Member News

Al-Qahtani awarded Saudi Aramco projects

Saudi Aramco has recently awarded four contracts through their subcontractors to Al-Qahtani Pipe Coating Industries for internal and external FBE Coatings, and double joint welding of pipelines on the Jafurah, Fadhili, and Dammam Field Development Projects. The pipe diameters range from 8” to 56”, and the total length of the pipelines is 880 km. The Jafurah project is a major gas development initiative by Saudi Aramco, aimed at tapping into the vast unconventional gas reserves in the Jafurah basin, located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

The project is designed to support the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources and enhance its domestic energy supply. Located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, the Jafurah basin hosts the largest liquid-rich shale gas play in the Middle East, with an estimated 200 trillion cubic feet of gas in place. This shale play covers an area of 17,000 square kilometres. Production and processing of gas from this giant unconventional reserve is crucial for Aramco to achieve its ambition of increasing gas production by 60% by 2030, with 2021 as its baseline. In February 2020, Aramco received a capital expenditure grant of USD 110 bn from the Saudi government for the long-term phased development of the Jafurah unconventional gas resource base.

Bezemer’s winch deployed for 2.3 km reverse shore crossing in Mexico

From June to August 2024, the Dutch winch rental company Bezemer Dordrecht B.V. carried out works in Mexico on the Southeast Gateway Pipeline. The company was approached by Allseas, a world-leading contractor in the offshore energy market, to provide a linear winch for a maximum pull of 400T. This linear winch was positioned on Allseas’ Tog Mor vessel to pull a 36” pipeline bundle through a tunnel into the sea. The equipment provided was a CPM

1100, a continuous linear winch frequently used for similar operations. The winch was supplied with 2,500 metres of 88.9 mm reverse lay pull wire and transported from Dordrecht to Veracruz, Mexico. Once in Mexico, the winch was installed on the deck of the Tog Mor. The winch pulled the 36” pipeline bundle further down the tunnel each time a new pipeline string was added, pulling more than 2,300 metres of pipe in total.

Bin Quraya awarded Aramco Construction Quality Award

Bin Quraya Co. Ltd won the 2024 Saudi Aramco Construction Quality Award - an Inspection Technology and Innovation Award. The project that was recognised by the award highlighted the use of “Mechanised Dual Torch Welding” on 42” outside diameter internal coated pipelines in the Zuluf Water Supply Project, part of the Zuluf AH Development Program. The project led to increased efficiency and quality improvements. The technology used enabled the completion of 40 joints per day, minimising rework and ensuring high weld quality through advanced root pass techniques. The project highlighted how technological advancements enable adherence to strict quality standards and timely project completion. Key achievements include cost savings, enhanced digital processes, and exceeding the standards set by the Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAER). Bin Quraya applied innovative solutions that significantly improved the project schedule, reflecting an ongoing drive for improvement in quality and innovation.

C.A.T. Group secures major project awards and welcomes new Group CEO

The C.A.T. Group has announced several new project awards, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting the region’s strategic energy goals. Recently, C.A.T. was awarded works for approximately USD 600 million in Jafurah, Saudi Arabia as part of the Unconventional Resources Maintain Potential project. These contracts cover a range of well tieins, pipelines, and flowline installations to support the gas development programme in the Jafurah field. In the UAE, after winning Package 3 on the ESTIDAMA pipeline project, the C.A.T. Group was awarded the construction works for Package 6. This award testifies to the successful collaboration of C.A.T. and NMDC on this crucial gas project for ADNOC and the UAE. Additionally, C.A.T. has announced the appointment of Christopher Bush as the new Group CEO. With over 35 years in the EPC industry, Mr. Bush’s leadership will bring C.A.T. even closer to its clients and guide it through a period of dynamic growth and operational excellence.

