TPI November 2023

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The international trade magazine for tube and pipe products

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The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

November 2023

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Business & market news

Study identifies significant emissions savings for aftermarket valve components

claims. Ricardo has provided IMI Critical Engineering with a thorough life cycle assessment that has been critically reviewed and considers 16 environmental indicators. It identifies that the Retrofit3D solution has the lowest impact of all the scenarios assessed for all 16 indicators. In short, it can achieve the greatest decarbonisation potential, without shifting burdens to other environmental issues. IMI can now communicate the reduced environmental impacts associated with its solution confident in the knowledge that this is backed up by a thorough life cycle assessment of the comparative solutions.” Bertrand Maillon, Retrofit3D business leader at IMI Critical Engineering, added: “3D printing is a game-changing method for valve manufacturing. Improving reliability and performance while offering, in Retrofit3D, a less materially intensive solution is essential for us and our customers. This technology is a disrupter for maintenance, repair and operations and spare parts supply, and promises a great future for innovative flow control solutions.” This life cycle assessment for IMI Critical Engineering is the latest example of Ricardo applying its deep scientific analysis and significant experience at the forefront of product sustainability to enable clients to develop more sustainable products or demonstrate their advanced environmental credentials. Ricardo is currently working with the manufacturers around the world to quantify and reduce the environmental impacts of their products. Ricardo Plc www.ricardo.com

The life cycle assessment found that the additive disk stack replacement manufactured by Retrofit3D was the preferable scenario across all the environmental indicators analysed. The small valve resulted in 146kg of carbon dioxide equivalent when the Retrofit3D additive manufacturing process was used to produce the replacement disk stack. The large valve resulted in 1,360kg of carbon dioxide equivalent using the same process. All calculations were based on an assumed system lifetime of ten years. For the large valve, this represented a 96 per cent climate change impact saving when compared with replacement of the full valve via traditional manufacturing, and a 94 per cent saving when compared with replacement of the disk stack only via traditional manufacturing. For the small valve, it represented a saving of 87 per cent and 85 per cent respectively. Any use efficiency savings were not accounted for in this study due to the wide range of potential use scenarios. If these were accounted for, the savings may be higher. downstream transportation methods for the new valve and components showed that transitioning from air freight to 80 per cent sea freight and 20 per cent road freight would reduce the total climate change impact in all replacement scenarios by 97 per cent. Sam Hinton, head of life cycle assessment at Ricardo, said: “Corporations are increasingly challenged to take active steps to minimise their environmental impacts and communicate this in a robust manner, free from green washing Analysis of the

Ricardo Plc, a global strategic environmental and engineering consulting company, has undertaken an in-depth life cycle assessment of aftermarket valve components, which has concluded that additive manufacturing has a significantly lower impact on the environment. Commissioned by IMI Critical Engineering for its additive manufacturing technology Retrofit3D, the study identified opportunities to reduce the climate change impact of certain replacement valve parts. As part of this process, the valves’ global warming potential can now be reduced by between 85 per cent to 96 per cent depending on valve size and repair scenario. IMI Critical Engineering designs and manufactures highly specialised valves and actuators to help control the flow of steam, gas and liquids serving the oil & gas, petrochemicals, water and power industries. The valves used in these sectors are subject to harsh operating conditions, which can lead to deleterious phenomena such as erosion or cavitation. When this type of damage is found, upgrades are required in the form of a new disk stack. Ricardo was asked by IMI Critical Engineering to apply its expertise in life cycle assessments to determine the environmental impact of three replacement scenarios for two different valve sizes (large and small). These scenarios included: replacement of disk stack via only traditional manufacturing methods; replacement of the full valve via traditional manufacturing methods; and replacement of the disk stack only via additive manufacturing.

