that are impacting the industry?

We are currently weathering a perfect storm - An aging workforce departing the industry

To learn more visit www.spiecapag.com.au The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

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WOMENS PIPELINE FORUM

Leaders from the Women in Pipelines Forum

By Cara Robb, Elizabeth Wheeler and Siew Shan Foo, edited by Margaret Gayen The Women in Pipelines Forum (WPF) was established as an outcome of the APGA Women’s Leadership Development Program, with the purpose of promoting the collaboration, contribution, celebration, and empowerment of women in the pipeline industry across Australia and New Zealand.

S

ince its official launch at the APGA Convention in 2021, over 150 women have joined the Forum. The WPF consists of many subcommittees which include our Development, Research and Advocacy committees, as well as state-based committees.

All of these committees are led by amazing women in our industry. Here we introduce two of our stars - Elizabeth Wheeler and Siew Shan Foo.

Elizabeth Wheeler: Lead Project Engineer NSW, APA Group (Brisbane), Chair of the WPF Advocacy Committee What’s your role in the Pipeline industry?

I’m currently looking after a team of project engineers who deliver complex Stay-in-Business projects for APA’s NSW assets. We keep the assets improving and growing so that APA can continue transmitting energy across the East Coast.

Why did you join the industry?

I’ve been in the industry since graduating from university in Canberra, when there was a strong recommendation from my pipeliner father to apply for an open position at APA. What do you love about your job?

I love the people in the Engineering and Planning team, and my own team. I love getting out and seeing the country we live in and serve.

What drew you to the WPF? 15-odd years of experiences (many stories) being a Woman in Pipelines with no organised network for us. As soon as I heard about WPF I was in without hesitation.

What do you hope to achieve in your subcommittee?

I want to advocate for all the women in our industry to make working in Pipelines a diverse and safe career choice for all people, to the point that we no longer need advocacy within the industry, and we can join our colleagues

WPF Women's Leadership Development Program Cohort.

advocating for the industry.

What do you do in your spare time?

I have two young daughters and a never-ending laundry basket! I love spending time with my family doing absolutely anything.

Siew Shan Foo: Engineer – Facilities Gas Distribution, Jemena (Sydney), Chair of the WPF NSW subcommittee and member of the WPF Development Committee What’s your role in the Pipeline industry?

I am a facilities engineer at Jemena, the largest gas distributer in New South Wales. I am responsible for all our high-pressure stations in NSW and ACT, ensuring gas is supplied to our customers safely and reliably, whilst maintaining asset integrity. I provide asset management, engineering and technical services to the business.

Why did you join the industry?

I have always been interested in Mathematics and Science, so Engineering seemed a logical career to pursue. I was recruited by the Natural Gas Company for their graduate program whilst completing the final year of my Engineering degree. I was thrilled to join an industry that directly impacts so many people’s lives and have never looked back. With the increased focus and rapid advancement in renewable energy, it is an exciting time to be in the industry.

What do you love about your job?

I love the variety of tasks I undertake as part of my job. One week I could be driving out to the regional areas doing risk assessments on our assets, the next I could be in the office developing Engineering Assessment for a project, reviewing design documentation etc. I love that after 20 plus years, I am still learning and growing.

What drew you to the WPF? Joining the male-dominated industry back in the 90s as a shy female engineer, I understand what it is like to feel a little out of place. The WPF provides a unique environment for women in the industry to network, collaborate and grow.

What do you hope to achieve in your subcommittee?

In the NSW sub-committee, we coordinate events to bring women in the industry from NSW together, to network and to learn from each other.

We have already had a couple of successful networking events. Moving forward, on top of networking events, we are looking to get involved in social initiatives (such as promoting uptake of STEM among girls in school) as well as site visits.

Since its launch, the members of the WPF has organised networking events, attended development sessions, launched an industry research project, and created material for raising the profile of women in the industry. If you would like to join in, please get in touch.

Contact us at wpf@apga.org.au or fill in this form to register your interest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSf7seKzGywv1zZ-4zdfm-iXgHmyPd7JJVdj2_CascQC3_uRBw/viewform

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The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

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WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

The Business Development Success of the Year winner this year is Stefanie Frawley from TMX Global.

Trudy Grimshaw was awarded Excellence In Construction.

Elsa Antunes is this year’s Excellence In Engineering award recipient.

Rise and shine: Discover 2023's Women in Industry stars The Women in Industry Awards recognise outstanding women from a range of industrial sectors. The Australian Pipeliner talked to some of this year’s winners and what it means to work in a predominately male industry.

T

aking place on 8 June 2023, women were put in the spotlight and recognised for their achievements and skills in the resources, transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, rail, construction, and infrastructure sectors.

The Women in Industry awards comprised of 11 prestigious categories.

Business Development Success of the Year This category recognises an individual who has created new growth opportunities that has allowed their organisation to expand and generate greater revenue. The winner this year is Stefanie Frawley from TMX Global.

Excellence in Construction – sponsored by NAWIC This prestigious category singles out an individual who has made a positive contribution to one of the many facets of the construction industry. This year’s recipient is Trudy Grimshaw (Department of Finance, Western Australia).

“It's a real honour to be able to deliver services to the community,” Grimshaw said.

“It's an absolute delight to see so many young women up here and to see how our industry is moving forward.”

Excellence in Engineering – sponsored by SEW-EURODRIVE This category recognises an individual who has shown leadership in engineering, technological excellence and innovation.

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Meet this year’s winner, Elsa Antunes from James Cook University.

“This isn’t just about women, it is about how we are making an impact in this society,” she said.

Excellence in Manufacturing – sponsored by PACCAR Australia This award is about recognising an individual who has thought ‘outside the box’ to implement an outstanding personal contribution to their manufacturing business and the wider manufacturing community. Kristi Riordan from Harvest B is this year’s winner.

“Thank you to Women in Industry for your 2023 awards night, and the work you do to recognise the important role of women across highly technical industries,” she said.

“Moments such as this re-energise me with the potential for the future we can create.”

Excellence in Mining – sponsored by Weir Minerals Australia This award singles out an individual who has made a positive contribution to one of the many facets of the mining industry. This year’s winner is Ashara Moore from BHP, who said this wouldn't have been possible without her team.

“I have a fantastic team of engineers working with me” Moore said.

“I couldn't be here without them today.”

Excellence in Transport This award is all about recognising an individual who has gone above and beyond to improve and positively impact the Australian transport industry.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

In 2023, this special individual was Coralie Chapman (Humes Concrete Products).

“I hope that instead of saying this industry is male-dominated, which can sound threatening, and especially for young women, we can change it to predominantly male," she said.

“If we can learn to change our language when we're talking to women and to younger people in the industry, I think it's a big step towards getting more women into any predominantly male industry.”

Industry Advocacy Award This category is about singling out an individual who has helped shape a positive view of their industry and/or helped to create a policy change that benefits those working in the sector. Jemma Walshe from Fulton Hogan was the most-deserving recipient of the award this year.

Walshe thanked her co-workers and her mentors upon receiving the prestigious award, adding she wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for them as well as their ability to strive and push everyone to do better.

“I just want to say a big thank you to the leaders that I look up to,” she said.

Mentor of the Year This category recognises an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to developing female talent within their organisation or wider industry.

Meet Teagan Dowler (The BCW), this year’s Mentor of the Year.

“I just want to thank every single person who has believed in the work that we do to support

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

Kristi Riordan was awarded Excellence In Manufacturing.

Ashara Moore, awarded Excellence In Mining.

Coralie Chapman was awarded Excellence In Transport.

Jemma Walshe took home the Industry Advocacy Award.

Teagan Dowler, Mentor Of The Year 2023.

Sophia Kurianski, Rising Star Of The Year award recipient, said her mum was her role model in her acceptance speech.

women in our industry, and particularly in the personal development space and the mentoring space,” she said.

“I do want to do a special shout out to all of the other finalists because your work is so impactful in creating change in this industry.”

Rising Star of the Year – sponsored by Atlas Copco

This year’s winner is Giselle Phillips from Fredon QLD. “This is a celebration not only for me but for the team as well because we are making change in our field,” said Phillips.

“Advocate for yourself. If you don't have a seat at the table, I recommend you create a seat at the table.”

This is about recognising an individual who has shown significant promise within their chosen industry or who has reached new goals at the start of their career. Sophia Kurianski from Jinolo is this year’s award recipient.

“The one person I'd really like to think in this whole journey is my mother, because she has just shown me the incredible example of a strong female leader both in the workplace and in normal everyday life,” she said.

“I'd like to say thank you and congratulate every single woman in this room. You're doing really amazing things and I'm just so honoured to be in a room full of such amazing women in this industry.”

Woman of the Year – sponsored by Fulton Hogan

Safety Advocacy Award – sponsored by Komatsu

Australian Mining, PACE, Manufacturers’ Monthly, MHD Supply Chain Solutions, Prime Mover, Inside Construction, Waste Management Review, Inside Water, Rail Express, Roads &

This category recognises an individual working actively to improve safety for their industry.

This year’s Woman of the Year is also the remarkable Giselle Phillips from Fredon QLD. Upon receiving this most prestigious award, it’s with emotion that Phillips thanked all the women in the room and in her life.

“I have advocated for them, I have listened to them, and we're all in the same boat” she said.

“We are not in competition with each other. We are needing to advocate and help each other to get where we need to be.

“So, this [award] is not only for me, but this is also for every woman that is in the room.”

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

Infrastructure Australia, Energy Today, The Australian Pipeliner, Trenchless Australasia, Quarry and Australian Bulk Handling Review are partnered to acknowledge the exceptional women who have achieved success through their invaluable leadership, innovation, and commitment to their sector.

All pictures were taken by photographer James Thomas.

Giselle Phillips took out two awards on the night – Safety Advocacy and Woman of the Year.

21

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

Shaping the women of tomorrow ERIAS Group’s Julie Crawford, Melanie Brown, and Luci David share their career experiences and how the APGA women’s leadership program has shaped them as leaders and inspired future trailblazers.

ERIAS team take time out from export gas pipeline pre-construction environmental surveys in the Gulf Province, PNG.

ERIAS pre-construction environmental and social survey team comprising ecologists, botanists and archaeologists.

E

RIAS is an environmental and social impact assessment consulting business that has recognised that diverse teams bring value to an organisation.

Fostering an inclusive work culture is a company imperative. As a result, ERIAS strives to empower and create an inclusive environment for all staff by promoting gender equality and respect across their workplaces.

Gender equality is something that is broadly recognised across ERIAS as a key to success and has been encouraged organically within the business.

In particular, the streams of environmental and social sciences embrace a sense of nurture and natural gender balance, which has resulted in a spread across the business of 57 per cent females and 43 per cent males.

