Pipelines fulfill a very important role in our society and often the importance of these systems is not appreciated in our daily activities. Looking around, pipelines are indirectly present in fuel for cars, diesel for buses, kerosene for aviation, gas for cooking, electricity for houses, and the supply of raw materials for industry and manufacturing. It is the safest way to transport oil products.

The pipeline industry is a special one. The oil industry players compete strongly in certain segments, such as marketing, but at same time, may cooperate, such as in pipelines. There are many reasons why companies work together, but the main one is for risk reduction. Our industry has higher than average margins, but on the other hand, the risks are much higher too.

Pipelines are a US$ 60 billion a year industry, and we are missing opportunities by not working more closely together. Consider the following:

Should we have dedicated research centers to accelerate the production of new technologies? Yes, I think we should…

Should we have a standardized industry QHSE policy to ensure zero tolerance regarding fatal and environmental impacting accidents? We need to try …

Is it possible to organize a more international conference with technical papers from every continent? Yes, of course …

Is it possible to incorporate social responsibility into the planning stages of new pipelines? Yes, the next generation will thank us….

Is it in the interest of our industry to have a specialized university for distance learning to disseminate technological advances more efficiently? Yes, of course …

The Pipeline Industry is very old and therefore conservative. Its ideas need updating and the workforce needs to be renovated. I would also like to see our industry made more attractive to young people, and the training program initiated by ASME/PSD, International Pipeline Conferences and the Global Pipeline Award are steps in this direction.

Remember, it is no longer acceptable to endure environmental pollution, spills, accidents and fatalities; they are out of fashion. Therefore we need to invest seriously in this area to develop technology, train personnel and generally be more innovative.

So “pipeliner!”, if you are a member of ASME/PSD, take an active part; and if not, join us now !!!

Marcelino Guedes Gomes
Chair, PSD, 2007-8

For more information about the Pipeline Systems Division please visit our website at http://pipeline.asme-ipti.org/public/default.aspx.

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