TechnipFMC signs flexible pipe contract with Azule Energy for offshore project in Angola

and Azule to accommodate a fast-track schedule. Trust, responsiveness and agility are at the core of the relationship we are building with this key player in Angola. We’re delighted to be working with Azule once again.” TechnipFMC www.technipfmc.com

extension, the company was able to provide an optimised solution that enables Azule to maintain schedule and achieve efficiencies. Jonathan Landes, president, Subsea at TechnipFMC, commented: “This contract is the result of transparency and collaboration between TechnipFMC

TechnipFMC has received a significant award by Azule Energy to supply flexible pipe for its Ndungu project, offshore Angola. The Ndungu project will tie into Block 15/06 West Hub, where TechnipFMC was recently awarded a substantial flexible pipe contract. Through this

TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL November 2023

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Business & market news

Dangers of hydraulic leaks: how to detect, fix and overcome them The global hydraulics industry is forecast to experience huge growth in the coming years, with the market expected to reach a value of $49.7bn by 2027. Hydraulics play a huge part in many systems, so it is important to be able to know how to address any issues that arise. If you’re concerned about the status of hydraulic systems and how leaks can affect your processes, this guide on their dangers, as well as the causes, identification methods and fixes should help to assuage your fears, writes Steve Atkinson. Hydraulic leaks can occur in any of the components of the system, but the most common points to experience them are in the hoses that the fluid is transported in and the joints of the components where they connect with each other. The main cause of these leaks is wear from use. Hoses see so much pressurised fluid passed through them that over time they can fray and split, while the repetitive shaking of the machines and systems can cause the component connections to disconnect. Having high-quality hydraulic cylinder parts for those that see the most wear, with seals being a prime example, can help to reduce the chance of leakage. Not only does a leak cause your systems to use and lose more fluid than usual, but they can be harmful to the lifespan and longevity of your machines. On top of that, from a business perspective, it can put everything from your output to your workforce’s safety at risk, so it is important to get them identified and repaired quickly. There are three key identifiers when it comes to hydraulic leak detection: Puddles beneath your machine – the fluids in hydraulic systems can vary in colour as they’re made up of water, glycol or oils such as vegetable or mineral. These puddles will also be odourless. Levels of fluid dropping – if your gauges show that the levels are not consistent across a few cycles, you could be experiencing a leak. Observing these cycles will help identify any irregularities. Irregular performance – you might notice your machine is struggling to produce sufficient pressure as it normally does, or perhaps sudden changes in temperature or worrying noises. All of these problems can be attributed to leaks that are easy to fix, which should be your first option. Detecting leaks can be difficult as many hydraulic machines are set up in non-sterile environments, meaning they can get dirtied with oil and other materials. While this makes it harder, industrial-grade leak detection kits can be used which utilise fluorescent dyes to pick out the leaks. Once you’ve identified that you have a leak, the next step is locating it. This will depend on the size of the system you have in place. Smaller ones are easy to check, as you depressurise the system and, using safety gloves, check all the seals, connectors and joints.

Steve Atkinson, MD, FPE Seals

Some will be as simple as retightening them into place, while damaged components may require replacement or the use of sealant until you have the time or resources to conduct a full replacement. Larger hydraulic systems may require specialist assistance for advice and repairs. This is advised as the engineers who deal in these systems have expert knowledge of the processes, as well as purpose-built equipment to assess everything from pressure and flow to the temperature of the fluid. There are also a few things you can do to assure that you have reduced the chance of future leaks in your systems. Consulting with manufacturer specifications on how tight the fittings should be can help to further prevent these leaks, as well as replacing any parts showing signs of wear or tear and keeping systems and environments clean to prevent contamination. FPE Seals www.fpeseals.com

ARRIVALs Landing at an exhibition near you…

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GLOBAL Industrie 25th-28th March 2024 Paris, France

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Tube Düsseldorf 15th-19th April 2024 Düsseldorf, Germany

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Business & market news

Unique Group unveils Aquila Subsea for pipeline surveys

repository with over 10,000 survey equipment solutions. “It’s with immense pride that we introduce Aquila to the subsea industry,” said Sahil Gandhi, CEO of Unique Group. “As relentless innovators, we are committed to pioneering technologies that redefine industry norms. Aquila showcases our dedication to bringing cutting-edge solutions to our customers, enabling them to elevate their operations and make informed decisions swiftly.” Developed entirely in-house by Unique Group’s research and development team, Aquila stands as a testament to the organisation’s prowess in driving innovation. This AI solution promises to streamline operations, boost efficiency and enhance overall productivity for survey engineers, researchers and industry professionals. One of the standout features of Aquila Subsea is its extensive and meticulously curated database, encompassing a wealth of

