The event, organised by ASCOPE Gas Centre and the Malaysian Gas Association, covered a diverse range of pipeline topics including design, development and operational issues, further clarified through the examination of case studies. The conference was also supported by exhibitions presented by local and international companies.

Officiating the conference, ASCOPE Gas Centre Chairman and Malaysia Gas Association President Datuk Abdul Rahim Hashim stated the importance of dialogue between the pipeline industry and infrastructure financiers highlighting the magnitude of Asia’s emerging investment challenges coupled with increasingly complex projects.

Dr Allen Beasley, ASCOPE Gas Centre Executive Director and Asian Pipeline Conference and Exhibition Organising Chairman, presented on the future direction of the ASCOPE Gas Centre. He discussed the implementation of a taxation harmonisation for cross border pipelines located within the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the utilisation of high carbon dioxide gas for power generation and the possibility of an exchange program between the ASEAN pipeline operators. Other future developments include the ASCOPE Gas Centre’s first co-operative research and development project relating to pipeline performance and the potential expansion of the Young Pipeline Professionals Study Tour Program.

The Young Pipeline Professionals Study Tour Program has already seen three pipeline professionals under the age of 35 attend a study tour to Norway, facilitated by funding from the proceeds of the 2007 conference. The young pipeline professionals were instructed on new and emerging technologies and best practices in offshore pipeline design, construction and operation. A second study tour will take place during 2009, with North America the proposed destination.

Back in Kuala Lumpur, the 2008 conference placed a distinct emphasis on technical matters relating to pipeline performance. In particular, it highlighted the important work of the South East Asia Pipeline Operators Group (SEAPOG), which comprises members from most of the major owners and operators of national pipeline companies and the private sector. Two new SEAPOG initiatives are to be launched in 2009.

The first, in concordance with Dr Beasley’s vision, involves the development of arrangements for the exchange, at the technical level, of pipeline operators in the ASEAN region to promote a better technical understanding of the pipeline systems that connect participating countries and assist pipeline integration. The second involves a SEAPOG initiated project to better understand the long term behaviour of field joints for onshore pipelines, an area in need of a co-operative approach to develop best practice for methods of pipeline protection.

One of the highlights of the conference included the Chief Executive Officer Forum mediated by Dr Beasley. Panel members from the pipeline industry comprising Petronas, APA Group, JP Kenny and GE Oil and Gas engaged in a lively discussion on ‘Issues Affecting Pipeline Developments in the Region.’ A key issue voiced during the forum was the detrimental lack of skilled personnel.

The Asian Pipeline Conference and Exhibition organisers said the theme ‘Managing Risks – Meeting Expectations’ could not have been better chosen considering the current economic climate. Whilst many countries and companies in the region have invested heavily in pipelines, there is a current focus on LNG options to meet the growing gap between gas supply and demand. This trend has had the effect of drawing the necessary attention away from pipeline issues.

The Asian Pipeline Conference and Exhibition aims to continue to grow as a sustainable, industry driven conference and exhibition that will serve as the major regional forum for pipeline professionals to showcase new pipeline technologies, practices and innovation. To do this a concerted support by all members of the pipeline community from owners, contractors and engineering companies to providers of related products and services, is essential.

The Asian Pipeline Conference and Exhibition 2008 organisers would like to thank the sponsors and exhibitors for their support and participation.