Utility Contractor

About Pipeline Contractor

What exactly is a Pipeline Contractor?" "pipeline contractor designs and constructs pipelines for the transport of fluids, including oil, natural gas, or other liquids, for the conveyance of other materials, such as water or asphalt, for the storage or production of other products, such as gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, or other combustible materials." A pipeline is basically a system that transport liquid from one point to another. There are many different types of pipelines, some of which can be seen below:

Oil & Gas - Oil companies rely on pipeline contractors to oversee the construction of their petroleum carriers, converting sea water into diesel, and transporting petroleum products from wells to refineries. In addition, there are offshore oil companies that depend upon pipeline contractors to construct their vessels, rigs, platforms, and underwater drilling equipment. Safety and security are of utmost importance to these companies as well as to the millions of marine species that exist beneath the ocean's surface. To meet this end, oil companies require pipeline contractors to obtain both a C-34 license (approved by the Canadian government) and an NPDES permit. A C-34 license is valid for operations up to the date of cancellation; an NPDES permit is valid only for on-site construction activities. Oil pipelines are constantly being inspected to ensure safety and security.

Natural Gas - Similar to oil, natural gas is transported from well to well and back to well. This transportation method is widely used throughout the United States. As natural gas is transported from deep wells, it is important that pipeline contractor agencies abide by strict guidelines, including those related to the handling, storage, and disposal of natural gas. As this is a very important transportation medium, pipeline construction companies must also be adequately trained in this area of the natural gas industry.

Transportation Safety - In addition to the aforementioned natural gas pipeline construction, the transportation of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) and other products that utilize LPG gas as a fuel is another issue in the United States. In this regard, the transportation industry requires contractors to be trained and certified in hazardous occupations to perform this type of work. Additionally, this training and certification programs require pipeline construction companies to have a specific number of employees or workers that are dedicated solely to serving these specific clients. While there are no federal guidelines pertaining to the size of a pipeline company's work force, most states require pipeline construction companies to hire permanent employees, which can increase operating costs and hinder growth opportunities for new companies. Similarly, companies that contract out their hazardous work may not be as stable or profitable as companies that dedicate all of their energy to pipeline construction activities.

Fuel Storage and fueling - One of the most important aspects of fuel transportation in the united states is fueling infrastructure, including fueling stations, truck stations, fueling distribution hubs, and even individual homes and offices. Additionally, the fuel pipeline construction industry serves as a vital link between these companies and consumers. In some cases, the fuel distribution companies act as brokers that deliver gasoline and diesel from refineries, manufacturers, and storage providers to consumers. In other instances, fuel companies to own, maintain, and manage fueling infrastructure. Regardless of which organization manages fuel logistics pipeline companies must work with these entities in order to properly deliver goods and services to their clients.

There are many other factors to consider when choosing pipeline contractors. However, these three main issues rank high on the list of priorities for pipeline contractors nationwide. As a result, pipeline construction projects often run into financial difficulties within the first few years of operation. In addition, a poorly-managed pipeline project can impact local commerce and reduce job opportunities for local residents. Although the current financial and economic climate does not appear to be a prevalent issue currently, it may be a wise decision for companies considering pipeline installation to research the market before making any major investment decisions. Doing so can ensure that the chosen company has the financial resources necessary to safely and efficiently complete any pipeline projects, regardless of the current conditions of the economy.