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The company has a number of senior female role models, providing its graduate and junior staff with the opportunity to work with female mentors and scientists who, in turn, foster the development of graduates.

The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association’s (APGA) Women's Leadership Development Program (WLDP) provides a much-needed framework for developing female leadership within the pipeline industry. For ERIAS, it has provided an opportunity for women to network and develop skills that has enabled their continued development and success in their careers generally.

Shaping leaders ERIAS has embraced the WLDP from the outset and enrolled several of its female leaders in the The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

program, who have found useful tools in expanding their skillsets.

In addition, ERIAS has benefited from the career experience of their senior staff, such as ERIAS Principal Julie Crawford, who has extensive resource industry experience across multiple commodities.

She has led remote teams to deliver environment, health, safety, and community functional excellence. Much of Crawford’s experience has been working in remote locations in predominantly male industries.

Crawford first joined ERIAS in 2022 to lead the multi-disciplinary field teams for the Papua LNG export pipeline pre-construction surveys in the remote Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea.

Here, she leads teams of up to 30 local, environmental and social scientists.

Across her extensive career within the energy and resource sectors before joining ERIAS, Crawford has experienced many challenges with gender inequality.

“About eight years before joining ERIAS, as a member of a senior management team, male members of the team would exclude me from several social events,” she said.

“In the first instance they redirected me to another task in another location, subsequently, I found out about the event occurring and thereafter there was no attempt to conceal activities that were specifically designed for the men to enjoy.”

While this was not her only experience of gender inequality, Crawford said it has brought her a long way, to a more positive environment at ERIAS. “I have 19 years’ experience working in remote areas which historically have had low female participation rates,” she said.

"ERIAS has a great gender balance, and I have received off-site support by talented women.”

In her role, Crawford manages the field survey programs, with each being a month long and involving significant jungle treks to collect scientific data.

“Upon commencing the role in PNG my family raised concerns for my safety based on media reports of kidnapping, remoteness, lack of females on site, and camp living,” Crawford said.

“Remote working in camps can feel like an extended family where the values of respect trust and genuine care are practiced.

“Such camps can be very protective of such culture and if this is threatened, those that disrupt the harmony are quickly called out.”

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

Crawford said this is how she views her current base, as it encompasses a diverse and accepting environment.

“I have never received (and voiced) so many daily ‘good mornings’ accompanied by a big smile,” Crawford said.

“When I return from break, the good mornings are replaced by ‘Hey Julie, welcome back!’ and fist bumps.

“It is a sense of belonging and every human has that need for belonging and purpose. I have conveyed this to my family and alleviated their concerns.”

Looking to the future Seeing the positive outcomes of the program, ERIAS will continue to rely on the APGA WLDP and engage with staff to effectively listen and act to cultivate an inclusive and empowering work environment.

A positive experience taken from the program is through ERIAS Principal Melanie Brown, who praised the program’s tailored experience of growth.

“Unlike any other leadership course I’ve done, the WLDP really does go with the flow, which is its

strength,” Brown said.

“The program has helped me grow into my own brand of leadership and find connections with other women who I know will continue to support each other beyond the program’s completion.”

ERIAS Principal Luci David attended the inaugural APGA WLPD and enjoyed learning from the experiences of other leaders.

“The program has helped me to reflect on the type of leader that I am, the type of leader that I want to be and how this affects the way I work,” David said.

“I have been able to draw on many aspects of the leadership program in my roles both within project teams and within ERIAS. “I have really valued being part of an expanding network of women who have been involved in the program.”

Through these fruitful experiences, the ERIAS employees who attended the program have opened a constructive dialogue to engage with management on discussions to develop the careers of female employees of the company.

Like many businesses and organisations that make up the APGA membership, ERIAS will

L-R: Nicole Frani (ERIAS PNG Environmental Scientist), Chloe Apo (ERIAS archaeology graduate), Julie Crawford (ERIAS Principal Environmental Scientist), and Philippa Mimat (Health Officer, International SOS).

continue to work to foster an inclusive, respectful work environment that supports equality in all respects.

Key to this is fostering a culture that provides a safe workplace in all regards, where equality is fostered, such that we can look forward to a time when equality and respect are universal norms, and these conversations are a thing of the past.

To learn more about ERIAS Group, visit www.eriasgroup.com

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WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

Celebrating the women at James Vac Solutions The vacuum excavation company has a remarkable and valuable team of women helping make James Vac Solutions what it is today. They sat down with The Australian Pipeliner to chat about their daily life in the industry.

J

ames Vac Solutions, founded in 2021, is all about putting women first – the company’s owner and Director is a woman herself.

Dannielle James is her name. With her now husband Jason James, they decided to start their very own directional drilling company 10 years ago.

“In 2013 we started Pipe Pro Drilling which is now a leading rock drilling company in Victoria,” she said.

Jason was at that time a directional driller on the same roster as Dannielle (working together in FIFO roles in the Pilbara, WA), their passion for the pipeline industry cemented their will to embark on this adventure together.

“During this time, we invested in a vacuum excavation truck to work alongside our drilling crews to safely identify and locate underground services and dig in more sensitive areas where traditional excavation methods could not,” Dannielle said.

“As more and more people began to see the benefits of our vacuum excavation truck, they started to enquire about hiring.

“As we were using it every day, Jason and I saw a gap in the market where we could hire out our services.”

In 2020, Jason set out with the help of local mechanics to custom build a larger 10,000L vacuum truck. By the end of 2021 it was ready to start work. That was the genesis of James Vac Solutions.

“Since then, with the help of our Manager, Jim Mackay, we have grown our fleet to six vacuum excavation trucks and our street sweeper to meet the ever-growing demand for our services in Western

Victoria,” Dannielle said.

In her 13 years working in the pipeline industry, Dannielle has seen it evolve for the better.

“In the beginning I did not know any other women and as much as I would have loved to employ more women a decade ago, I wasn’t seeing any applying for the jobs we were advertising,” she said.

“I started following organisations such as National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) and Tradeswomen Australia just to network and connect with other women in the industry as I felt very isolated.

“As time has gone on, I am seeing many more women in roles across all sectors which makes me really proud as a woman and for the younger girls coming through school seeing that a career in civil construction is possible.”

Pipe Pro Drilling and James Vac Solutions are both success stories, thanks to their owners and directors’ unwavering passion for the industry.

Pipe Pro Drilling won two awards in the commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards.

One in 2017 under the innovation category, and one in 2018 when it won an award for excellence in trade. James Vac Solutions was also recognised, winning the Commerce Ballarat Award for Excellence in Trade in 2022.

“In 2019 I personally won the NAWIC Victorian Businesswoman of the Year award,” Danielle said.

“Asides from the awards, I am most proud of the businesses Jason and I have created, and the opportunities we have given people.”

For her, being a woman in this industry is all

Dannielle James accepting the Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Award in the Trade Category in 2022.

about trusting yourself and other inspiring women gravitating to it. Be confident and recognise your worth,” Dannielle said.

“If you are passionate about a career in civil construction, then do work experience or seek out other women already in the industry to act as mentors.”

And Dannielle surely knows how to surround herself with smart, dedicated and skilled female co-workers, such as Stella Boots the Office Administrator at James Vac Solutions.

Boots has been working at the company since May 2022, and it is her first position in the pipeline industry.

So far, her experience has been nothing less than positive and insightful.

The James Vac Solutions Street Sweeper at Lake Wendouree.

Vacuum Truck operator Georgia Crow.

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The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

The women of James Vac Solutions, L-R: Dannielle James, Chye Fowkes, Stella Boots and Georgia Crow.

“It’s interesting to increase my knowledge of all the types of work that our company undertakes,” Boots said.

“I have found my male co-workers friendly and easy to deal with.

“It is satisfying to reflect on how much I have learnt in regard to vehicles, equipment and

For Boots, women are assets in the pipeline industry, as they bring with them invaluable skills, remarkable expertise, and new ways of looking at the industry.

She said women have so much value to add to this industry.

“My view is that the workplace is safe and

participate in this field of work hopefully the more the role will be reflected back for other women to join.”

Georgia Crow, Vacuum Truck Operator at James Vac Solutions, said that working for the company had always been a positive experience.

“It has been very good, I really enjoy working with and getting to know all the guys and girls,” she said.

“They are already fun, easy-going and enjoyable to be around.”

Crow is proud of having passed her truck licence, because according to her, it is one of her biggest achievements as a woman in the industry.

She is also proud of realising that she is doing “pretty good” at her job and getting more and more confident in doing tasks by herself.

“Not only was I confident in doing the job by myself, but Jim Mackay, Fleet Manager at Pipe Pro Drilling, also believed in me,” she said.

Crow’s advice for women who are considering joining the industry is simple: go for it.

“I think if you enjoy working outdoors, don't mind getting a bit muddy and enjoy giving the boys a run for their money, then there's no harm in trying something new,” Crow said.

For more information visit www.jamesvacsolutions.com.au job concepts.”

inclusive,” she said. “The more women that

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WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

Female Chair shaping the future of YPF In this month’s APGA Q&A, the spotlight is on the Young Pipeline Forum’s (YPF) Chair Megan Le Bourdonnec.

T

ell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m Megan, I’m a cartographer and a mum of three and that’s pretty much my whole life. I joined Warren King and Company (WKC) in 2010, while studying cartography, the job was advertised at my university. Now 13 years on I'm still relatively in that the same job. Although the company has changed names a few times, and I’ve had a few different positions, WKC is now Veris Australia.

I have been working with the same people for a long time, and that’s mainly the reason I stay, the people at Veris are great to work with.

As I was studying the job started out as only

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part time, one day while having a chat to the general manager he offered me a full-time position instead of continuing my studies. As I was a single mum at the time the idea of not studying sounded great, so I jumped at the opportunity.

Now I am the Drafting Lead - Technical and Pipelines. I am now the only pipeline drafter in Veris Australia.

I originally got into pipelines because of a mentor at WKC, Michael Arriotti, an old school drafter. He was seen as a grumpy old man who teased relentlessly all who tried working with him, but he took a liking to me. Because of that,

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

I was able to work one on one and learn from his 30 plus years in the industry. That mentorship built out my career in the pipeline space.

What was your favourite project?

Originally at WKC we worked on pipelines all across Australia, so I can’t think of one specifically. The ones that stick out are because of the team and the client that I worked with.

Having a strong relationship with clients and a clear scope allows you to get on and do the job to the best of your ability, it's a real winner.

Recently, I worked on the East Perth Power

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

What committee are you a part of and how did you go about it?

I got involved circumstantially when I came back from maternity leave in 2016, WKC had just been sold and was now on its way to becoming Veris. With the change in management, all the social clubs I had been part of historically had been dissolved. Wanting to still be a part of the social scene and I was looking for something to do to get out of the house and meet people.