Unique Group, innovators in subsea technologies and engineering, has launched Aquila Subsea. This state of-the-art generative AI chat solution hopes to revolutionise the industry by providing instant and accurate responses to a wide range of queries, empowering survey engineers and researchers to swiftly understand manuals, troubleshoot issues and access critical information. Aquila Subsea marks a leap forward as the first-ever generative AI chat solution tailored specifically for the subsea survey industry. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, Unique Group is delivering a valuable addition to survey engineers and researchers, facilitating rapid resolution of technical challenges. With its comprehensive repository of manuals, data sheets and manu- facturers’ information, the AI platform guarantees precise and reliable solutions for queries of all complexities, providing access to a knowledge

Aquila Subsea

technical resources. By drawing on this repository, the AI-driven platform provides precise solutions tailored to the specific queries posed by users. The technology ensures that technical hurdles are surmounted in a matter of seconds, reducing downtime and significantly contributing to cost savings, while elevating operational efficiency to unprecedented levels. With its ability to provide swift, accurate and insightful solutions, Aquila Subsea hopes to reshape the way survey engineers approach their work and ultimately redefine industry standards. Unique Group www.uniquegroup.com

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Business & market news

Plastic Pipes Conference Association marks 50 years The Plastic Pipes Conference Association (PPCA), a well-known platform for sharing and discussing technical breakthroughs networking, celebrated its 50th anniversary recently at the PPXXI conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. is definitely not the case today as the benefits are known and well proven.”

Recent PPCA conferences have discussed the environmental benefits that plastic pipe systems have over other materials. Mr Calton said: “The use of recycled plastic to make pipes is a major focus of the industry. For many years now, non- or low-pressure plastic pipe systems have consumed recycled plastic that started life as a container for milk or shampoo bottle. Now, the one off single-use product is value-added rather than going to landfill. The main focus in recent times has been how can the industry use more recycled material in plastic pipes systems without compromising the performance of the product or the longevity expected of a sustainable system.” As evidence of that trend, more manufacturing technologies are being developed that can increase the recycled content of pipes while not jeopardising its integrity or useful life. “A number of manufacturers are extremely sophisticated in the develop- ment or use of the mechanical or chemical recycling technologies,” stated Sarah Patterson of PPI, PPXXI organising committee chair. “Additionally,

“What started off as a forum to share technical information about plastic pipe systems, has become the pivotal event for learning about cutting edge developments and the continued evolution of the science of plastic pipe systems,” said David Fink, president of the Plastics Pipe Institute Inc (PPI) and chairman of the PPCA board of directors. Now, the Plastic Pipes conference, organised and hosted by PPCA members PE 100+ Association, PPI and The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA), is held every two years on a schedule rotating between European and north American sites. Participants include plastic pipe and fittings manufacturers and those for resin and additives ingredients, plus representatives from major energy, water, telecom and sewer utility companies. As a result of the conferences, PPCA reports that it has one of the world’s largest databases of technical papers starting with those presented during its first conference in the 1970s. This library includes nearly 2,000 documents, plus video recordings of recent conferences, all of which are available on its website for free. “This is such a fantastic and unique forum,” said Robin Bresser of PE100+ Association and PPCA secretary, and one of the original organisers, “that is really technical in nature, with Technip Energies, which works in the LNG industry, has presented SnapLNG by T.EN™, an innovative modular, pre engineered and standardised solution for LNG decarbonised production. SnapLNG by T.EN™ was launched at Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2023 in Singapore. This innovation promises to make the process more efficient, flexible and environmentally friendly. With world LNG production reaching 600Mtpa by

The previous Plastic Pipes XX, held in Amsterdam, was well attended during 2021

innovations that address current and future industry challenges and where people are proud to present their R&D study, new developments or products and case studies.” In 2020, PPCA invited other trade associations involved with the plastic pipes Industry to become ‘PPCA Conference Partners’ to encourage submission of papers and to organise spin-off conferences in collaboration with PPCA. The global family of conference partners has now expanded and includes PVC4Pipes Association, as a member of ECVM, PVC Pipe Association (USA) and plastic pipe national trade associations based in Australia, Southern Africa, China, Europe and the US. “Originally, it was a joint effort with those four trade associations,” Tony Calton, former general manager of TEPPFA and current PPCA vice-chairman and treasurer explained. “Back some 20 years ago, in many countries, plastic pipes were still “the new material” coming along and expanding into systems utilising traditional pipe materials such as concrete, ductile iron and copper. Then, the tendency amongst engineers was to stick with traditional materials. However, that 2030 and the need to make it cleaner and faster, Technip Energies has offered a new solution that will facilitate the energy transition and help to transform the liquefied natural gas landscape. SnapLNG by T.EN™is a 2.5Mtpa electrically driven LNG train solution comprised of reproducible modules ready for delivery and installation. These modules operate autonomously and are pre-commissioned, for the delivery of a complete natural gas

