With numerous developments in LNG and offshore gas worldwide, it has become imperative for companies to fortify the existing pipelines and increase their life cycle through best pipeline integrity practices, according to experts.

Pipeline integrity and layout plays a pivotal role in efficient and secure transportation of oil, gas and energy resources, said experts ahead of the '4th Annual Global Pipeline Integrity Summit' which kicks off in Abu Dhabi on May 19.

The three-day event will look at the latest developments in pipeline integrity management.

According to experts, the recent explosion at a Sinopec pipeline due to leaked oil had created a lot of financial and environmental concerns.

This was mainly due to corrosion in the pipeline which led to the oil spill. It could have been avoided with preventive maintenance and pipeline integrity management practices, they pointed out.

Now in its fourth edition, the summit will gather global asset integrity professionals and delve into various topics like optimizing decommissioning, proactive operational analysis, maximizing operational efficiency and effectively extending the life of mature assets, said the event organisers.

The summit features two pre-summit workshops on working practices to ensure longevity of subsea assets and life extension through optimized pipeline commissioning, said the event organisers.

The conference will also see presentations and case studies by eminent speakers from organizations like Petroleb, Adco, IGDAS, Petronas, Oman Oil Marketing Company, Gasco, Egyptian Natural Gas Company, Qatar Petroleum and Rasgas.

The summit is being supported by The Pigging Products and Services Association PPSA. The association was formed in 1990 and has members representing the pigging industry throughout the world.

PPSA plays a major role in providing information and sourcing pigging equipment and services for the pipeline industry.

Delegates at the summit will get an excellent opportunity to look at the latest breakthroughs and also network with industry peers, said the organisers.

The summit will create an avenue to exchange view points for future developments and learn from various regional and current advancements, they added.-TradeArabia News Service