I had attended Young Pipeline Forum (YPF) events previously as a guest of a previous WKC colleague so I knew they were a good time. I emailed Jeffrey Sneglar who back then controlled the YPF mailing list to see how I could join the YPF and perhaps help out with events.

James Matison was flagged about my interest, as he was the chair at the time, he was more than happy to assist and invited me to my first YPF meeting so yeah, that's how I got into the community. Since then, I have also joined the APGA WA Chapter Committee at the bimonthly meetings they hold with the YPF and I started volunteering for some of the APGA events they hold. Taking photos, greeting guests, that sort of thing helping out wherever I could.

I officially joined in 2022 and sit on that committee as secretary.

How did you get involved and become chair?

Young Pipeline Forum’s (YPF) Chair Megan Le Bourdonnec with the YPF.

Station (EPPS) Relocation project, with Enscope it stands out as an enjoyable job because of those guys over at Enscope.

East Perth Power Station – tell us more.

EPPS for myself was completed late last year, I believe the project itself is still ongoing, my involvement was part of the relocation of a gas line. There was some complexity to the project when we had to consider all the variables of going through a very built-up area in East Perth and the many other services that ran through the same area. But working with friendly, smart, and good people makes even the stressful projects worth working those extra hours and days to get the job done well and quickly for them.

I got more involved by attending the meetings, which are in themselves a bit of a social situation as well. Once a month we get out, have a chat.

Over the years, I started doing more and more slowly everyone who had been there before me, running things, started to leave, James and Jeff left, eventually I moved up into the chair position. I've held the position of chair the last two and a half years.

Why the longevity, why stay so long?

I'm not an engineer by trade, but most others are, and I have been able to learn a huge amount that has progressed my thinking in this space. It is wonderful to get out and have an intellectual conversation, while getting to know someone new.

What do the committees offer as a budding pipeliner?

The YPF, it’s just a great way for young members to, especially when just starting out, to get them excited and interested in the industry and more involved. By being a part of the committee, even just the community of pipeliners sitting on that committee with you, you get so much from that you would not otherwise. Being kept up to date

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

Megan Le Bourdonnec.

on what’s happening in the industry, knowledge and updates on regulatory and policy issues, and how changes in the industry affect you.

Do you do you feel that the being part of the committee's has added a different dynamic to your career?

Yes, positive. Having this as an avenue in my career has helped me both with my personal development, pushing me out of my comfort zone.

Those that know me will understand how much I hate public speaking, and would rather much be in the background, being part of the committee has allowed me to develop that skill and while I still don’t like it, I am getting much better at it.

Being pat of the committee has also opened channels for me in my career, giving me access to people and organisations that I would not have had otherwise, especially on the East coast.

Most recently, internally my contribution through the committees has been noticed and my profile has benefited as a result of the work I have put in.

What would you tell anybody that's looking to join a committee?

Do it! Come along to the meetings, volunteer to participate, learn from the experience. It has been a great benefit to me, even just the opportunity to get out of the office once a month and have an intellectual conversation with like-minded people.

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RECRUITMENT

By 2050, more than four in 10 individuals in the world’s most advanced economies are likely to be older than 50.

Combating ageism in the workforce As the pipeline industry moves towards a more inclusive employment approach, there is still work to be done when it comes to retaining older members of the workforce.

W

hile some progress has been made in reducing ageism in recruitment, a recent report from the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) has suggested that some employers are still reluctant to employ older workers.

Titled Employing and Retaining Older Workers, the report found that only a quarter of the nearly

The four greatest advantages of recruiting older workers in 2023 are seen to be experience, professional knowledge, age diversity and reliability.

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300 human resources (HR) professionals surveyed were open to hiring people aged 65 and above “to a large extent”.

In comparison, 85 per cent of surveyed HR professionals said they are open to hiring from younger labour pools to “a large extent”, including people aged between 35 and 49.

Peter Norman Personnel is a recruitment agency servicing the engineering and utilities sectors.

Kate Cuic, a Recruitment Manager specialising in contractor and staff placements for pipeline projects, shared her expertise with The Australian Pipeliner.

Cuic said that employers are doing themselves a disservice by not considering older workers.

“Many older employees offer the skills, experience and wisdom that businesses need, especially when paired with next generations for project delivery as well as for the overall development of work force diversity in each sector,” Cuic said.

“Having a work culture that supports older members of the workforce can lead to many benefits for a business such as improved productivity and client satisfaction.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

“Businesses need to shift their perspective on stereotypes and embrace the fact that we are now in a time where people will work into their older years.

Research has also shown an increasing number of older workers re-joining the workforce.

According to federal government, by 2050, more than four in ten individuals in the world’s most advanced economies are likely to be older than 50.

“In our experience in the pipeline industry, we’re already there and have been for a long time because of a shortage of early career talent,” Cuic said.

“However, the sector is reaching a coming of age and now we’re faced with attrition of many mature age workers who could provide the experience that complements the skillsets of younger workers and can bring a positive influence on the workplace,” she said.

“Employers need to take advantage of this trend to address any talent gaps – particularly as the overseas talent tap was turned off in the last few years and we have seen dramatic changes to workplaces, technology and government policies.”

In fact, the four greatest advantages of recruiting

RECRUITMENT

older workers in 2023 are seen to be experience, professional knowledge, age diversity and reliability.

However, for those employers who are willing to consider older candidates, the research from AHRI indicated that there are many ageist practices embedded within the recruitment process.

A total of 49 per cent of HR professionals said recruitment practices at their organisation negatively impacted older workers.

The importance of retention According to the AHRI report, initiatives to support older workers to remain in employment have fallen across several areas.

Fewer respondents reported organisations are offering career planning, training, development opportunities and flexible working hours.

“There are many specific initiatives that have proved to be positive in both recruitment and retention,” Cuic said.

“For employers, the Workforce Australia Services Wage Subsidy provides a financial incentive of up to $10,000 to encourage businesses to hire and retain eligible employees aged 50 years or older.”

Cuic said the Skills and Training Incentive provides up to $2200 to fund training to help employees build upon their skills to remain in the workforce.

There is also an online mature age hub that provides resources and assistance to both mature age workers and job seekers.

On the other hand, 50 per cent of respondents noted that their organisations offer flexible work locations, something which may benefit older workers.

Other measures however, such as elder care leave, grandparent leave, and specific digital capability upskilling appear to be limited across the board.

These results reinforce the need for employers to make jobs more appealing to older workers.

Ultimately, Cuic said the path forward is for employers to amend their recruitment practices and remain open to providing flexible working and development initiatives.

“Employers can future proof their businesses by providing flexible workplaces and opportunities to grow for mature age workers,” Cuic said.

“In our experience, the pipeline industry has

Forty-nine per cent of HR professionals said recruitment practices at their organisation negatively impacted older workers.

generally benefitted from the longevity of baby boomers.

“The nature of work is evolving, so the time is right for reinvention to harness the benefits of an age diverse workforce,” she said.

To learn more about recruiting and retaining workers, visit www.peternorman.com.au

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PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

Biogas plant in Honkajoki, Finland.

Vertex G4Plant is the key for pipeline projects One of the leading building software providers, Vertex, is behind G4Plant, a versatile design software for all plant suppliers working with large plant models.

T

he G4Plant software is based on powerful functions that allows users to build an intelligent plant model in an illustrative and streamlined fashion.

In 2013, Finnish environmental engineering company, Watrec implemented the Vertex G4Plant and Vertex Flow software solutions to assist in the design and build of biogas plants.

A biogas plant uses waste as its raw material, which was then digested, resulting in the

production of biogas and fertilisers.

Approximately two-thirds of biogas is methane and one-third is carbon dioxide, and can be used as fuel for heat production or burned in a gas engine to produce heat and electricity.

Solutions Director Juha-Pekka Sura at Watrec Oy said G4Plant’s user friendly system allowsfor a streamlined design of biogas plants.

“The deciding factor was G4Plant’s easy to

Expansion of the Biogas plant in City of Oulu, Finland.

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The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

use piping design,” Sura said.

“We also use Vertex Flow to support G4Plant, as well as in all our project management “We have many overlapping projects and previously we found it difficult to manage all the documentation and drawings.”

Most of Watrec’s projects are large scale ones, with physical documents for one project amounting to 20 folders of paper.

PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

Vertex G4Plant 3D model of the expansion of the Biogas plant in City of Oulu, Finland.

Vertex G4Plant 3D model of the Biogas plant in Honkajoki, Finland.

Sura praised G4Plant’s data compatibility, useful piping tools and extensive libraries.

“G4Plant is customised to our needs which makes design work easy,” he said.

“We have been very pleased with the quick response time from Vertex. Support is usually instant.

“We are also thinking of implementing Vertex Building Design software in our business.”

For more information about the project, visit www.vertexaustralia.com/casestudies-watrec or for information on G4Plant, visit www.vertexaustralia.com

www.peternorman.com.au 1300 THE KEY (1300 843 539) pipework@peternorman.com.au

Placing & paying Pipeliners all over Australia since 1992 The Key to Personnel – delivering contract & permanent workforce placement & payroll solutions nationally

PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

McElroy pipe stands are used during a heavy wall project in Oregon in the United States. Pipe stands can greatly increase jobsite productivity and, especially in the case of heavy wall applications, reduce strain on operators.

The power of productivity tools The Australian Pipeliner spoke with McElroy Manufacturing Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Jim Johnston to discuss the process of heavy wall pipe fusions and the power of McElroy’s productivity tools.

J

im Johnston has extensive experience across the pipeline industry and currently serves as vice-chair of the Board of Directors of the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI). He is actively involved in many standards and industry organisations such as the International Standards Organisation, Alliance and the Americal Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

What is heavy wall pipe?

For decades, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping systems have proven to be a reliable and long-term option for a variety of markets, from municipal water systems and gas lines to the mining and natural gas industries.

For applications that call for a thicker pipe wall, HDPE continues to provide longevity, durability, and the reliability of a leak-free piping system.

Heavy wall* refers to the dimension ratio (DR) of the pipe itself. The DR of a pipe is the ratio of the wall thickness to the pipe’s outer diameter.

Simply put, as a pipe’s DR decreases, the pipe’s wall thickness increases.

Butt-fused HDPE pipe is a growing choice for commercial and municipal piping systems due to its multiple methods for installation, reliability, and

durability. Generally, heavy wall pipes are used in applications that will subject the pipe to higher pressure.

During the fusion process, HDPE pipe ends are faced, heated, and brought together under pressure to form a bond as strong as – or stronger – than the rest of the pipe itself. When working with heavy wall pipes, the process itself does not change, but operators and contractors should plan for longer heating and cooling times.

ISO 21307 single high pressure (SHP) fusion jointing procedure outlines the standard for polyethylene butt fusion using high interfacial pressure. The procedure defines the heating and cooling times required based on the wall thickness of the pipe being fused. Therefore, thicker walls result in longer heat time and cooling times.

