An open flow of information

Bill Trefanenko explains why Enbridge Technology Inc. is one of the few pipeline operators currently offering consulting services.

Yousuf from Oman writes: "Our pipeline operations personnel are looking for additional training, and we also need to gain further expertise in international best-practices for operating pipelines, but we want this to come from a provider that has hands-on expertise in pipeline operations so that we can benefit from their knowledge and experience. Is there a company out there that, like us, is a pipeline operator and is willing to offer their expertise to other pipeline operators?"

Bill Trefanenko: It's extremely rare these days for a pipeline operator to provide consulting services within the industry. But, as we like to say, Enbridge is different. Enbridge Technology Inc. (ETI) draws on more than 60 years of expertise gained by our parent company, Enbridge Inc., to offer operations training and advisory services - and provide solutions for the world's oil and gas pipeline industry.

Our philosophy, frankly, is what sets Enbridge apart from our competition. Enbridge owns and operates the longest crude oil and liquids pipelines system in the world, over 22,000 kilometres long, and Enbridge is also a very open company. Through six decades of growth we have experienced and successfully responded to nearly every situation and event that a pipeline operator might encounter. Like any successful company, we have had to be adaptable and flexible to changing circumstances and evolving technology. At ETI one of the things we tell our clients is that because we're happy to share our more than 60 years of hard-won expertise and experience, they can get out ahead of the challenges that we have encountered over the years.

At ETI, we also draw on Enbridge's strength in numbers to provide our consulting services. Enbridge boasts nearly 6,500 employees worldwide, providing ETI an enviable resource network. As the consulting arm of Enbridge Inc., ETI collaborates with clients to identify operational challenges, makes objective recommendations based on industry best practices, provides resources, and designs plans for long-term support. As such, ETI enjoys a collegial relationship with Enbridge Inc., pulling resources from the parent company as necessary. And thanks to this unique arrangement, our clients not only benefit from leading-edge knowledge that comes straight from the field - they also get that knowledge when they need it.

ETI offers its pipeline clients a wide array of operations training. Our instructor-led liquid pipelines and gas transmission training programmes range from control centre and field operations to electrical/mechanical maintenance, and corrosion control. We also offer instructor-led professional development programmes for technical and administrative support staff. And our Operations Performance Support System (OPSS) provides our clients with valuable training material, procedures, documents and historical examination results that are available online, just a click away.

ETI also provides a full range of regulatory Operator Qualification (OQ) programs for operations and maintenance staff. Many of these programs are designed to meet or exceed the requirements of regulators such as the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Pipeline Safety. Subject areas include any operations or maintenance task that is performed on a pipeline or pipeline facility that could affect the integrity of the pipeline if not performed correctly, such as cathodic protection, measuring corrosion in the field, and working with pumps, compressors, and valves.

ETI also excels in an advisory capacity. We'll help companies in the commissioning of pipelines. We also lend a hand in conducting feasibility and hydraulic studies, and help operators with open seasons to determine market and shipper interest and demand. ETI also develops operation and maintenance procedures, pipeline integrity management programs, health, safety, and environment processes, and emergency response plans for companies in the industry.

While many companies in the pipeline industry focus on their own backyard, Enbridge maintains a global perspective. In fact, in addition to our technical expertise one of ETI's strengths is a strong commitment to understanding and working with other cultures and a focus on learning how business is done in other countries and putting that information to work for our clients.

About

Bill Trefanenko, Director, International Operations at Enbridge Inc., has more than 30 years of experience in the oil and gas pipeline industry, ranging from engineering design to project management to operations, integrity, maintenance, and rehabilitation.