companies are working to expand the network of collection points for recyclable products whereby improving efficiencies allowing other manufacturers to value-add those finished goods. For PPXXI, the organising committee worked hard to attract companies who developed or utilise chemical or mechanical recycling technologies, which furthers collaborations within our respective industries.” Plastic Pipes Conference Association www.ppxxi.com Modular, standardised solution for low-carbon LNG

liquefaction plant, accelerating time to market and saving more than two years on total project duration. The advanced design offers certainty in cost execution, delivery schedule, plant reliability and availability as well as production performance for a reduction of ~350kTe/year of CO 2 emission per train versus a gas turbine solution. Technip Energies www.technipenergies.com

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Business & market news

SKZ testing division joins American Plastic Pipes Institute to promote latest technology

awareness of the performance, economic viability and environmental benefits of plastic pipe systems. It does this by providing a common forum for member companies to work together to grow the market for plastic pipe and products and to promote the acceptance and use of plastic pipe systems. PPI members represent a wide range of professionals, including pipe, line, valve and fitting manufacturers; resin, additive and colorant manufacturers; equipment and machinery suppliers; distributors; laboratories; and other industry experts with a strong interest in the success of plastics in piping infrastructure. SKZ is pleased to join PPI in contributing to the development of the plastic pipe industry and working towards a sustainable future in which plastic pipe systems play a vital role in modern infrastructure. SKZ www.skz.de

pipe systems. These systems are not only environmentally friendly, but also resource-efficient, robust, durable and energy-efficient. They believe their corrosion and abrasion resistance, unique jointing properties and long service life make plastic pipe a smart choice for modern infrastructure projects. PPI is a north American industry association dedicated to increasing

The testing division of SKZ in Würzburg, German, has announces its membership of the US-based Plastic Pipes Institute (PPI). The objective of the PPI is to provide a common forum for member companies to promote the acceptance and use of plastic pipe systems worldwide. Through its membership in PPI, the testing division will continue to promote the acceptance and use of plastic pipe systems internationally through research, education, technical expertise and advocacy. As an accredited laboratory with recognised experts in plastics testing and certification, the institute’s testing division brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will contribute to the further development and innovation of plastic pipe systems. SKZ and PPI share a vision of sustainable and future-proof infrastructure solutions made possible by plastic

Plastic pipe systems are environmentally friendly, resource-saving, robust, durable and energy-efficient

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Business & market news

Pipe leakage detection specialist Larsen Water Management acquired by RSK Group RSK, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions, has announced the acquisition of Larsen Water Management, an Irish company with 30 years of experience in water leakage detection that has made a significant contribution to Irish Water’s national leakage reduction programme. Working from offices in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Larsen boasts a highly specialised team of around 31. Its engineers serve a client list including Irish Water, Northern Ireland Water, the Health Service Executive, the Office of Public Works and the National Trust. The company has an annual turnover of €2.7mn. Larsen’s services include leak detection surveys; water leakage audits; fire hydrant testing and data logging field tests for consulting engineers undertaking the design, calibration and validation of hydraulic models of water distribution networks; flow simulation testing on water distribution networks for architects and consultant engineers; and pipe tracing of water mains and service pipe connection. Managing director David Smith, who will continue to lead the business, said: “Joining the RSK Group will facilitate the business to grow and develop within existing and new markets. The RSK ethos and values are very much aligned with our customer and service delivery focused culture.” RSK Group chief executive officer Alan Ryder said: “The group is delighted to welcome Larsen Water Management to RSK. With a growing acknowledgement of water as a precious resource, expert skills such as leak detection become increasingly important and valued across the globe. “Larsen has a proven track record in this crucial sector, and its expertise extends to serving a consistently strong client base. This is testament to Larsen’s quality, depth of service and capability to manage contracts in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which have seen it maintain longstanding relationships with organisations including Irish Water and Northern Ireland Water.” He noted that Larsen would strengthen RSK’s presence in Ireland, where the group’s businesses include RSK Ireland, Nicholas O’Dwyer, Dermot Casey Group, Smith+Kennedy Architects, Inis Environmental Consultants, Irish Drilling Limited and Minerex Environmental. In addition, the acquisition adds to RSK’s skills and experience across the water sector in the UK and Ireland, with the group’s companies including Binnies, WRc, MWH Treatment and WGM Engineering. As RSK continues to deliver its ambitious growth strategy, it now comprises around 200 companies, employing 12,000 people. The group’s annual turnover at the end of FY22 was £796mn. RSK Group www.rskgroup.com