Ltd. (CPP) and a significant player in global energy storage and operation infrastructure, is responsible for the feasibility study, survey, and detailed design of the Kangbao to Caofeidian hydrogen pipeline in northern China. As of 24 October 2024, over 15% of the study has been completed. This project, anticipated to become the world’s largest green hydrogen pipeline by diameter and capacity, will span 972.7 kilometres with a diameter of 813 millimetres, a design pressure of 7.1 MPa, and an expected annual delivery capacity of approximately 1.3 million tons of green hydrogen. Designed to supply green hydrogen to meet demand in Beijing and the industrial city of Tangshan, the pipeline will play a crucial role in reducing pollution and advancing China’s energy-saving and emission-reduction goals. Once operational, it will set a new benchmark for hydrogen infrastructure on the global stage. Green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis using electricity from renewable energy sources like solar and wind, offers a zeroemission alternative to fossil fuels. In recent years, China has intensified its commitment to hydrogen infrastructure to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets. This pipeline exemplifies CPP’s expanded focus on green energy projects.

De Romein wins contract for German high voltage grid expansion

As the energy market continues to expand, along with significant investments in pipeline infrastructure, there is an increasing demand for HVDC (high-voltage direct current) cable infrastructure to transmit power generated by onshore and offshore wind farms. De Romein Group plays an important role in this expansion. German transmission system operator Amprion awarded a contract for civil engineering services for the Rhein-Main Link project to De Romein Group’s newly created joint venture. The contract includes the creation of a 600-kilometre-long cable system from Lower Saxony to the Rhein-Main economic region in Hesse. De Romein’s Joint Venture (50%/50%) will provide civil engineering as well as the construction of the future energy corridor required to transport the electricity generated by offshore wind farms in the North Sea to the Rhein-Main region in southern Germany. The preparatory phase of the project has now commenced, and the construction of the Rhein-Main Link is scheduled to start in 2028, with expected completion in 2033

New member Finn Corp joins Convention for the first time

Finn Corp was very pleased to have attended its first IPLOCA Annual Convention — making connections between large pipeline contractors and the extreme need for ground restoration technologies. Finn Corp brings over 85 years of erosion and landscape management expertise to support the pipeline industry. Known for their HydroSeeders®, the company looks forward to providing powerful and efficient solutions for pipelines and pipeline-related projects. Finn HydroSeeders® are designed specifically for large-scale seeding and erosion control needs, making them ideal for restoring landscapes and minimizing environmental impact along pipelines and large-scale excavations. With tank capacities ranging from 300 to over 4,000 gallons, the company offers adaptable solutions to efficiently cover large areas, ensuring consistent soil stabilisation, fast revegetation, and effective soil erosion control. The HydroSeeders® use an innovative hydraulic seeding process that applies seed, mulch, and fertilizer in one quick application, establishing healthy, resilient vegetation that helps protect soil during pipeline installations, repairs, and maintenance. This method saves time, reduces labour costs, and produces long-lasting results, even and especially on steep, uneven terrain, and areas that can be difficult to access with traditional seeding equipment. As a member of IPLOCA, Finn Corp looks forward to providing more sustainable resources within the pipeline sector by helping members complete projects with greater environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.

Geocean completes offshore work on Wilhelmshaven LNG terminal in Germany

Geocean, which is part of VINCI Construction Grands Projets, has successfully completed the installation of three TCP pipelines and a power cable to connect Excelerate Energy’s floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) to terrestrial facilities. The offshore FSRU terminal project installed in Wilhelmshaven, Germany is a joint venture between ENGIE and TES (Tree Energy Solution). Geocean has been chosen to carry out this fast-track installation project, enhancing the country’s infrastructure and energy security. The company worked on the connection to the FSRU, the anchoring system, and the subsea equipment. This infrastructure was installed 1.7 km from the shore at a depth of 14 metres. Geocean deployed its FAST-FLEX barge solution, one of its four types of modular barges. These modular barge solutions are tailored to the specific needs of each project and designed to streamline installation operations and cut the cost of offshore installation projects. This project represents a major development in the company’s offshore installation capabilities.

