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In this episode, Elizabeth Corner speaks to Georges Hage, Executive Secretary at IPLOCA, about IPLOCA's insights on the culture and characteristics of the pipeline contractor community, and how it works to support sustainable energy infrastructure.
This episode of the podcast covers:
This episode of the podcast covers:
- The history of IPLOCA: how did it originate, and what key milestones have shaped its journey to where it stands today.
- How the association navigates the diverse challenges and opportunities present in different regions of the world, and the significance of maintaining this global perspective.
- Some insight into how IPLOCA's board works.
- How important events are for IPLOCA.
- A look back at IPLOCA’s events over the years.
- IPLOCA's vision for the future.
- And more!
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Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here.
Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here.
Creators and Guests
What is World Pipelines Podcast?
The World Pipelines podcast, with Elizabeth Corner, is a podcast that connects and unites pipeline professionals to learn about issues affecting the midstream oil and gas industry.
Hello, and welcome back to the World Pipelines podcast, a podcast series for oil and gas pipeliners. I'm your host, Elizabeth Corner. And in this season of the podcast, I am talking to representatives from membership associations for the pipeline sector. Throughout the series, we're exploring what these associations do to move the midstream sector forwards and to support pipeliners all over the world. In this episode, my guest is George Hage, who is executive secretary at EPLOCA.
Elizabeth Corner:George joined EPLOCA as executive secretary in August 2023. He was a clocker director for The Middle East And Africa region from 2013 to 2018. During his career, George has contributed to the development, financing, and execution of many projects in oil and gas, construction, and infrastructure in Europe, Middle East, The GCC, and Africa.
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Elizabeth Corner:So welcome, George. Thanks for being here. Now listeners to this series of the podcast will need to become pretty au fait with anachronisms, so can you explain to us what EPLOCKA stands for, what the organisation is and how it serves the pipeline sector globally?
Georges Hage:We are the leading international organisation representing two forty member companies in more than 40 countries around the world. Our members are key players in the energy infrastructure construction industry worldwide. They manage both new pipeline project and the continued maintenance of the old pipeline and other infrastructure projects. The organization is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and as you may have seen, we just celebrated twenty years since moving to this beautiful city from Ghent, Belgium in the February. Iplica's mission is to support the delivery of sustainable energy infrastructure, including pipeline construction, by providing a forum for sharing knowledge globally, facilitating business opportunities and innovation, and promoting the highest standard in business ethics as well as in health, safety, the environment and CSR.
Georges Hage:So we have five membership categories. The first one, the regular member. This category includes the contractors working the energy pipeline, onshore and offshore industry. The second one, the associate members. This category includes the companies that provide vital services, equipment, material, tools, or supply for construction or maintenance of pipelines.
Georges Hage:The third category is the corresponding member. This category includes the oil and offshore owner or operator of pipeline system and associated facilities. The first one in the category includes the universities and research institutions whose activities encompasses research and the study of energy, pipe, material, etc. And the last category is the honorary member. This category includes individuals who have performed distinguished services to the energy and pipeline industry and to our organisation.
Elizabeth Corner:Wonderful. I wonder if you can take us through the history of APLOCA, so how did it originate as an organisation and if you can talk about any key milestones along the way that have shaped its journey to becoming what it is today.
Georges Hage:During a meeting in Paris in June 1966, the then leaders of the International Pipeline Construction Industry established the International Division of Pipeline Contractors Association as a division of the Pipeline Contractors Association that you know PLCA of the United States. Attending were 26 representatives of 13 contracting firms from France, Italy, The Great Britain, the former West Germany and The Netherlands. So the headquarters of the International division were established in Paris. And the association became fully independent in 1976 after a significant increase in membership. And in 1988, companies working offshore in the oil and gas industry were included, and on 05/05/1989, the International Pipeline and Offshore Contractors Association was officially established.
Georges Hage:The organisation headquarter were later moved from Paris to Brussels, then in 1992 to Ghent in Belgium, and the Ghent office was closed in 02/2005 and the office was re established in Geneva, Switzerland where it remains today as I mentioned earlier.
Elizabeth Corner:IBlocker operates on an international scale, How does the association navigate the diverse challenges and opportunities present in those different regions of the world and what is the significance for you of maintaining Iploca's global perspective?
Georges Hage:Epoca is the only organisation in the pipeline industry that operates globally. Its ability to navigate diverse challenges and opportunities across regions is crucial for its success and impact. Here's how our organisation does it. First thing that understanding regional differences, operating across different cultures require an understanding of local businesses' practices. Ipraka fosters cross cultural collaboration by encouraging mutual respect and adaptability among its members.