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Ensuring the sustainability of crucial underwater pipeline infrastructure By Joshua de Monbrun, CEng, chair of The American Society for Nondestructive Testing Inc’s underwater NDT committee, subsea engineer, commercial diving supervisor and technical authority at Mistras Group Inc

Regular inspection and monitoring by skilled underwater experts are a crucial requirement for maintaining the structural health of this vital infrastructure. Non-destructive testing (NDT) is the most common form of specialised inspection technique for accomplishing this. For pipe structures that transport materials from the sea floor to the ocean’s surface, which do not accommodate the use of internal pipe inspection gauges (PIGs) for in-line-inspection (ILI), must be manually inspected. Ultrasonic Testing (UT) methods and techniques are the most commonly used forms of manual NDT. As such, it would be reasonable to expect that the qualifications prioritised for inspectors would be highly sophisticated. In fact, such skills as industrial rope climbing and commercial diving capabilities are now emphasised over crucial NDT expertise, a discrepancy that must be addressed. Disparity in personnel certification When it comes to deploying inspection personnel to test pipelines, regardless of their locations on elevated offshore platforms or the ocean bed, there often is an overemphasis on certifications in rope access or commercial diving. This focus on physical capabilities over specialised training is problematic, if not dangerous. Historically, the commercial diving industry would equip divers to undertake a variety of underwater tasks, including Over 190,000 miles of liquid petroleum pipelines exist within the US, 40,000 miles of which rest beneath bodies of water. These submerged pipelines are impacted by punishing elements, salt, waves and marine traffic, all of which test their resilience. Pipelines that live in the harsh underwater environment must be maintained differently from pipelines on land. Materials that may last for decades on the surface can deteriorate underwater in just a few years. Ensuring their structural integrity is paramount to avoiding catastrophic environmental, safety and economic consequences.

inspection, construction, welding, jetting and salvage. The industry, however, has yet to universally recognise the importance of assigning these tasks only to highly certified and experienced inspection personnel.

NDT methods necessitate substantial training and experience, especially when inspections occur underwater, in confined spaces, and in poor visibility conditions. It’s clear that merely having an NDT technician looking over the shoulder of a diver or ROV operator through a video system is an inadequate approach. A more proactive and engaged role for NDT technicians is imperative. Diving deeper into NDT Non-destructive testing is essential for maintaining offshore infrastructure. Specifically, ultrasonic testing (UT) methods are extensively used for pipe structures both above and below the ocean surface. UT has been a particularly reliable practice since the inception of the offshore industry. The construction of offshore oil and gas installations began in the late 1940s. At the time, inspections were implemented at the discretion of the owner or operator. Regulations and requirements were not imposed until 1970 when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) acquired statutory authority to conduct and require inspection of structures in US waters. Since then, few amendments have been made to inspection requirements. Industrial applications of UT thickness techniques in

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All of this rapid progression in ultrasound technology points to why ever-evolving applications require ever enhanced capabilities and certification. As technology advances, the industry could see a dramatic increase in UT underwater techniques. With the advent of these testing methods, specialised knowledge and training must keep pace to ensure the effective collection and interpretation of inspection data. The need for NDT expertise Adding to the challenge of rapid technological advancements, many pipelines are now located in hard-to reach areas. This makes it even more crucial for inspection teams to have proper NDT training, certifications and hands-on experience before undertaking their duties. Employing an engineer or NDT technician who first and foremost has all the necessary technological training and certification, and secondarily training them in rope access, or commercial diving, would result in a far more competent talent pool capable of conducting high quality inspections. Conversely, training a commercial diver to become a certified NDT technician may not yield the same level of expertise. For some commercial diving companies, establishing a fully qualified NDT program, developing an approved written practice and inspection procedures, employing an ASNT NDT Level III for each method, and adequately training, testing and certifying their divers as NDT technicians, may not be cost-effective. Moreover, the minimum “on-the-job” experience hours required for each method or technique may add to the challenge. This difficulty is compounded as newer and more advanced technologies enter the industry, requiring a more specialised technician to master them. Rather than going it alone, these companies need a more widely accepted standard. The need for global NDT standards The absence of universally recognised minimum standards for NDT inspection personnel is a glaring issue. Companies such as Chevron, Shell, Exxon Mobile and BP have a responsibility to accept consistent industry recommendations.