Gulf Companies welcomes Daniel Hernandez Trejo as Managing Director for the LATAM Region

Gulf Companies welcomes Daniel Hernandez Trejo as the Managing Director for the Latin America region. Based in Gulf Companies’ Mexico City office, Daniel will be responsible for advancing Gulf’s operations and spearheading new business initiatives across Mexico and Latin America. With an extensive background in the renewables, energy, and oil & gas industries, Daniel brings a robust combination of technical expertise and a forwardlooking vision to Gulf’s LATAM portfolio. Daniel joins Gulf from NextEra Energy, where he held the role of Director of Engineering and Construction for Midstream Assets and brings hands-on experience across the entire project lifecycle—from engineering and construction through commissioning and asset operations. His career spans impactful roles in engineering, project management, and high-level operations, delivering world-class projects across diverse locations including the United States, Mexico, South America, Asia and Australia. A licensed Professional Engineer with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Daniel is known for his multicultural approach and his commitment to building high-performing teams that consistently exceed client expectations. His experience with both EPC companies and Owner-Operator roles uniquely positions him to drive Gulf’s efforts in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to the Latin American market.

Herrenknecht’s AVN machine constructs shore approach of

Southeast Gateway Pipeline

TC Energy is developing the Southeast Gateway Project in Mexico. It consists of the construction of a marine pipeline that will transport natural gas, connecting the supply from Tuxpan, Veracruz, to delivery points in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, and in Paraíso, Tabasco. Commissioned by TC Energy, Grupo Desarrollo Infrastructura S.A. de C.V. (GDI) reordered a Herrenknecht AVND2400 to construct one of the shore approaches of the Southeast Gateway Pipeline at Coatzacoalcos. In February 2024, GDI successfully recovered the AVND2400 in the Gulf of Mexico after completing an extremely long pipe jacking drive of 1,715 metres in length within 83 days. The AVND2400 was retrieved from the seabed at a depth of 25 metres below sea level. This machine type was chosen in order to protect the marine environment, as it enables safe tunnelling operations by controlled face support. The machine was guided by VMT’s TUnIS Navigation MT navigation systems and Herrenknecht assisted the drive with round-the-clock support from a team of experts from nine nations.

implementation projects in ten countries across three continents, is celebrating its 30 th anniversary. In addition to its landscaping design and implementation projects, Karaoğlu Peyzaj also undertakes landscaping projects focused on nature restoration in various fields and sectors, including pipelines, industrial facilities, factories, and mining sites. The company has taken on landscaping work for many pipeline projects, such as the TANAP Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline. Founding Partner Yasin Otuzoğlu shares the following insights on the 30 th anniversary: “Karaoğlu Peyzaj has become a pioneering, innovative, and global landscaping design and implementation firm that offers end-to-end services. We completed over 1,000 projects in Turkey, Europe, the Middle East, and the Balkans, on time and without issues. We believe that we have provided a vision of sustainability to the landscaping sector over the past 30 years. Through our nature restoration practices, we support the activities of various industries such as pipelines, construction, highways, mining, industrial facilities, and energy in accordance with nature conservation principles. We carry out our work with passion and the understanding of giving back to nature what we take from it.”

LaValley Industries’ smart job site energy solutions for off-grid power supply

Karaoğlu Peyzaj celebrates 30 th anniversary

Karaoğlu Peyzaj, a well-established Turkish landscaping company that has completed landscaping design and

LaValley Industries introduces the EMPOWER™ line of versatile, fuel-efficient generators designed to meet the evolving demands of energy-intensive job sites. The EMP generators use Efficient Modulated Power generation technology, which automatically adjusts engine speeds to match load requirements, that ensures optimal efficiency and maximizes fuel savings under fluctuating conditions and carbon restrictions. The EMP generators include modular systems that allow users to swap input and output modules, easily adapting the generator’s voltage configuration to specific site needs. Additionally, these generators support parallel operation, enabling higher power output without distribution panels. The thermal control system of the EMP generator line is also unique as it can act as a cooling or heating mechanism for implements, such as the PITPUMP™ slurry pump. The sound-attenuated enclosures and lower engine speeds also contribute to reduced noise levels. EMPOWER™’s advanced telematics and health monitoring capabilities deliver real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance data, helping to minimize downtime. For applications that connect to the grid, EMP generators operate emission-free and noiselessly while seamlessly shifting to engine power as a backup or to achieve demand-based utility savings. With extensive field testing and reliable performance data, EMPOWER™ generators offer robust, sustainable power solutions for modern infrastructure projects.