Georges Hage:So different countries have unique, environmental safety and labor regulation, so the organization supports its members by keeping them informed about these differences. The second point at facilitating knowledge sharing. Ipruka organizes global events such as annual conferences, technical workshops and meetings where members can share their experiences, challenges and innovative solutions to common issues. This exchange of knowledge allows contractors from different regions to learn from each other and adopt best practices that can be applied across various regions. The third point is the global safety standard.
Georges Hage:As you know, safety is paramount in pipeline and offshore construction, and Ibroka ensures that its members maintain a consistent global safety standard. The organization develops and promotes safety initiatives that can be implemented universally, so our regular members have the obligation to submit their health and safety report on a yearly basis and eProCA compiles all these reports and issues an annual HSE statistic report. The fourth point is sustainability effort. EProCA promotes sustainability in the pipeline and offshore sectors by supporting its members and implementing sustainable practices that can be adapted to different regions, helping to reduce the environment impact and operation worldwide. I can also add to other points the networking and partnership.
Georges Hage:EPloka foster region partnership between contractor and other stakeholders. By building strong network within each region, ePluca helps create business alliances that benefit all parties involved. And last but not least, driving innovation and efficiency. Exposure to diverse challenges across regions encourages innovation and contractors learn to develop solutions that work across multiple environments. This drives efficiency and improves the overall competitiveness of a PROCAS member.
Georges Hage:In conclusion, eProkac's ability to navigate regional challenges and opportunities while maintaining a global perspective enables it to drive this industry progress, foster collaboration and ensure its members are well equipped to operate across diverse environment.
Elizabeth Corner:A lot of work to do there, I can see why you're so very busy George. Now, the structure of an organisation's leadership is crucial to its success, I'm sure you'd agree. Could you give us some insight into how Iploca's board works and what role it plays in guiding the organisation's activities and decisions?
Georges Hage:Ipluka is governed by a volunteer board of directors, currently made of 24 owners and senior executives of major pipeline contractors and service companies. The directors represent, let's say, regular and associate member, they are elected by the members of the association and generally serve as a term of two years. Normally the election is done during the convention, in September, our annual convention. So each elected board member serves as representative of the membership at large and as an ambassador for the organisation. We also have an executive committee made up of five directors who are usually the president, the first vice president, the second vice president, the past president and the treasurer, and they are directors within the board that has specific responsibilities and authorities to act on behalf of the full board.
Elizabeth Corner:I'm glad you mentioned events because that's my next question. Though events are often central to an association's ability to foster collaboration and share knowledge, certainly I've been talking about events with all of the organisations that I've been chatting to for this podcast so far. How important are the events for Eploca and what do they aim to achieve? How important is networking for Eploca members? Talk me through that.
Georges Hage:Events are crucial for our organisation. To give you an example, when the pandemic hit in 2020, we went through a difficult period, as did many other organisations. Our events provide a great opportunity to make valuable connection and to share knowledge. A great example is the Iproka Regional Meeting. We host two to three of these meetings per year around the world.
Georges Hage:The key to success of this meeting is that they provide an unparalleled opportunity for companies to meet in person with current and future clients and key industry players in one place on a single day. In addition, the panel discussion allows industry professionals to learn about the latest trend and future projects in a specific region. Recently we had a very successful regional meeting for Latin America and Buenos Aires. More than 200 leaders gathered from the region and around the world to learn about major projects and trends and meet with local companies. Our flagship event, the Iploca Convention, is an annual gathering of the top leaders of the pipeline industry worldwide.
Georges Hage:Participation in the convention is a benefit of membership. The event is a unique opportunity for Ipluka membership to socialize, network and discuss business in a friendly, relaxed environment. The Ipluka Convention creates a very social atmosphere by offering members and their spouses an array of social events including cultural tour, a golf tournament and parties. Iprakat twenty twenty five will bring us this September to the Turkish coastal town of Izmir, which is a beautiful city. In addition, twice a year we organize the novel construction sessions, where contributors to the pipeline construction supply chain from all over, the world gather to discuss new technologies, we also organise one health and safety workshop per year.
Elizabeth Corner:Congratulations on your Latin America meeting, that sounds wonderful. Looking back, are there any particular events or moments from Eploca's history that really stand out to you? Perhaps an example of an event that had a lasting impact on the industry or the association itself?
Georges Hage:Iploca has a rich history and there are several key moments and events that have shaped both the organisation and the pipeline and offshore construction industry. In my opinion, each event, from the founding of Iploca to its role in promoting safety, innovation and sustainability, has had a lasting impact on both the association and the global industry at large. Some of these moments stand out not only for their immediate impact but also for their lasting influence on the industry and the role that Iploca plays within it. For me, the founding of Iploca in 1966 itself is a monumental event in the association history since it brought together a group of contractors who recognised the need of a platform to collaborate, share knowledge and promote the interests of the pipeline and offshore construction sector. This foundational moment set the stage of the organisation's growth and its current global influence.
