From their humble beginnings, the International Pipeline Conference (IPC) and its sister event the International Pipeline Exposition (IPE) have quietly been gathering pace to become what is now one of the world’s premier pipeline events.

Calgary was also an extremely fitting location for the IPC/IPE with Alberta, the Canadian province in which Calgary is located, undergoing a boom on the back of oil and gas resources. Some oil and gas towns were even reporting sign-on bonuses for shop assistants in the thousands of dollars due to the labour shortage caused by the boom.

Biggest IPC ever

This year saw just under 1,300 delegates at the IPC, up from 584 in 1996. The conference had an extremely international feel with large contingents from Asia, Europe and South America. Australians did well, putting in their biggest showing ever and managing to locate each other for a drink at the opening function.

The IPC streams varied from the very technical to more practical. Fellow attendee Peter Tuft has provided a detailed report on the IPC sessions on page 92.

Important to note is that the IPC is a not for profit conference and proceeds continue to support educational initiatives in the pipeline industry.

IPE attracts international flavour

The International Pipeline Exposition was held concurrently over the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Again with an international focus, the exhibition saw a wide range of service and equipment suppliers. Most prominent were the intelligent inspection companies with communications and equipment manufactures also well represented.

Well over 200 firms were represented from over 50 countries, ensuring that those attending the exhibition were privy to the latest and most advanced technology.

The Australian Pipeliner was pleased showcase the Australian pipeline industry from its booth, highlighting both the magazine and the vast array of opportunities currently available in the country. Two inflatable kangaroos, although perhaps a little kitsch, completed the stand and ensured visitors knew our Australian links, leading to the stand being besieged by those wanting to do business in Australia, find distributors and agents, visit Australia or ask about how their relatives were doing down under!

International Pipeline Awards

An exciting development to the event was the inaugural International Pipeline Awards which were announced at a Gala Dinner on the Wednesday. A new innovation, the awards recognised and celebrated achievements in the industry over five areas.

Fourteen short-listed nominees were acknowledged for excellence in five categories, representing the areas of pipeline operations, regulatory matters, design and construction, new pipeline technology, and environmental and social responsibility.

The Awards were organised by dmg world media and supported by the Pipeline Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the IPC, along with endorsement by APIA.

The International Pipeline Design & Construction Award recognises the efforts of a company actively involved in the design and construction of an onshore or offshore pipeline. The Award was presented by Simon Mellor, Commercial and Business Development Director of dmg world media and myself. Colt Engineering/Colt Geomatics was honoured to win this award, accepted by Project Manager Art Harms. The project’s primary challenge was the safe installation of a sour gas pipeline through the extremely difficult Smoky River valley in the mountains northeast of Grande Cache.

The US Department of Transportation, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration won the International Pipeline Regulatory Award for developing and implementing regulations that require explicit, targeted measures to enhance the integrity of pipelines in high consequence areas.

The ROSEN International Pipeline Operators Award represents a pipeline operator who can demonstrate operational pipelines in a manner that effectively integrates technology, personnel, safety and regulations. The winner was Petrobras Transpetro SA, recognised for their work in developing the Petrobras Integrity Standard, a manual in pipeline integrity which involved more than 70 Petrobras specialists and comprises projects in safety, health and environment improvement.

The Enbridge International New Pipeline Technology Award is given to an organisation that has introduced an integrated new technology, process or product that has improved the efficiency, safety, or environmental impact of the design, construction or operation of pipelines. Wellstream International won the Award, for creating FlexSteel, flexible steel pipes that may be used to replace steel line pipe in hydrocarbon gathering and injection applications.

Petrobras Transpetro SA took the top honours in the International Pipeline Environmental and Social Responsibility Award category. The Award was specifically for Petrobras’ Agro ecological Family Farming Project along Pipeline Stretches (Right of Way), launched in Brazil in December 2005.

The event has attracted much interest and it was announced at the Gala Dinner that the 2007 International Pipeline Awards will be held at the Rio Pipeline Conference in October, 2007 in Rio De Janeiro. With the buzz that the first Awards have created, competition is sure to be fierce with many new entrants from around the world set to take part. Nominations will open in January 2007. Australia has an industry second to none, so I encourage Australian companies to consider nominating for next year’s awards.

In all, the 2006 International Pipeline Conference and Exposition again brought together professionals from all over the world, creating an event unique in its global nature. The Australian Pipeliner looks forward to seeing what the event will deliver in 2008.