How does heavy wall pipe affect the fusion process?

As heavy wall pipe has, by definition, a higher pipe wall thickness, the amount of time required to heat soak will also increase.

ISO 21307 SHP also defines the cooling time based on wall thickness. Accordingly, higher wall thickness will mean a longer total cooling time.

A large diameter gas job utilised the TracStar® 900 to fuse heavy wall pipe in London, England.

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The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

McElroy Manufacturing Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Jim Johnston.

Other than heating and cooling times, the fusion process itself will not change, regardless of the wall thickness of the pipe being fused.

What are some of the best practices?

While the procedure remains unchanged, there are several best practices that will help ensure good fusions.

Due to the nature of large-bore, heavy wall pipes, it is not uncommon for there to be variation in wall thickness around the circumference of the pipe.

While this is minimised with low slump resins, there are still variations. To limit those variations, it is good practice to align the print line and the direction of extrusion so that the ID walls of the pipe are best aligned.

Due to the large mass of the heavy wall pipe, it is recommended that the user operate their heaters at the higher end of the allowable range. For ISO 21307 SHP, this allowable range is 215 +/- 15°C. For the interfacial pressure, best practice is to operate at the lower end of the allowable range. For ISO 21307 SHP, this allowable range is 0.52 +/0.1 megapascal (MPa).

PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

Another important consideration when fusing heavy wall pipe is the weight of the pipe itself. As a pipe’s DR decreases (because of an increase in wall thickness), so does the amount of material that makes up the pipe. A 250mm DR17 pipe can be picked up and moved by one person, but a 250mm DR7 is an entirely different story.

McElroy’s Talon™ was utilised to fuse a massive, 3 km hydroelectric pipeline to divert glacier runoff in Alaska in the United States. The 1600mm heavy wall HDPE pipeline was fused up the side of a mountain on a very narrow roadway.

How can McElroy’s productivity tools help the process?

When working with heavy wall pipes, additional personnel may be needed to move the pipe from one location to another. Depending on the weight and size of the pipe, heavier equipment might be needed to manipulate or move the pipe or load it into the fusion machine.

In these situations, McElroy productivity tools like the PolyHorse® and Low Profile Pipe Rollers are invaluable assets on the job site.

The PolyHorse, which comes in two sizes, is a series of adjustable racks designed to hold enough pipe for a day’s worth of fusion work. It is designed to allow a single operator to load and align pipes without the use of extra machinery.

The standard PolyHorse is for 3-inch iron pipe size (IPS) to 20-inch outside diameter (OD) (90mm to 500mm) and is available in both manual and hydraulic modes, with the latter offering a hydraulic PowerAssist to help maneuver the pipe up, down, and into the fusion carriage.

The MegaMc® PolyHorse is used with pipe from 20-inch OD to 48-inch OD (500mm to 1200mm). The MegaMc PolyHorse features a powered, tracked pipe stand operated by remote control. It offers up to 24 inches of lateral and 34 inches of vertical movement.

McElroy’s Low-Profile Rollers are modular pipe rollers designed to make 4-inch to 18-inch IPS (100mm to 450mm) pipe easier. MegaMc Rollers are also available for 12-inch IPS through 54-inch OD (900mm to 2,000mm) pipe.

Rollers can be paired with other productivity tools, to greatly reduce the amount of manpower and other equipment needed to move the heavy pipe from one location to another.

When using pipe rollers, the amount of force needed to move even heavy pipe and pipe joints is reduced. Pipe rollers have the added benefit of keeping the pipe off the ground, reducing the amount of wear and tear on the pipe itself during fusion and installation.

As the number of applications for large-diameter HDPE increases, it’s reasonable to assume that the use of heavy wall pipe will increase as well.

Despite the extra considerations and challenges presented by the use of heavy wall pipe, McElroy machinery and productivity tools are designed to keep the job going.

Whether fusing in a crowded metropolitan area or in the most remote and rural of locations, McElroy equipment is built for rugged reliability and is backed by a network of specialists and technicians but also by other professionals who are constantly searching for ways to further streamline the fusion process itself.

What can users expect from using McElroy’s products?

Reference

HDPE is growing in popularity, and projects continue to grow both in size and scope.

*For the purposes of this article, the definition of “heavy wall” will be a wall thickness greater than approximately 65mm.

A fertiliser company in India utilised heavy wall pipe for a gypsum slurry line. The pipe carries the slurry from the plant to the catchment area which is about a 3.5km distance. Fusion technicians were able to complete the project in 62 days with zero failures in the joints.

To learn more about McElroy’s industry-leading equipment, visit www.mcelroy.com The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

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PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

ROTHENBERGER trail blazes with ROWELD pipe welding system

The ROWELD P355 B Professional..

With plastic pipes on the rise in Australia, ROTHENBERGER’s ROWELD system is one of the leading plastic pipe welding solution for optimal performance and productivity.

R

OWELD’s standard range is suitable for pipelines from 315mm to 1200mm in diameter, with the ability to manufacture build to order machines up to 3m diameter, designed and manufactured to perform at the highest standard.

ROTHENBERGER Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Trent Carter said the company is excited about the prospect of establishing partnerships with state distributors and service agents in the Asia pacific region.

He said they also wanted to work with local distributors working directly with the manufacturer based in Germany and China.

“Customers all over the world rely on the performance and productivity of the ROWELD system for their plastic pipe welding,” Carter said.

“Perhaps most importantly, our equipment welds in accordance with DVS 2207/ISO 12176 and other international standards and guidelines.”

The range includes butt and electrofusion welding systems which are applicable for pipe diameters from 20mm to 1200mm and on a range of plastic pipes, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinylidene fluoride however, distributors are required for larger butt-welding applications.

ROWELD offers both manual and CNC hydraulic butt-welding machines which are suitable for PE and PP pipes and fittings with an outer diameter from 315 to 1200 mm. The machine features hardened and hard-chromeplated guide shafts guaranteeing torsion-resistant use of the machine.

ROWELD offers both manual and CNC hydraulic butt-welding machines.

ROTHENBERGER’s ROWELD range includes butt and electrofusion welding systems.

Carter said the company is looking forward to Australian companies utilising its pipe welding machines such as the ROWELD system.

“We are excited to see Australian installers use ROTHENBERGER welding machines and tools to help tackle new challenges knowing we can assist in any conditions and requirements,” he said.

Established in Germany in 1949, ROTHENBERGER is focused on developing, producing, and marketing pipe tools and machines for plumbers, pipe fitters, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration and the maintenance trades.

The manufacturer’s tools and machines are used every day throughout the world across a variety of industries.

ROTHENBERGER is searching for Australian distributors.

The company has a range of butt-welding solutions.

For more information visit www.rothenberger.com/au-en/products/installation/plastic-pipe-welding The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023 JV 0437

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PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

Why kwik-ZIP is the right solution When looking for a spacer solution, McConnell Dowell looked no further than kwik-ZIP’s product range.

Manufactured from high-grade thermoplastic, these spacers and centralisers are developed to solve centralisation challenges in many industries, including trenchless and pipeline.

O

n a recent water main relocation project in Victoria, McConnell Dowell utilised kwik-ZIP HDXT-58W spacers to facilitate the slip-lining of a 660mm OD MSCL Steel Mains Sintakote® carrier pipe over a 54-metre run.

McConnell Dowell Senior Project Engineer Paul Pomfret said kwik-ZIP’s spacers were the right choice for this relocation project because of their versatility and adaptability.

“With limited room and unable to utilise our pipe rollers we had concern pushing the MSCL pipe 54m would be a challenge, but the kwik-

ZIP spacers allowed us to install with ease using a 14T excavator,” he said. kwik-ZIP’s HDXT and HDX series spacers are successfully appraised by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA).

Both series are the only casing spacers on the market that have been approved as compliant

by WSAA. The WSAA PS-324 product specification prescribes casings spacer requirements for correct protection of carrier pipes when installed inside casings. kwik-ZIP’s large range of spacers caters for a

different carrier and casing pipe sizes, as well as provides flexibility to deal with alterations.

The company manufactures and supplies a centraliser and spacer system for many industry sectors including production well drilling, trenchless pipeline, horizontal directional drilling, and the general civil and construction markets.

While not utilised on this installation, kwikZIP HDXT-58W spacers can accommodate the kwik-ROLLER® wheels.

These clip-on wheels are ideal for use in longer runs to minimise wear and to provide significantly reduced co-efficient of friction.

kwik-ZIP HDXT-58W on 660mm OD MSCL Steel Mains Sintakote® into 800mm ID RCP casing.

kwik-ZIP HDXT-58W on 660mm OD MSCL Steel Mains Sintakote® into 800mm ID RCP casing.

For more information visit www.kwikzip.com or contact sales@kwikzip.com

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The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

The official magazine of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) and the leading media brand for the sector.

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.

| JULY 2023

INER | MAY

RALIAN PIPEL

| JULY 2023

THE AUST

N PIPELINER

THE AUSTRALIA

ISSUE 198

2023

ISSUE 197 |

Milestongees for the a

S OF ES 100 YEAR CELEBRAT - page 18 SPIECAPAG PIPELINES TING GAS CONSTRUC 2023’s Women s in Industry star

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The power of tools productivity

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MAY 2023

The p to net aztehro What's next for hydrogen?

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OPERATOR ADAPTS INFRASTR RENEWA BLE GAS UCTURE TRANSM ISSION - pa FOR ge 28

Keeping fug itive emissions at bay

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Digital qua lity assurance

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The triple bot tom line of HDD

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PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

From hazardous to safe – how Oaka Constructions is keeping workers safe The pipeline industry, with its inherent risks and demanding tasks, is acutely aware of the need to employ material handling methodologies that keep operations safer, faster, and more efficient.

F

or 25 years, Vacuworx has focused on developing vacuum lifting solutions, intent on ensuring worker safety, for multiple applications across various industries on large and small projects.

Accomplished in part by eliminating the need for hooks, straps, shackles, cables, and chains, adopters of vacuum lifting technology have repeatedly recognised the need for fewer tagline operators, fewer people climbing on trucks and fewer humans being asked to perform in risky work environments.

Oaka Constructions is utilising an MC 5 on a project replacing approximately 4.4km of 560-diameter ductile pipe.

Vacuworx – a safety game-changer for Oaka Constructions Oaka Constructions Construction Manager Kelly Barbarich is one customer who is currently utilising Vacuworx’s MC 5 vacuum lifting system on a project replacing approximately 4.4km of 560-diameter ductile pipe in the Bowen Basin in Queensland.

"On previous jobs, we would have been using old-school methods like hooks and slings,” Barbarich said.

“There was an incident while rigging, a worker missed his mark and the hook dropped, causing a serious injury to his hand.

