• To promote the importance of maintaining and improving the standards of pipeline engineering for all types of pipeline for transportation of hydrocarbons and associated materials, both on- and offshore, and to acknowledge and promote the status of those involved with their design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

• To promote the importance of operating these pipelines with the highest possible standards of integrity and safety.

• To be proactive in the promotion and establishment of best practice in the minimization of environmental impact from pipelines of all types.

• To provide an opportunity for identifying research opportunities in this field, and eventually to be a source of funding for collaborative R&D projects.

• To provide a forum for discussion of all the issues concerned with pipeline engineering and integrity.

• To provide a network so that those involved in maintaining pipeline integrity and safety are able to exchange ideas and experiences among their peer group.

• To create, and maintain the standard of, a professional qualification for those involved in this industry which reflects their personal experience and status
  
  

How the PIPE will develop

The PIPE was founded in 2007 and is fast becoming the essential networking tool for those involved in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of oil and gas pipelines. By joining the PIPE individuals receive recognition of their skills and status. Similarly corporate members gain access to a rapidly-expanding network of associated individuals and businesses.

As the PIPE grows it is envisaged that the individual membership might be streamlined into groups representing the separate interests of operators, designers, and those involved with providing products and services for undertaking these activities. The membership may also be divided along industry lines, with separate interest groups for pipelines transporting oil, gas, chemicals, etc.

Decision-making about PIPE membership, direction, administration, and all other issues, is made by the Board, the members of which will ultimately be elected by the membership. A number of standing committees will be established by the Board to be responsible for specific activities as necessary (such as publicity, membership, technical matters).