________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
complexities and costs associated with offshore construction . It really is a unique and innovative process on which we have a very close association with one particular customer .”
As an active individual with decades of industry experience , Martin is passionate about knowledge sharing , especially with discussions about renewables ongoing . “ Unless we ’ re all talking together and exchanging information , we ’ re not going to achieve the optimal solution ,” he states . “ I ’ m a strong believer in collaboration , and wherever there ’ s collaboration , there ’ s discussion .
“ There is certainly a lot to discuss : design , manufacturing , testing , standards , and materials . Everybody who has a part to play should engage in industry forums . Personally , I ’ m a member of the Task Group on Line Pipe within the American Petroleum Institute , and a UK line pipe expert to the British Standards Institute ( BSI ) and International Organization for Standardization ( ISO ), as well as being active in research by delivering several papers across various conferences .
Hartlepool ’ s 42-inch pipe mill is home to the world ’ s strongest 13-meter ‘ O ’ press
“ Instead of taking entrenched positions , we all need to be willing to compromise and be open to finding the correct solution . It ’ s an essential way of sharing knowledge and resources to create a renewable ‘ backbone ’ and achieve the best outcomes as the energy transition picks up worldwide . In fact , I think collaboration is quite possibly the most important thing to ensure success in the forthcoming energy transition .”
Specialist knowledge
With the entire industry figuring out the most suitable options for global energy transition , LIBERTY Pipes ( Hartlepool ) has line pipe materials and specialist knowledge in place . Martin adds : “ We ’ re working to ensure we ’ re ready for all options , but our participation in that debate is essential .
“ On the other hand , one of the challenges of the near future is balancing the energy independence associated with oil and gas with the sustainability motive of renewables , considering the finite amount of available steel . As steel intensive sectors , the industry must carefully consider its use and balance out the demand in supply chains ; we are going to need offshore wind and H 2 / CO 2 line pipe together .
“ I think we ’ ll be extremely busy as the industry adopts renewable energy sources and prepares for a global transition ,” Martin concludes . “ I see us being in a position where our mill capacity will be fully utilized , and competition for that capacity will be intense , leading to careful selection of projects to take on . The mill will be full of a combination of work , and I hope we ’ ll soon see the first hydrogen pipelines being manufactured and installed .” ■
www . libertysteelgroup . com
84