“That really made us stop and ask the question, ‘how can we keep people away from such hazards?’

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The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

“I recall previously witnessing Vacuworx lifting systems working seamlessly on a project in Moranbah handling poly pipe but was unaware of the versatility of the systems to handling other pipe types, such as ductile. Once I knew the systems could handle other pipe types, it was an easy decision.”

Barbarich said with Vacuworx, no one needs to be near or touch the pipe, reducing risks, and improving operational efficiency.

“The Vacuworx system can lift a pipe within just two seconds, a process that would traditionally involve two workers and considerably more time,” she said.

Support that makes a difference

Vacuworx provides vacuum lifting solutions, intent on ensuring worker safety, for multiple applications across various industries.

For Oaka Constructions, the appeal of Vacuworx goes beyond the technology itself.

The aftersales support offered by the company has played a pivotal role in its continued preference for Vacuworx systems.

“The most noticeable (benefit) was the support we received from Vacuworx,” she said.

“They're always available for support, so there's no frustration from our site team with

"The most noticeable (benefit) was the support we received from Vacuworx... they're always available for support, so there's no frustration from our site team with ensuring projects are moving and any problems don’t need to be escalated." ensuring projects are moving and any problems don’t need to be escalated.”

This consistent, reliable support system makes Vacuworx a trusted partner in its projects.

Barbarich said Vacuworx's system is simply great as it's easy to use, maintain, and costefficient.

“Now, whenever we embark on a pipeline project, the first call goes to Vacuworx,” she said.

“After we had that injury on the previous project, we decided to trial Vacuworx's system and, well, we have been using it ever since.”

To find out more about Vacuworx, visit www.vacuworx.com

FABRICATION

TFG Group: The superhero of maintenance services With several strings to its bow, TFG Group delivers excellence in metal fabrication, mechanical installation, and maintenance services within the oil and gas, resources, and water industries.

A

s part of APA Group’s preferred supplier network, TFG Group provides a team of specialised and experienced welding professionals for both fabrication and in-service repair work.

One of the latest achievements of TFG Group was in November 2022, when major flood events throughout New South Wales (NSW) caused damage to the Young Lithgow Gas Pipeline which left thousands without gas supply.

TFG Group was called by APA Group at short notice to assist with the temporary repair works to reinstate supply to NSW residents.

This was achieved by fabricating DN50 class spools to AS2885.2 Tier 1, transporting the manufactured spools to remote NSW, and installing them to facilitate the reinstatement of gas to the region.

Following these extreme weather events, APA Group thanked the company for its state-ofthe-art reactivity and efforts, particularly in their ability to mobilise within a tight timeframe.

“TFG Group were honoured to be part of the emergency works to restore gas supply to the towns of Lithgow, Oberon, and Wallerawang whilst a permanent fix could be

"We are renowned for our quality of fabrication and speedy site mobilisation." constructed,” TFG Group Oil and Gas Operations Manager Norm MacKinnon said.

“From the initial call late on a Sunday afternoon, we were able to source, procure, fabricate, quality test and mobilise an experienced team of in-service welders from QLD to remote NSW by Wednesday, 9th November; an incredible 36-hour turnaround.

This is a true testament to our team, including sub-contractors who all worked together to make it happen.”

TFG Group Manager Kate Walker said this is in TFG Group’s DNA. “The core of what we do is “Making it Happen,” she said. “Our experienced team can deliver replacement parts, provide damage repair, offer in-service welding for upgrades or newly fabricated components, as well as offer products for the safe and efficient storage, processing and handling of chemicals.”

“We are renowned for our quality of fabrication and speedy site mobilisation.”

The fully-equipped maintenance trucks can be mobilised quickly and efficiently, even in remote locations.

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The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

The TFG team has been called across the country to support major outages, leaks and ongoing maintenance requirements to some of Australia’s largest gas pipelines.

The company’s motto it live by is, “Wherever you are, whatever you need, we’ll make it happen without compromising on quality or safety”.

FABRICATION

In-service welding on live gas lines in remote locations.

Quality deliverables by TFG Group can meet stringent oil and gas requirements for quality and traceability with all fabrication and installation services to meet AS2885 and ASME B31.3 for process pipework.

The deliverables include: • Material and consumable certifications.

• NDT. • Weld procedures and procedure qualification.

• Welding traceability records and weld maps.

• Welder qualification records.

• Welding supervisor and inspector qualifications.

• Completed inspection and test plans.

With workshops in Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne, as well as site install teams located Australia-wide, TFG Group is uniquely placed to service remote pipelines and onshore infrastructure anywhere in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji,

and Papua New Guinea.

TFG Group offers fabrication in a range of metals including aluminium, exotic alloys, galvanised steel, mild steel and stainless-steel including duplex.

“Combined with highly skilled in-service welding teams, we are able to offer our customers and ‘on-stop-shop’ and the highest level of support from fabrication to installation of components,” said MacKinnon.

TFG offers accelerated mobilisation options for unscheduled repair and maintenance.

For more information visit www.tfggroup.com.au The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

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TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

Primus Line’s temporary surface pipeline solution The highly modernised Overland Piping product from Primus Line ticks the box for temporary surface pipelines. highly corrosive hydrocarbon compounds.

Combined with the reinforcement made of aramid fabric, Overland Piping has tensile strength that allows for high operating pressures.

This makes the Overland Piping product suitable to transfer a wide range of fluids including drinking water, wastewater, A1 jet fuel, oil-water mixtures, gas oil and many more.

The advantages No welding necessary: The assembly team installs the connectors on site with hand-held tools.

All-terrain: Thanks to its flexibility, Primus Line Overland Piping adapts to the ground.

T

emporary surface pipelines (TSPs) are designed for high pressure. These are usually laid above ground for a restricted period of time to transport mainly effluent or produced water.

Specifically, TSPs are used within the oil and gas industries and are commonly laid on existing roads to transport water from its source to where it is needed for energy development.

Primus Line’s Overland Piping product is a TSP that is developed for temporary above ground lines for demanding and potentially hazardous media.

The lining of the flexible liner consists of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and offers high chemical resistance that withstands even

Primus Line’s Overland Piping is the ideal solution for when a temporary above-ground fluid transfer is required as it has operational, cost and technical advantages.

But while these advantages, such as the flexibility and reliability of the product, make it the ideal solution for many applications, how can it be set apart from other similar products?

Primus Line’s Overland Piping product shines through its eco-friendliness and safety.

As many companies transport hazardous fluids from point A to B and later A to C, the risk of unexpected accidents rises and can add to overall operating costs.

Overland Piping comprises of aramid fabric which makes it five times stronger than steel at an equal weight. It is through this robust material that allows for fewer equipment, machines and manpower on site, making it a safe and reliable solution in these instances.

The seamless installation process also allows for 1000m or more of the product to be laid, with no welding required.

The Overland Piping product is also fully reusable for multiple applications. This saves companies from using heavy equipment and trucking, which can be costly, time consuming and compromising to the environment.

One example of this can be seen through a Canadian energy producer’s use of the Overland Piping product.

In 2021, the company transferred 363,556m3 of water via the product across three different well pads, which led to 35,662 heavy haul trucks eliminated and 1090 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions saved.

With these all of these features, Overland Piping has been used in the oil and gas, resources, and mining industries across a range

of projects. Here are three examples of how Primus Line’s Overland Piping product was successfully utilised.

Bypass project In 2020, around Oslo Fossumbekken, Norway, a DN 900/DN 1000 sewer pipeline needed to be renovated urgently.

Due to the characteristics of the existing pipe, rehabilitation with cured-in-place pipes was chosen as the solution, however, since operation of the pipeline could not be stopped during these renovation works, a bypass solution had to be found – the Primus Line’s Overland Piping product.

The company delivered 2131m of the flexible Overland Piping and the corresponding Primus Line connectors, DN 300, as the temporary above-ground bypass.

KEM ONE brine pipeline reliability project Since November 2022, Primus Line has been installing one of the first Overland Piping in France, as part of KEM ONE’s brine pipeline reliability project.

The Overland Piping system is installed to bypass the KEM ONE brine pipeline over the last 8km through a 1km system, ensuring the brine supply of the plant during the pipeline section rehabilitation.

The start and end positions were modified for operation, with the installation of intermediate sectioning valves to isolate sections of approximately 1km each.

Produced water transfer Prior to using Primus Line’s Overland Piping, an oil and gas producer in Canada moved produced water primarily by trucks or temporary above-ground high-density polyethylene pipelines.

These methods proved to be time consuming due to the number of connections required therefore, Primus Line’s Overland Piping product was implemented as the remedy.

As Overland Piping is a portable, environmentally sound, and economically viable alternative, it was a successful implementation.

COMMITTEES

For more information visit www.primusline.com/en-au/applications/overland-piping

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The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

Comm

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TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY Vermeer Australia Sales Manager Nigel Dobier and Jeff Trackson in 2012 at the delivery of Jeff’s 15th drill, the Vermeer D36x50 Series II Navigator.

Image courtesy of The Townsville Bulletin.

A dealer relationship almost 30 years in the making thanks to incomparable service Customer satisfaction is a key priority for any business, with customer loyalty a level above that. When it comes to customer loyalty, look no further than Jeff Trackson and his decades-long professional relationship with Vermeer Australia.

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ith his company, JR & LM Trackson Pty Ltd, specialising in directional drilling across the whole of Australia, Jeff bought his first Vermeer drill more than 26 years ago and since then has purchased 33 Vermeer drills, with the latest being the D100x140 S3. Plus, another 100-plus pieces

of ancillary equipment, including horizontal directional drilling (HDD) locators, cable locators, mixing systems, cable ploughs, trenchers, recyclers, and more than 30 vacuum excavators.

For Jeff, his search for top quality, reliable equipment is what first led him to Vermeer Australia all those years ago.

The delivery of the D100x140 S3 in Townsville earlier this year. L––R: Greg Clayton, Vermeer Asia-Pacific, Paul Southey, Vermeer Australia, Linda and Jeff Trackson, Steve Batchelor, Vermeer Australia, and Jake Schulz and Chris Quabba, JR & LM Trackson Pty Ltd.

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The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

And just as important to Jeff as the equipment itself, is after sale care and service.

“I was looking for reliability, service and customer support,” he said.

Jeff said that alongside Vermeer Australia’s incomparable service and customer support is the team’s extensive knowledge of the equipment.

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

“A lot of the guys have been there just as long as I’ve been buying gear, so 20-plus years. I can ring Steve in Adelaide and he’ll help me get through the problems that we might have with the machine,” he said.

“They’re very good, and very knowledgeable in the machines that they sell. There are some good guys there that live and breathe Vermeer.”

It’s a sentiment that is echoed by Vermeer product specialist, Steve Batchelor. Batchelor has been working at the company for 30 years and first encountered Jeff early in his career. Since then, he has worked hard to maintain a close working relationship.