MAX STREICHER S.p.A. awarded Gas Compression Station Project in Sulmona

MAX STREICHER S.p.A. has been awarded a contract by Snam Rete Gas for the construction of a natural gas compression station in Sulmona, Abruzzo, Italy. This station is part of the new ‘Adriatic Line’ infrastructure, which includes a 425 km ‘hydrogen-ready’ pipeline designed to enhance Europe’s energy security by transporting supplies from Azerbaijan, Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean to Northern Europe. MAX STREICHER S.p.A. will execute all mechanical, civil and electrical and instrumentation (E&I) activities for the station, including the installation of three 11 MW turbo-compressors, with a combined nominal power of 33 MW. Construction began in early September 2024, with project completion targeted for September 2026. As the 14 th compression station in Italy’s gas transportation network, Sulmona will pressurize gas to ensure efficient distribution to consumption points across the country while also supporting export routes to Northern Europe.

Nesma & Partners wins MEED’s Energy Project of the Year Award

Nesma & Partners announced that its Hawiyah Unayzah Gas Reservoir Storage project has been awarded the prestigious MEED Project Award for Saudi Arabia. This recognition highlights Nesma’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability in every aspect of project execution. Developed for Saudi Aramco, this pioneering project is the Kingdom’s first subsurface sales gas storage facility. Storing surplus gas during off-peak periods and releasing it back into the Master Gas System during peak demand plays a vital role in optimising gas distribution and enhancing energy efficiency. This award is a testament to Nesma & Partners’ ongoing dedication to delivering solutions that push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability. The Hawiyah Unayzah Gas Reservoir Storage project is an example of how the company is positively impacting the Kingdom’s infrastructure and energy landscape, aligning fully with the goals of Vision 2030.

PipeSak’s involvement in the Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project

Spanning 416 miles, or 670 kilometres, the Coastal GasLink Pipeline connects Dawson Creek in northeastern British Columbia in Canada to an LNG facility near Kitimat on the coast. This extensive route traverses rugged, mountainous terrain and environmentally sensitive areas, requiring robust protective measures for both the pipeline and the surrounding ecosystem. To address these unique challenges, PipeSak supplied RockStop® pipeline rockshield, offering flexibility across all terrains and weather conditions, and geotextile pipeline weights to keep the pipe secure in wet areas. Built from lightweight, durable geotextile fabric, RockStop® provided high impact and abrasion resistance against coarse backfill, while PipePillos® offered additional support to prevent pipe deformation. This approach ensured the secure and resilient installation of the pipeline, designed to operate sustainably across varied landscapes. Built to last beyond the pipeline’s projected lifespan, these protective products support long-term safety and structural integrity. The company says customers should look for PipeSak making an even bigger impact at conferences and exhibitions in 2025. The company is eager to showcase its latest innovations, starting at the Pipeline Pigging & Integrity Management Conference (PPIM) in January 2025.

Seal For Life‘s coating solutions selected for East African Crude Oil Pipeline

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the world’s longest heated pipeline stretching 1,443 kilometres from Uganda’s Lake Albert to Tanzania’s port of Tanga, is transforming energy access in East Africa. To overcome challenging technical conditions and remote environments, EACOP’s engineers have selected Seal For Life’s Canusa-

CPS brand for its advanced, resilient and field-friendly coating solutions. The HBE-95 liquid epoxy and the CSC PE100 + IntelliFuse automated casing system deliver uncompromising anti-corrosion, sealing and durability to the field joint. The Canusa-CPS team is also building local expertise by employing and training skilled personnel in Uganda and Tanzania to provide essential support throughout construction—driving local growth and creating economic opportunities in East Africa.

