The Role of Pipeline Engineering Management in Optimal Execution of Pipeline EPC Projects

Rapid development of industrial pipeline projects during past decades, especially in oil and gas industry created a need for changing technical and mechanical needs aspects of pipeline engineering design profession and different methods of handling projects such as EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) introduced. In this paper the position of the pipeline engineering manager (PEM), the person who is in charge of the piping effort on a pipeline process plant project is focused and its responsibilities about optimal execution of EPC projects discussed. It is attempted to provide a broader understanding to the procurement and contracts area of pipeline projects and finally, brought more understanding to the actual execution activities of project scope development,estimating, scheduling, staffing, directing, controlling, and final closeout. By illustrating all the fundamentals of the technical, administrative, and supervisory tasks, the anxiety felt by the individual will be reduced. Then, the person placed in charge as the leader will be able to function more comfortably in this new assignment. Alternate execution options are necessary because the M.O. (modus operandi) of each company and each project is different. There is no such thing as a “duplicate” plant. No two regional offices of the same corporation will operate in totally the same way. The actual methods used on any real‐ life pipeline project will be dependent on the client, the company, type of project, and the project personality. It is not suggested to do a specific job by only one way. On the contrary, there are always lots of ways to do anything. The job or function of pipeline engineering management is no exception. It will be up to each individual to determine which way helps them and their situation at any given time.

Keywords:

Engineering , Procurement and Construction (EPC) , Pipeline Engineering Manager (PEM) , Optimal Project Execution , Project Responsibility