“I got to meet him when he was a very small operator. I’ve had a lot of out-in-the-field experience with him. And basically, we have a great relationship with him,” he said.

“Every time he bought a drill, I’ve been there with the installation to train them, and make sure that machine ran properly.”

Together, with the rest of the team at Vermeer, Batchelor has kept abreast of Jeff’s expanding business and has guided him through the various equipment groups to help him grow his business.

Another Vermeer Australia team member that has worked closely with Jeff for more than a decade is Sales Manager, Nigel Dobier.

“I’ve been at the company for 14 years, and I’ve known Jeff basically ever since I started in the spare parts department back in 2008,” Dobier said.

Dobier understands the importance of prioritising customer support and satisfaction, and taking a hands-on approach to customer service, working to uphold this across the various roles he’s held over the years.

“Jeff trusts our company overall, and I’ve been that person, among others, that he trusts. So, we’ve always maintained the relationship no matter what position I’ve been in,” he said.

“It’s been an important thing for us to ensure that Jeff stays comfortable with us. He knows that he can pick up the phone to me or others within our business, and he’s going to be looked after.”

“We’re going to keep his gear running and keep the pipe going into the ground,” Dobier said.

“Because that’s how he feeds his family, and

the families that are employed by the Trackson Group of Companies. And that goes for all Vermeer customers.”

Jeff has extended a very special thank you to Peter Pullan, previous co-owner and current Executive Director of RDO Equipment Pty Ltd, for the personal advice and support he has provided him over the last 26 years.

JR & LM Trackson founder Jeff Trackson.

For more information visit www.vermeeraustralia.com.au

Save Design Time and Costs Using Vertex G4Plant makes design work easier and faster. Plan effectively with parametric components. Access our extensive pipe, profile and component libraries that come standard in G4Plant or customise the components to suit your needs.

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INTEGRITY AND MAINTENANCE

L-R: Tuan Haji Zulkarnain Ismail, YM Raja Dato’ Sri Mufik Affandi Bin Raja Khalid of EPOMS with STATS Group's Gareth Campbell and Martyn Greatorex.

STATS Group seals exclusive Malaysian supply deal Pipeline engineering specialist STATS Group has signed an exclusive supply agreement for its products and services, reaffirming the company’s focus on the Malaysian and wider Asian energy sector.

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TATS Group’s innovative range of pipeline hot tapping, plugging and inline isolation services are covered under a new strategic agreement with Malaysia’s E&P O&M Services Sdn Bhd (EPOMS).

The agreement includes the company’s market leading BISEP® and Remote Tecno Plug® double block pipeline isolation technology.

EPOMS is a provider in integrated frontline operations and maintenance services for oil and gas platforms, floating facilities, associated flowlines, and pipelines across Malaysia.

“We have enjoyed a strong relationship with EPOMS and this exclusive supply agreement is an exciting and natural development which will benefit both companies,” STATS Group Regional Manager for Asia Pacific region Gareth Campbell said.

“EPOMS is ambitious and forward looking and its ethos of providing true value and real solutions is very much one that chimes with our

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own outlook and approach to client service.

“We are looking forward to working with EPOMS on major pipeline isolation contracts in Malaysia and further afield.”

It is through this newly formed agreement that STATS Group expects revenues in the Asia Pacific region to more than double in the current year and in addition to Malaysia it is pursuing opportunities in Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand, with support from recently appointed Southeast Asia sales manager, Boyke Sembiring, who is based in Jakarta.

From the company’s base in Kuala Lumpur, the pipeline technology specialist also deploys project engineers, technicians and operational support staff across a wide range of pipeline isolation and maintenance activities for onshore, topsides and subsea projects.

At a signing of the exclusive supply agreement in Kuala Lumpur, EPOMS was represented by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tuan Haji Zulkarnain Ismail, The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

and witnessed by Chairman, YM Raja Dato’ Sri Mufik Affandi Bin Raja Khalid.

“EPOMS is no longer confined strictly to O&M activities and limited within Malaysian market. Accordingly, EPOMS has rigorously explored new business activities and business ventures as the Company gears up to further expand its growth,” Ismail said.

“Therefore, EPOMS welcomes the opportunity to work closely with STATS Group and continue our successful collaboration.

“As the famous saying goes: If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.

“STATS is a world-renowned player in providing these niche offerings and EPOMS is committed to representing STATS in Malaysia by providing value added services using their products and solutions.”

While this is a key partnership, it is built on a strong relationship founded through a previous work scope project.

Specifically, this project included the isolation

INTEGRITY AND MAINTENANCE

and reinstatement leak-testing of a 12-inch shutdown valve on the EPOMS-operated Larut A platform, offshore Malaysia.

STATS supplied a DNV type approved Remote Tecno Plug® to provide a fully monitored, leak-tight dual seal isolation of the pressurised oil export pipeline, providing safe worksite conditions to allow the shutdown valve to be removed and replaced.

Established in 1998 and based in Kintore, Aberdeenshire, STATS Group provides specialist engineering services for the maintenance, integrity and repair of oil, gas and petrochemical installations and infrastructure.

Employing more than 340 staff in the UK, Australia, the Middle East, Malaysia and North America , the company recorded revenues of just under £50 million in 2021.

Over the last 25 years the company has gained an excellent reputation for providing expertise and developing innovative products which enhance safety and environmental performance, reduce system or plant downtime, improve asset performance, and support decommissioning and abandonment.

STATS Group’s innovative range of pipeline hot tapping, plugging and inline isolation services are covered under the new agreement.

For more information visit www.statsgroup.com

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FUTURE FUELS

How ROSEN Group’s new lab is exploring hydrogen’s potential

ROSEN’s hydrogen lab is equipped with five autoclaves for standard KIH and exposure testing. They operate in a temperature range of -20 to +200 degrees Celsius.

The ROSEN Group, together with National Gas (formerly National Grid Gas Transmission), have started work on an intensive research project to find ways to mitigate the potential for embrittlement of pipeline steel in hydrogen service.

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his project will utilise ROSEN’s newly developed materials testing laboratory dedicated to testing under hydrogen conditions.

The conversion of existing pipeline infrastructure to transport hydrogen or blended mediums rather than natural gas alone is a critical element of the energy transition.

Therefore, fully understanding the effects of hydrogen on pipeline materials is vital in determining potential asset lifetimes, understanding potential issues, and determining safe operating conditions.

Steel embrittlement is one such issue, and developing methods for mitigating this risk will be invaluable when it comes to safeguarding the use of existing assets while transitioning to a decarbonised future.

The goal of this research is to understand the impact of hydrogen on steel pipelines and how it may be mitigated. Several studies have shown

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that oxygen may reduce the embrittlement effects of hydrogen.

Slated for completion during 2023, the project promises to deliver: • Fracture and fatigue property tests in air to give a baseline of pipeline material properties.

• An understanding of what quantities of oxygen are required to mitigate hydrogen embrittlement effects.

• The design and execution of a test program to quantify the effects of oxygen on different materials.

• Gas composition for the tests in line with the hydrogen specifications of Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).

The dedicated ROSEN hydrogen test laboratory built by ROSEN in Lingen (Ems), Germany, is fully equipped to conduct all the necessary tests and supported by a dedicated team of materials and pipeline integrity experts on hand to analyse the results of those tests.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

It serves as a critical element in ROSEN’s ambitious mission to de-risk the introduction of renewable fuels and help operators by assuring a safe and reliable future energy supply.

The ROSEN Group looks forward to working together with National Gas and its partners to further improve the understanding of hydrogen and its effects on materials.

“Together, we will enable National Gas to continue to play its leading role in the introduction of hydrogen into the UK National Transmission System,” the company said.

The ROSEN Group is a globally leading provider of cutting-edge solutions in all areas of the integrity process chain.

Since its origins as a one-man business in 1981, ROSEN has rapidly grown and continues to do so. Today, the business is still privately owned and consists of a team of more than 4000 employees operating in more than 120 countries.

FUTURE FUELS

ROSEN’s newly developed materials testing laboratory dedicated to testing under hydrogen conditions.

For more information, visit www.rosen-group.com

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FUTURE FUELS

Australian gas utilities transition to net zero As the world moves towards a sustainable future, the role of energy utilities in reducing greenhouse gas emissions becomes increasingly vital. Picarro’s advanced technology is key to reaching net-zero goals.

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ustralian gas utilities play a significant role in the country's energy landscape, and for them to contribute to a sustainable future, transitioning to net-zero emissions is paramount.

Doug Ward, Picarro’s Director of Gas Sales & Marketing, explores how Australian gas utilities can achieve this ambitious goal within a decade by harnessing the potential of renewable natural gas (RNG), hydrogen, and advanced technologies like Picarro’s.

RNG as a bridge fuel RNG is derived from organic waste sources such as landfills, agricultural residues, and wastewater treatment plants. By capturing and refining methane emissions from these sources, RNG offers a carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative alternative to conventional natural gas.

Australian gas utilities can leverage RNG to decarbonise their operations while maintaining existing infrastructure compatibility.

Investing in RNG production and distribution infrastructure would enable utilities to gradually replace fossil-derived natural gas with this renewable alternative.

monitoring and detection of emission sources, facilitating targeted interventions to reduce emissions.

Emissions quantification with Picarro Picarro technology plays a crucial role in emissions quantification by enabling gas utilities to precisely measure and monitor their greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating Picarro solution operators can identify leakages, measure emissions accurately, and make informed decisions to mitigate carbon losses. The real-time data obtained from Picarro’s analytics empowers utilities to assess their progress towards net-zero targets and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Identifying super emitters with Picarro One of the advantages of Picarro technology lies in its ability to detect super emitters. Super emitters are point sources that release substantial amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, significantly contributing to overall

emissions. By identifying and quantifying super emitters, gas utilities can prioritise maintenance and repair efforts to tackle these high-impact sources efficiently. This targeted approach ensures maximum emissions reduction with minimal resources.

Ward says geolocating super emitters can help operators efficiently address their fugitive methane emissions substantially.

“Our study concludes that in all cases, natural gas leakage data sets are very long tailed, and most of the leaks in the infrastructure are small,” he says.

“In aggregate, they don’t amount to very much of the overall fugitive emissions. What is impactful is a very small number of these super emitters.

“The largest 5 to 10 per cent of leaks are accountable for over 50 per cent of emissions.”

Ward says if you can only geolocate those super emitters efficiently, one would have a powerful new tool to enhance safety of the infrastructure while dramatically reducing fugitive emissions.

Harnessing hydrogen's potential Hydrogen has gained attention as a clean energy carrier, and its potential in decarbonising gas utilities is immense. Australian gas utilities can produce hydrogen through electrolysis, utilising renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

This green hydrogen can then be blended with natural gas or used directly for various applications, including heating and industrial processes. Additionally, advancements in hydrogen storage and transportation technologies are paving the way for an efficient and scalable hydrogen infrastructure network.