underwater environments were not developed or deployed until the mid-1980s. While such industrial applications of UT in underwater environments were only pioneered 40 years ago, multiple UT techniques have evolved with the advancement of technology. Today, UT techniques include ultrasonic thickness testing (UTT), flooded member detection (FMD), ultrasonic angle beam, time of flight diffraction, guided wave, acoustic emission and 3D sonar Imaging. These sophisticated methods are instrumental in identifying structural thickness, corrosion, welds, crack detection and sizing discontinuities. The rapid pace of technological advancement points toward an expected boom in UT underwater techniques in the future. With every new testing method, however, comes the need for additional specialised knowledge and training. One example proves the point – ultrasonic thickness testing (UTT) was the pioneering method for gathering simple thickness measurements in underwater steel structures, a technique now used on a variety of pipeline materials. UTT generates a mechanical waveform that provides a fundamental understanding of the integrity of the pipe. Remaining wall thickness is critical to know for accurately assessing structural integrity, as well as for pressure burst calculations. Although UTT is traditionally a manual, operator-driven technique, similar to applications on infrastructure above the water, it has been incorporated into a semi-automated process known as automated ultrasonic testing (AUT). In the AUT method, a probe is secured onto a manipulator arm in a robotic system that can scan the exterior of the structure within the outlined scan parameters of a specific part. This methodology enables a faster and more reliable acquisition of data. By incorporating a method that plots the information in a two-dimensional representation of the material, referred to as a C-scan, it becomes possible to detect, size and visualise corrosion or flaws in an efficient manner. Another innovation, guided wave UT systems, are frequently used for above-ground pipeline inspection. Increasingly, they are being adapted for underwater use. In guided wave inspection, the transducers are set into a ring that matches the outside diameter (OD) of a pipe, and a torsional wave is sent out through the pipe wall to detect issues such as corrosion or cracking.

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Now is the time for such industry leaders to signal their willingness to accept industry-wide and global standards and certifications developed jointly by such organisations as ASNT, ISO, API and others for on the surface and underwater assessments. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) currently offer standards and recommendations for inspection training and certification of personnel. As online education courses gain momentum, more industry professionals can achieve their basic training accreditations virtually, providing companies access to a larger pool of suitably educated technicians, ready for hands-on training and certification. AI and machine learning The late 20 th and early 21 st centuries witnessed a seismic shift in NDT technologies, transitioning from analogue to digital. This digitisation altered the certification needs and requirements for inspection personnel. The rise of artificial intelligence and automation has ushered in software that can analyse, interpret and report on data more swiftly and accurately than even highly trained technicians. Despite these advancements, however, the need for certified and experienced technicians and subject matter experts remains crucial. They not only ensure proper implementation of predictive maintenance and inspection tools, but also validate the results. The lack of standard inspection regulations, coupled with financial pressures, could compromise safety and risk management practices.

In conclusion, to prevent catastrophic events from occurring due to defects in underwater pipelines, industry leaders must re-evaluate the certification prerequisites of inspection personnel. It is clear that operational continuity of these structures relies heavily on meticulous, regular inspections conducted by qualified and certified professionals. Those professionals employ NDT methods as the structural backbone of maintaining and safeguarding offshore infrastructure. A well-trained and NDT-certified workforce is the key to safeguarding the structural integrity of underwater infrastructure. The necessity for a reorientation of hiring perspectives is needed to focus primarily on NDT expertise to ensure the sustainability and safety of the invaluable underwater infrastructure over other types of qualifications. The shift in hiring priorities is clear: ‘use the right tool for the job’. Rope access and commercial diving are simply vehicles to transport the qualified technician to the location that requires inspection. We need to prioritise NDT training and experience. Industry leaders must recognise that their greatest asset is a qualified workforce and urge the adoption of standards set forth by ISO and ASNT. Only then can we ensure the continued structural integrity of our underwater infrastructure and avert disasters.

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing Inc customersupport@asnt.org www.asnt.org

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