World Pipelines Podcast

Mark Mildon, CEO of ExRobotics, talks to Elizabeth Corner about the growing role of autonomous robots in industrial inspection, and why the technology is moving beyond pilot projects and into routine operations.They discuss the operational challenges driving adoption across oil and gas, LNG and downstream facilities; the impact of ageing infrastructure and workforce shortages; and where robots can take on routine, repetitive or hazardous tasks traditionally carried out by people.Mark explains how ExRobotics combines visual, thermal, acoustic and environmental sensing to build a richer picture of asset condition over time, and considers the continuing role of human inspectors alongside autonomous systems. The conversation also explores how operators build confidence in robotics for hazardous environments, where the technology still falls short, and whether robotics is beginning to deliver the measurable value long promised by industrial digitalisation.

Predrag Grujicic, Head of Gas at the Energy Community, joins the World Pipelines Podcast to discuss Europe’s changing gas landscape and what it means for Southeast and Eastern Europe. From shifting supply routes and cross-border bottlenecks to LNG, regional integration and the evolving role of the Trans-Balkan Pipeline, the conversation explores how Europe is reshaping its gas infrastructure to strengthen flexibility and security of supply.

Al-Karim Govindji, Global Head of Public Affairs for DNV Energy, talks to Elizabeth Corner about the changing geography of global energy capital, and they cover topics such as:The regions attracting investment.The growing influence of energy security and geopolitics.How companies operating across oil, gas and renewables should be thinking about capital allocation.What changing investment patterns mean for energy infrastructure.The future role of natural gas, CO₂ and hydrogen pipeline networks.How companies can navigate the risk of stranded assets as the energy transition evolves.

Almost half of pipeline infringements happen even when those carrying out the work know a pipeline is there. In this episode, Murray Peat, Senior Associate at Fisher German, joins us to discuss the findings of Linewatch’s latest Infringement Report, the role of complacency and human behaviour in third-party interference, and whether technology can ever remove the risks associated with safe digging.

Midstream may sit between upstream and downstream, but the engineering challenges it faces are interrelated, from safety and emissions management to measurement and human capital.  In this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast, Dave Curtis, Vice President of Technical Services at GPA Midstream, explores the vital role of industry collaboration in developing solutions to some of these challenges. We explore:Technical opportunities to improve performance, reliability and environmental outcomes.How to balance emissions compliance with operational efficiency.Emerging technologies that will have the greatest impact on the sector.The importance of alignment between industry-developed standards and government regulations.And much more.Dave also offers a preview of the upcoming GPA Midstream Convention, which brings together operators, suppliers, engineers, and technical experts from across the industry each year.