Realistically though, over the next few decades, the existing gas infrastructure and customer appliances limit the use of hydrogen to be blended into the natural gas deliveries at approximately only a 7 per cent to 10 per cent hydrogen blend rate.

Leveraging Picarro technology Picarro has cutting-edge technology that enables accurate and precise measurements of greenhouse gas emissions, including methane.

The deployment of the Picarro solution within gas utility networks allows for continuous

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Picarro’s Network Assessment Viewer delivers visualisations of emissions data, enabling utilities to target repair or replacement work and precisely quantify emissions reduction.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

FUTURE FUELS

Implementing emission reduction strategies

Establishing regular monitoring and maintenance programs ensures continuous emission reductions over time.

With the help of Picarro technology, gas utilities can implement effective emission reduction strategies. By accurately measuring emissions and identifying super emitters, operators can focus on repairing and upgrading infrastructure components that contribute most to the overall emissions profile. Regular monitoring and maintenance programs can be established to ensure continuous emission reductions over time.

Collaborative approach and policy support To facilitate the transition to net-zero emissions, Australian gas utilities require supportive policies and regulatory frameworks. Governments at all levels can encourage and incentivise the adoption of RNG and hydrogen technologies through targeted financial incentives, streamlined permitting processes, and long-term stability in policy frameworks.

Collaboration among gas utilities, renewable energy developers, and technology providers is also essential for knowledge sharing, research, and

development, and to accelerate the deployment of innovative solutions such as Picarro’s.

The path to net-zero emissions for Australian gas utilities lies in harnessing the potential of RNG, Hydrogen, and advanced technologies like

Picarro’s. By embracing these sustainable alternatives, gas utilities can transform their operations, reduce their environmental footprint, and contribute significantly to Australia's overall efforts to combat climate change.

For more information, visit www.gas.picarro.com

Future Pipe Industries and Empire Infrastructure: working together to deliver water and energy to Australasia in the most efficient and sustainable way Empire Infrastructure is now supplying Future Pipe Industries’ (FPI) range of composite pipe systems to pipeline and trenchless projects throughout Australasia.”

Contact Empire Infrastructure for more information about FPI’s sustainable pipe products or to obtain a copy of the Future Pipe Environmental Product Declaration.

info@empire.team | 1300 116 664 www.empireinfrastructure.com.au

FUTURE FUELS

The next phase will include safety studies and conversion plans, prior to the delivery phase.

The future of hydrogen distribution As the oil and gas industries move towards building a net zero future, APA Group has put the spotlight on hydrogen, through its pipeline conversion project.

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tretching along the western coast of Australia lies the Parmelia Gas Pipeline – a 416km transmission pipeline that transports gas from the Perth Basin gas fields, the Carnarvon Basin and APA Group’s Mondarra Gas Storage Facility.

Built in 1971, the pipeline is 100 per cent owned by APA Group and currently has a mix of network, retail, electricity generation as well as oil and aluminium refinery customers in the Perth area and south-west of Western Australia.

While gas continued to play a critical role in the company’s energy mix, it began looking for different opportunities to support Australia’s transition to a low carbon economy.

With this in mind, the company proposed a pertinent question - what if the pipeline converts to a pure hydrogen service?

In 2021, the company, in partnership with Future Fuels CRC and Wollongong University, announced it will attempt to convert a 43km section of the Parmelia pipeline into a hydrogen transmission line.

“With billions of dollars invested in gas infrastructure across the country, it makes sense to look at ways to use our existing energy infrastructure to support Australia’s transition to a low carbon future,” Former APA Managing Director and Chief Executive

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Officer Rob Wheals said at the time.

“In fact, studies have shown that continuing to use gas infrastructure can reduce emissions at half the cost to customers than electrifying the services provided by gas.”

Initially, the $3 million project would fund three phases, including research and testing of the material for embrittlement in the laboratory, development of safe operating guidelines and full-scale testing on site.

Paired with a $300,000 cash boost from the WA government, the scene was set to determine whether it was technically feasible to bring Australia’s first conversion of a natural gas transmission pipeline to pure hydrogen to fruition.

The feasibility While phase one of the project confirmed the technical viability of the pipeline, the second phase successfully confirmed the existing 43km section of the Parmelia Gas pipeline can transport pure or blended hydrogen.

Taking place at Australia’s dedicated hydrogen laboratory at the University of Wollongong, APA completed the testing in a pressurised hydrogen environment, which CEO and Managing Director Adam Watson said was a positive milestone in Australia’s energy transition.

“Our research indicates that it’s technically feasible, safe and efficient to convert the 43km section of the Parmelia Gas Pipeline into a 100 per cent hydrogen service – this would be an Australian first,” Watson said.

“This research is very encouraging as it suggests there could be potential for our existing gas transmission pipeline network to play an important role in connecting hydrogen production hubs to industrial sites across the nation.”

Off the back of this research, the company also developed a Pipeline Screening Tool, which provides a high-level assessment of the hydrogen readiness of its pipeline assets.

“When we take the findings of this research and apply it across our network, initial assessments using the Pipeline Screening Tool indicates there is a high likelihood that around half of APA’s natural gas pipeline assets could be used for hydrogen transportation, in 100 pet cent pure or blended form, with no, or small, changes to their current operating profile,” Watson said.

“For the remainder of APA’s pipelines, which consist largely of high strength steel pipelines operating at higher pressure, further research and materials testing will be required to determine if any changes in operating pressure are needed to maintain pipeline integrity while

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

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FUTURE FUELS

transporting hydrogen.”

Similarly, the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) said the results mark an important milestone for the hydrogen industry.

“The PGP runs through the Kwinana industrial area and provides new opportunities for hydrogen producers to connect to the Perth domestic market, transport hubs and future export markets,” the company said.

“It marks an important milestone for the future of Australia’s hydrogen industry, where pipelines present the lowest-cost option to transport the future fuel safely and efficiently.”

With feasibility confirmed, the hydrogen conversion project is now able to progress to phase three, which will include safety studies and conversion plans, prior to the delivery phase.

“There is real momentum behind this project with the success of both the hydrogen testing on the section of pipeline and the pre-feasibility study to produce and transport hydrogen,” Watson said.

“With billions of dollars invested in gas infrastructure across the country, it makes sense to look at ways to use our existing energy

APA confirmed the existing 43km section of the Parmelia Gas pipeline can transport pure or blended hydrogen.

infrastructure to support Australia’s transition to a lower carbon future, and to help our customers realise the potential market opportunities that exist for hydrogen.”

As the industry looks towards hydrogen transmission as critical in Australia’s net-zero journey, the Parmelia Gas pipeline conversion project is proving to be a key pillar in

these developments.

“Our support for the development of a hydrogen industry is an important pillar in our ambition for a lower emissions future,” Watson said.

“At the same time, it is an example of how we are actively exploring ways to reduce and avoid our own emissions.”

To learn more about the Parmelia Gas pipeline hydrogen project, visit www.apa.com.au

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EVENTS

Experience the Power of the Present and the Force of the Future Calling all professionals in the pipeline and gas industries. The highly anticipated APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition is just around the corner, and you don't want to miss out on this remarkable event.

APGA CEO Steve Davies.

The Tremco Pipeline Equipment team at the 2022 APGA Convention and Exhibition.

APGA Convention offers a unique platform for sharing insights, expanding learning, and connecting.

Register for the 2023 APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition now.

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ark your calendars for October 14 to 17 and get ready to embark on a journey of knowledge, inspiration, and networking in the vibrant city of Perth, Western Australia.

Known as the ultimate gathering for industry experts, the APGA Convention offers a unique platform for sharing insights, expanding learning, and connecting with like-minded peers. It's an event that has become the highlight of the industry's calendar, and this year's edition is set to deliver on that promise.

Under the theme of "Power of the Present, Force of the Future", the convention will delve into the industry's commitment to progress and sustainability. Emphasising the transformative power of the latest technologies and innovations, this event will equip professionals with the

knowledge and tools to drive their organisations forward.

The program is lined with incredible speakers sharing real word knowledge. Including how to harness a decade of international pipeline research to support the future of the energy grid, how to respond in a pipeline crisis, as well as why it is important to include key stakeholders in the transformation process.

This, as well as multiple expert panels with leaders and CEOs from across industry, inspirational Australian keynote speakers sharing their real-world journey and state of the industry discussion that is bound to deliver insight like no other.

Take advantage of the exclusive early bird special to ensure you don't miss a moment of this remarkable experience. Register before 4 August

2023 deadline and enjoy discounted rates, guaranteeing you an incredible value for your investment.

The clock is ticking, and spaces are limited.

Don't let this incredible opportunity slip through your fingers.

Register for the APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition today and secure your place among the best and brightest in the industry.

Unleash your potential, discover new possibilities for growth and success, and be part of something remarkable. The pipeline and gas industries are evolving rapidly—are you ready to ride the wave?

We can't wait to welcome you to the Annual Convention and Exhibition in Perth, where the Power of the Present and the Force of the Future converge in an unforgettable experience.

For more information visit www.apgaconvention.com

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The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

TAP f

2023 APGA Annual Convention& Exhibition 14–17 October 2023 PERTH Convention & Exhibition Centre

T I C K E TS o n

SALE

WWW.APGACONVENTION.COM

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APGA MEMBERSHIP

Australian Pipelines and Gas Association Membership CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR Enscope Pty Ltd Quanta Services Australia Pty Ltd MPC Kinetic Nacap Pty Ltd Spiecapag Australia Pty Ltd McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd Global Engineering & Construction Pty Ltd Alltype Engineering Valmec Limited Michels Corporation Service Stream Mitchell Water Australia Pty Ltd HH Civil Pty Ltd P and G Welding Pty Ltd Pipecraft The Newham Group Maxibor Australia Moody Civil & Pipe Pty Ltd Pipeline Plant Hire Pty Ltd National Australian Pipelines CONSULTANT CNC Project Management dss+ ACIL Allen Consulting OC Project Services Pty Ltd MVC Services Pty Ltd Future-Proof Solutions Ted Metcalfe Independent Consultant Powered Kleinfelder Australia Pty Ltd Sage Consulting Solutions Pty Ltd Twycross and Partners Pty Ltd DNV GL Australia Pty Limited Pipeline Engineering Consultants EnergyQuest Pty Ltd Land Access & Management Services Pty Ltd Jiva Consulting Sustech Engineering Pty Ltd Plant & Platform Consultants Ltd Veris Energy Matrix Group Pty Ltd JLL Infrastructure Advisory Pty Ltd ENERGY DISTRIBUTOR ATCO Gas Australia Powerco Limited ENGINEERING/PROJECT MANAGER Verbrec Ltd (ASX: VBR) Worley Services Pty Ltd Momentum Engineering Fyfe GPA Engineering Pty Ltd GHD Pty Ltd Bamser Holdings Pty Ltd AFS Projects A J Stack Solutions Pty Ltd