Georges Hage:Many of our annual convention will remain memorable such as the one in Venice, Istanbul, Washington, Paris for our fiftieth anniversary, Singapore and recently the one in Sorento with five forty attendees from all around the world. We also are very proud of our Road to Success application. This is a tool that should be given to everyone starting out in the industry. They will find all the basic knowledge necessary to deliver or improve the delivery of pipeline construction projects. We, continuously update the content, the most recent one is, was last year, it was the fifth edition.
Georges Hage:I strongly recommend that young professionals, and our member companies familiarize themselves with this application. I can also say that the creation of the novel construction session in 02/2004 during a meeting in Windsor was a special moment. In 02/2024, we went back to Windsor to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of novel and to launch the new NOVEL construction initiative to stimulate innovation in the technology and processes required for the execution of onshore pipeline project. Since 02/2004, twice a year, in the spring and the fall, contributors to the pipeline construction supply from all around the world gather for collaborative sessions to discuss new technologies. We have formed five groups to work on AI, energy transition, net zero construction, skills and resources and standard and compliance regulatory.
Georges Hage:Our Spring level construction will take place in Palermo in Italy on the April, '15 speakers will share their valuable knowledge and insights on the five topics that I mentioned before, so far we have more than 100 attendees coming from all around the globe.
Elizabeth Corner:Eploca represents pipeline contractors specifically, so in your view, what do contractors in this sector need most at the moment and how is Iploca addressing those needs?
Georges Hage:In the pipeline and offshore construction sector, contractors face a variety of challenges that evolve with shifting market demands, technological advancement and regulatory changes. At present, several key needs, have emerged and Eploca plays a critical role in addressing them. The most important one is safety and risk management. Safety continues to be the highest priority due to the high risk nature of pipeline construction and offshore projects. Eploca has been a leading advocate for safety across the industry.
Georges Hage:It provides its member with best practices, safety guidelines and a global framework for ensuring, that safety standards are adhered to on every project. The second point is technological innovation. As the industry faces increasing pressure to complete projects on time and within budget, contractors need to adopt new technologies and methods, to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and, ensure high quality results. This includes using advanced material robotic automation, data analytics, and other digital tool. EProka addresses this need by promoting technological, innovation through innovation or innovative like the eProCA Innovation Award, which recognizes and encourages groundbreaking technology and methodologies.
Georges Hage:Moreover, eProCA's technical workshop and conferences are platform for contractors to learn about emerging technology and industry best practices. The third important point is, the sustainability environmental responsibility. Environment concerns are are increasingly at the forefront of the pipeline industry with growing pressure from government, investors and the public to reduce the carbon footprint energy infrastructure project. Contractors must be proactive in addressing environmental challenges while maintaining operational efficiency. So iProQ has been helping contractors adapt to this demand by promoting sustainable practices and supporting effort to meet a standard.
Georges Hage:And finally, the collaboration. IProCA is known for fostering collaboration across the pipeline sectors. Through its membership network, contractors can work together to address common challenges, advocate for shared interests and develop innovative solutions. So EPOCA events, forum and technical committees create space for industry stakeholders to meet, learn and collaborate.
Elizabeth Corner:As I've been talking to different membership organisations, we've all kind of agreed that pipeliners are quite a unique group of professionals. So what can you tell us about the culture or the characteristics of this community that you serve and how does Iploca work to support and unite those very unique members?
Georges Hage:What is characteristic of our community is that we care deeply about the safety of our worker and employees. The first award, launched, twenty four years ago by EPLICA was the Health and Safety Award. You also manage an, HSE and CSR committee that promotes a safe, healthy and socially responsible work environment. Each year a workshop is organised to promote best practices. In addition, as condition of membership, regular members are required to submit their annual health and safety and environmental statistics to Iploca so that statistics for the industry can be monitored.
Georges Hage:As we can see, safety is really at the centre of everything we do.
Elizabeth Corner:And then to finish off our discussion, what do you think Iploca will look like in the future? How do you see the organisation evolving? What are its key goals as you look forward?
Georges Hage:Our vision for the future is to continue working together to ensure the sustainable growth of our member companies and shape the industry as an authority on topics related to sustainable energy infrastructure including pipeline construction.
Elizabeth Corner:Thank you so much for talking to me George.
Georges Hage:Thank you for having me. Thank you for your time. It was a great pleasure.
Elizabeth Corner:My thanks to George at Eploca for speaking about the ways in which Eploca guides and supports the international pipeline contractor community with a range of social, learning, and governance initiatives. Thanks for listening to the World Pipelines podcast. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts. If you have enjoyed this episode, please rate and review and forward to a colleague or friends.
Advert:The World Pipelines podcast is brought to you by TD Williamson. The smart plug in line isolation system from TD Williamson delivers with double independent energized seals. Ready to upgrade your next project? Visit tdw.redsmartplug to learn more.