DNV GL, an international certification body with main locations in Germany and Norway, has collaborated with industry to update recommended practices (RPs) for pipeline maintenance. The first for the growing number of corroded pipelines worldwide, and the second for the integrity management of submarine pipelines systems.

As DNV GL has noted, the updates have been developed through the completion of joint industry projects (JIPs). The revisions aim to further support the decision-making processes related to maintaining the integrity of pipeline systems in the following areas:

• extension of in-service operation
• costly repairs and replacements
• long-term planning of activities based on balanced evaluations of both technical and non-technical issues; and
• continuous improvement of integrity management systems

As Felix Saint-Victor, Principal Engineer-Pipeline & Materials, DNV GL Oil & Gas says, "by its very nature, the pipeline sector is constantly evolving to meet regulatory requirements, address technology advances and react to an often volatile economic market. Likewise, recommended practices must keep ahead with these changes."

Over the next 12 months, DNV GL will be hosting a number of seminars in Norway to present the revisions to the RPs. Interested parties should contact Anne Britt Høydal at anne.britt.hoydal@dnvgl.com.