SICIM achieves first gas reinjection for KEP-1A Project

Full speed ahead for SICIM in Kazakhstan: the KEP-1A Project safely achieved first gas reinjection in July 2024. This significant milestone was reached with the successful operation of the 5 th compressor at full discharge pressure, enabling gas from the Karachaganak Processing Complex (KPC) to be reinjected into the reservoir through the new KEP-1A gas reinjection system for the first time. This milestone, the most critical in the KEP-1A Project, was safely completed liquidating over 18 million man-hours and zero LTIs. Simultaneously, KEP-1B (the sixth compressor) is proceeding at full speed, with a target start-up in the first quarter of 2026. SICIM was awarded this full EPC project, valued at USD 600 million, in 2022 by Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. (KPO) confirming its strong presence in the country since 1999. To date, more than 250,000 inches of piping have been welded, 4,000 tons of equipment have been installed, and 1,400 km of cables have been successfully laid. Over the years, SICIM’s dedication to local content has been a cornerstone of its operations in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Demonstrating this commitment, nearly 6,000 people, or 98% of the entire workforce on the KEP project, are Kazakhstani. The completion of the KEP-1A Project represents a major advancement in the continued development of the Karachaganak field, ensuring longterm production stability, economic growth and fostering regional development.

Spiecapag, a leading pipeline and Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) services contractor, has been selected by global cabling solutions provider Prysmian, for the landfall HDD scope of the Marinus Link Project. The project will improve the electricity and telecommunications connection between Tasmania and Victoria in Australia via 345 km of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and fibre optic cables. It includes 255 km of subsea cables across the Bass Strait and 90 km of underground cables in Gippsland, Victoria, enabling Tasmania to import excess solar and wind energy produced in Victoria and export its hydropower later to meet peak demand interstate. As part of the Marinus Link Project, Spiecapag will be delivering 12 shore crossings - 6 on each side of the Strait, via its HDI Lucas arm. HDI Lucas is the sister company of Horizontal Drilling International (HDI), operating in the Asia Pacific Region. “We are thrilled to partner with Prysmian and Marinus Link on this significant project,” said John StuartRobertson, General Manager of HDI Lucas. “Our expertise in HDD and Prysmian’s leadership in cable systems will ensure the successful delivery of the Marinus Link Project, contributing to a more sustainable and reliable energy future for Australia.”

Volvo CE brings hybrid technology to new generation excavators

Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced a new generation of hybrid excavators that utilise hydraulic hybrid technology. Among several benefits, there is a 17% increase in fuel efficiency, a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions, and lower fuel consumption. The first hybrid models of the new series are the EC400 and EC500, size classes commonly used in pipeline projects. The hydraulic hybrid technology harnesses the energy generated by the downward motion of the excavator’s boom, which charges an accumulator and then powers the assist motor when needed, reducing the reliance on the engine system. This principle leads to cost savings, fuel efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions. The new generation excavators from Volvo CE also feature a more spacious and ergonomic design, an enhanced operator environment, and an improved human-machine interface. These advancements contribute to increased productivity and lower total cost of ownership. When combined with Volvo’s smarter solutions like Volvo Active Control and Dig Assist with On-Board Weighing, these excavators offer unmatched precision and productivity. Overall, Volvo CE’s new hybrid excavators offer a powerful and sustainable solution for customers, combining advanced hybrid technology with modern design and improved performance.

IPLOCA Scholarship Programme

Applications open on 15 January 2025 and close on 15 March 2025 for the IPLOCA Scholarship Programme.

Children and grandchildren of employees of IPLOCA Regular and Associate Members are eligible to apply via the online form on the IPLOCA website. The scholarships are not limited to specific educational pursuits, but are open to all fields of study. Saji Khoury, 1st Vice President of the IPLOCA Board of Directors, leads the selection process committee. We encourage all members to publicise the scholarship opportunity as widely as possible within their organisations. More information on the programme is available at www.iploca.com/ committees/scholarship-programme/scholarship