Editorial comment
A warm welcome to the May edition of World Pipelines, which includes a special section on pipelines in extreme environments. Since 2015, we have published an annual focus on ‘extreme’ pipelines, and even hosted online conferences on the topic, such is the breadth of interest in pipeline activity in challenging places. Pipeline design, construction and operation for extreme environments is so interesting because it showcases the industry at its best and most cutting edge; difficult conditions push the sector to adapt and innovate. In covering extreme topics, we’ve seen that the necessity of working in extreme or risk-filled environments affects the pipeline industry in different ways.
Register for free »
Get started now for absolutely FREE, no credit card required.
Safety is the primary concern, and all endeavours should work towards addressing risk and reducing incidents of harm. We have featured articles on working in dangerous weather conditions, handling hazardous chemicals, constructing pipelines on unsafe terrain or at great depths, navigating the possibility of physical risk, facing local unrest, and more. In any of these environments, or any worksite that is out of the ordinary, appropriate modifications to safety protocols and training are essential.
From a financial perspective, working in challenging places can be rewarding for pipeline personnel: risky jobs command higher wages (although, it must be stated, not in all cases) with compensation generally rising to offset the potential danger or discomfort experienced.
A pipeline operator needs up-to-date risk analysis intelligence in order to ascertain the current risk to personnel, since this advice can often change in a heartbeat. AKE International’s Global Intake platform contains detailed country profiles updated in real-time, and offers emailed intelligence containing risk advisories, daily updates and analytical briefings. Look out for AKE’s upcoming article (July 2023 issue), which will offer expert analysis on the current spate of pipeline incidents in Colombia.
Work in extreme environments can also have an impact on the health, safety and livelihood of the communities situated near pipeline routes. These communities need spokespeople and I’m always cheering for those who seek to make the relationship between pipeline company and community more harmonious. One such trailblazer is Kaella-Marie Earle, who I have admired ever since I interviewed her a few years ago, when she won the John Tiratsoo Award for Young Achievement, awarded by Young Pipeliners International. In her current role as Engineer-in-Training and Construction Project Manager at Enbridge Gas, she works on the management and execution of major pipeline, integrity and storage enhancement projects, and serves as the Vice-Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Committee. Her commitment to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and her drive for reconciliation and inclusion going forwards, is impressive.
Environmentally, extreme environments are often places where pipeline companies are most at risk of ‘losing their social license to operate’. The secure backing of insurers and financial institutions, along with strong evidence-based mandates for the work in the first place, help make these pipeline projects a success for everyone.
Finally, politics can never be taken out of the equation: the political decisions of the few affect the many. The issues of energy independence, national security and climate change often intersect with policy about where to extract natural resources, and how those resources should get to market. The viability of working in an extreme environment can often be determined by the pressure of political imperatives, rather than simple market forces.
Whatever forces shape the outlook for pipeline projects in these testing environments, let’s make sure that we forever prioritise safety and wellbeing for optimum project success. Dig in to the Extreme section at p.17, and let the capable contributors to this special section assume the risk on your behalf.