Long Energy and Resources Pty Ltd Pipeline Drillers Group Core Group Limited Lidiar Group Atteris Pty Ltd SPIE Plexal Solarig Australia Pty Ltd GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS/ REGULATORS Water Corporation Energy Safe Victoria Department for Energy and Mining Department of Planning and Environment NSW Resources Safety and Health Queensland INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION Pipeline Research Council International, Inc PIPELINE OWNER/OPERATOR Mobil New Zealand Oil Limited Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd Australian Gas Infrastructure Group Tasmanian Gas Pipeline Pty Ltd SEA Gas APA Group Epic Energy SA Pty Ltd Jemena AGL Energy Limited QGC Esso Australia Pty Ltd Fortescue Future Industries Pty Ltd Beach Energy Limited South Australian Water Corporation Arrow Energy Pty Ltd Tas Gas Holdings Pty Ltd Viva Energy Australia Ltd Power and Water Corporation Origin Energy Limited Santos First Gas Ltd Woodside Energy Ltd Australian Energy Market Operator AusNet Services WestSide Corporation Brookfield Infrastructure Group Esperance Pipeline Company Methanex NZ Ltd GB Energy Refining NZ Qenos Pty Ltd Ampol Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd SERVICE PROVIDER SRG Global Downer EDI Engineering Power Pty Ltd STATS Group ITI International Brooks Hire Service Pty Ltd

Ozzies, Inc. RTi Asia Pacific PTY LTD RazValve Pacific Pipeline Equipment Rentals RAEDLINGER PRIMUS LINE PTY LTD Vlentec Australia Pty Ltd Austrack Equipment Sales and Rentals Anti Corrosion Technology Pty Ltd iPipe Services PSAH Pty Ltd Vacuworx Australia Fast Fusion, LLC Australian Pipeline Valve McElroy Australia Bao Australia Pty Ltd Tapex Industrial Pipeline Machinery International LP AtlasGas Pty Ltd Savcor Products Australia Pty Ltd Universal Corrosion Coatings Pty Ltd Tremco Pipeline Equipment Pty Ltd Shawcor Pty Ltd LFF Australia Western Process Controls TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia Pty Ltd Shipman King Scapeworks Australia Aegis Pty Ltd PipeServ Jindal Saw Limited PAC Heath Pipeline Services Pty Ltd Anode Engineering Pty Ltd Inductabend Pty Ltd Denso (Australia) Pty Ltd Pipeline Supplies Australia Future Fuels CRC SP Group

SUPPLIER OF EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS Australian Portable Camps Solar Turbines Australia CRC-Evans Pipeline International Man Industries India Ltd EDMI Pty Ltd Welspun Corp Limited Gasco Pty Ltd Herrenknecht AG Iplex Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd RDO Equipment Pty Ltd Lincoln Electric Company (Australia) Pty Ltd EagleBurgmann Australasia Pty Ltd Laurini Officine Meccaniche Srl GF Piping Systems Richmond SICK Pty Ltd Worldwide Group Vinidex Pty Ltd

APGA New Membership Approvals

Solarig Australia Pty Ltd - Andrew Want - CMBR

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Supplier of Equipment or Materials Pipeline Supplies Australia - Adrian Ryan - CMB SP Group - WS Ling - CMBR

Energy Distributor Powerco Limited - Bruce Monk - CMP INT Engineering/Project Manager

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Qube Energy Pty Ltd Zinfra Wasco Energy Group Baker Hughes TFG Group Pty Ltd Locusview Ltd ORIX Commercial Oceaneering Australia Pty Limited Mipela GeoSolutions LandPartners Pty Ltd ROSEN Australia Pty Ltd Project Communications Australia WRAP Resources Australia Red Rock Oilfield Services Prime Creative Media Brownline Australia Pty Ltd QIC Protective Coatings (Aust) Pty Ltd Turbo Systems Australia Pty Ltd Deaton Enterprises Pty Ltd trading as CST Hire Piping Specialty Supply Service Pty Ltd IntelliGas Pipe Tek Pty Ltd AXS Pty Ltd T D Williamson Australia Pty Ltd Peter Norman Personnel Pty Ltd Civil Geospatial Services Pty Ltd Pro Pipe Services Pty Ltd Scape Consulting Pty Ltd Lochard Energy (Iona Operations) Pty Ltd Viega Pty Ltd Bureau Veritas Asset Integrity and Reliability Services Pty Ltd Avmin Pty Ltd NDT Global Pty Ltd ERIAS Group Pty Ltd DSQ Pty Ltd Corrosion Control Engineering (Holdings) Pty Limited

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

James McMahon - Spectrum Project Services

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

APGA MEMBERSHIP

APGA would particularly like to acknowledge the generous support of its Owner Members • •

APA Group Australian Gas Infrastructure Group

• •

Epic Energy SA Pty Ltd Jemena

• •

SEA Gas Tasmanian Gas Pipeline Pty Ltd

APGA would also like to acknowledge the strong support of its Lead Members • • • • • •

• • • • • •

AGL Energy Limited Australian Portable Camps Esso Australia Pty Ltd McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd MPC Kinetic Nacap Pty Ltd

QGC Quanta Services Australia Pty Ltd Solar Turbines Australia Spiecapag Australia Pty Ltd Verbrec Ltd (ASX: VBR) Worley Services Pty Ltd

Honorary Life Members • • • • • •

• • • • • •

Ken Barker David Curry Keith Fitzgerald* D C Gore* Robert Gration Max Kimber

• • •

Andy Lukas Tony Marletta Mick McCormack Stuart McDonald Jim McDonald* Allan Newham

Stephen Ohl Mark Twycross Phil Venton *deceased

Individual Members • • • • • • • •

Dean Barker John Blain Bevan Boocock Grant Bowley Stephen Callaghan Ken Cameron Chris Carter Mark Cooper

• • • • • • • •

Geoff Cope John de Robillard Stephen Dykes Amy Farrugia JP Fortin Gretchen Gagel Chris Gatehouse Lynndon Harnell

• • • • • • • •

Mark Harris Chris Harvey Graeme Hogarth Justine Hyams Jeff Jones Ashley Kellett Steven Liddell Cameron

• • • • • • •

MacDiarmid James McMahon John Millett Mick Murphy Trevor Nichols John Piper David Pollock Brett Reay

• • • •

Shaun Smith Ian Spence Jasper Tieland Andrew Wood

Craig de Laine Edwin De Prinse Yuyu Fang Daniel Faulkner Matt Felvus Sean Fleming Nick Flint Tom Forde Mark Fothergill Paul Frederick Tess Gardener Jarrod Gilby Calvin Gordon Peter Hanily

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Peter Harcus Geoff Harrison Chris Hewson Ian Israelsohn Linda Johnson Hugo Kuhn Trent Leach David Levy Stephen Livens Nicole Lowndes Paul May Donna McDowall John Messent Stephen Mudge

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Matthew O'Connell Brian O'Sullivan Neil Parry Tawake Rakai Ben Rees Darren Rogers Josh Row Craig Sheather James Smith Colin Symonds Soheil Taherian Warwick Tidswell Andrew Tsitas John Walsh

• • • • •

Sean Ward Louise Watson Rob Wheals Paul Williamson Michael Xanthopoulos

Employee Members • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Michelle Andersen Eric Bardy Geoff Barton Lauren Beynon Rick Boreham Andrew Bourke Liz Brierley Peter Bucki Francis Carroll Philip Colvin Jeff Cooke Vera Corso Anne-Maree Corson

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

57

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

People on the Move In this new and regular column, The Australian Pipeliner is tracking new appointments in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific’s pipeline sector.

PLANT & PLATFORM ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS – GENERAL MANAGER - GLENN HOWLETT Plant and Platform Engineering Consultants has appointed Glenn Howlett as General Manager, leading the charge in a new direction for the company.

With over 40 years of experience in the service sector, seven years of which have been in leadership with professional engineering and technical services, Howlett is

looking forward to working with the team at P&P to create the next chapter.

opportunities, and P&P is perfectly placed to respond.”

“To succeed, we must constantly reinvent ourselves and look for better ways to create value for our staff and customers,” Howlett said.

In his new role, Howlett looks forward to building from a solid base and fostering innovation and fresh thinking to give a real alternative that consistently delivers value for clients.

“It’s an ever-changing environment, each generation brings its own unique

CST HIRE - NATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – KRISTIAN LENNON Kristian Lennon has just started as National Business Development Manager at CST Hire, which he was “extremely happy to share”.

“CST Hire is Australia's leading project truck, bus, and 4wd rental company supporting the largest infrastructure, civil, and mining projects around our great country,” he said.

“I look forward to working with our national management team and

staff, as well as our loyal customers to assist in their project and general rental requirements.”

CST Hire was established in 2016 by directors John Wilton and Nick Barnsdall.

With a combined 45 years’ experience in vehicle and equipment hire to the construction and private sectors, they lead a small, dedicated and committed team.

The company’s fleet consists of quality, fully maintained and serviced vehicles, and trucks.

As a service-based business, the team is committed to being responsive to their clients’ needs.

CST Hire strives to be a complete vehicle supplier in one of the most important sectors within Australia.

VERBREC NEW ZEALAND – GENERAL MANAGER – PETER MAY Verbrec New Zealand has welcomed Peter May as General Manager where he will be responsible for the leadership and growth of the business.

May is an experienced leader with over 30 years of global strategic operational and leadership experience within the oil, gas and petrochemicals sectors.

He brings extensive management and leadership experience gained in

places such as South and North Africa, Germany, UK, China, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

May also has a technical background knowledge of front-end engineering and design/EPCm/EPC and consulting engineering services businesses.

The company engineers and delivers transformative solutions for the entirety of the asset life cycle.

By combining its industry knowledge with a deep understanding of its client’s priorities, Verbrec supports them in achieving their unique goals.

Verbrec is a leading engineering, asset management, infrastructure, and training services provider.

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 Journalist Vivien Topalovic at vivien.topalovic@primecreative.com.au

58

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2023

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For all your HDD and pipeline requirements, talk to your local Vermeer Australia team.

VERMEERAUSTRALIA.COM.AU | 1300 VERMEER

Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the United States and /or other countries.

Product specifications are subject to change by OEM. © 2023 RDO Equipment Pty Ltd (trading as Vermeer Australia). All Rights Reserved.

THE AUSTRALIAN PIPELINER | JULY 2023

“I was looking for reliability, service and customer support, and almost three decades on I’ve stuck by the Vermeer Australia team for their incomparable service.”