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:

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:

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.

In the latest episode of the World Pipelines Podcast, Rustem Khalikhan, Junior Project Engineer at DNV, talks about the enduring importance of DNV-RP-F113 and its role in guiding safe, effective subsea pipeline repair.

We discuss:

 Whether you're involved in pipeline integrity, offshore engineering, or subsea operations, this episode offers valuable insight into the standards that help keep critical infrastructure operating safely and reliably.

What does effective corrosion prevention look like in a changing energy sector, and how important are people, leadership and industry collaboration to protecting critical assets?

This episode of the World Pipelines Podcast features Kimberly-Joy Harris, PhD, PMP, Manager of Corrosion Prevention at HF Sinclair and 2026 Board Chair of AMPP.

Kimberly-Joy shares insights from more than 25 years in oil and gas, refining and pipelines, discussing:

Listen now, and subscribe to the World Pipelines Podcast for free wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast, Elizabeth Corner is joined by Diane Cordell, Executive Secretary of the Pigging Products and Services Association (PPSA), together with PPSA President Neil MacKay and Vice President Mark Elliott.

The conversation explores the role of the PPSA in supporting pipeline operators around the world, from connecting them with specialist expertise to promoting knowledge sharing, collaboration and safety across the pipeline pigging industry. The guests discuss how pigging technologies continue to evolve, why operators should regularly reassess the solutions available to them, and how the industry is preparing for new challenges including hydrogen and CO₂ transportation.

Topics covered include:

Whether you're an experienced pipeline professional or new to pigging, this episode offers valuable insight into the technologies, people and collaborative approach helping to keep pipeline systems operating safely and efficiently.

Dr Chas Spradbery, Operations Director at Peritus International, joins the World Pipelines Podcast to discuss the technical, commercial, and logistical challenges facing today's offshore projects.

From traditional oil and gas developments to emerging CCS and hydrogen networks, Chas explains why early engineering input can make all the difference, how project timelines are often underestimated, and why offshore pipelines should never be treated as "just a line on the map."

In this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast, Elizabeth Corner sits down with Clive Zanker, Chair of UKOPA, to explore the organisation’s 30 year journey representing the UK onshore pipeline industry. From safety and stewardship to decarbonisation and the future of infrastructure, the conversation looks at how the sector has evolved and how UKOPA plans to celebrate its 30th anniversary in style.

This episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the second of a two-part series on CCUS in the cement sector, and what that means for CCS pipelines in the UK. audience Q&A from the CCUS panel discussion. This Q&A was shared by delegates at the World Pipelines CCS Forum 2026 and World Cement’s EnviroTech 2026.

The CCUS panel discussion placed a special focus on projects taking place in the UK, such as Hynet and Peak Cluster. 

Senior Editor of World Cement, David Bizley, puts audience questions to a panel of experts: 

This episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the first of a two-part series on CCUS in the cement sector, and what that means for CCS pipelines in the UK. Featuring the CCUS panel discussion shared by delegates at the World Pipelines CCS Forum 2026 and World Cement’s EnviroTech 2026.

The CCUS panel discussion placed a special focus on projects taking place in the UK, such as Hynet and Peak Cluster. 

Senior Editor of World Cement, David Bizley, puts questions to a panel of experts: 

This first episode includes an introduction to the Peak Cluster project and a discussion the surrounding the challenges and opportunities facing the cement sector when it comes to developing and operating CCUS projects in the UK. 

Coming soon: part two, in which we take questions from the EnviroTech and World Pipelines CCS Forum audiences. 

This year’s winners of the John Tiratsoo Award for Young Achievement show two sides of the industry’s future: innovation and stewardship. One is pushing the technical frontier with drone-based magnetometry; the other is strengthening how major transmission systems are designed, delivered, and passed on to the next generation. Together, they reflect an industry that is both evolving and protecting what already works.

Mehdi Laichoubi, Skipper NDT, and Ian Kornfeld, National Grid, chat to Elizabeth Corner about advancing inspection technology, delivering major infrastructure, and what the next generation of pipeline professionals is focused on.

In this episode, Elizabeth Corner is joined by Brittany Bacon, Partner and Co-Head of the Technology Industry Group at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, to explore the evolving cyber threat landscape for pipeline and oil and gas operators.

From the regulatory aftermath of the Colonial Pipeline attack to SEC disclosure rules, fiduciary duties, vendor risk, cyber insurance disputes, and evidence preservation during incident response: this conversation dives into what ‘reasonable’ really means in the eyes of regulators and courts.

As digitalisation accelerates and operational technology remains vulnerable, cybersecurity is a board-level responsibility. Brittany outlines the practical questions that directors should be asking.

The CCS Forum offers an unmissable opportunity to join your peers and represent your organisation at the heart of the UK CCS discussion as we discuss the projects, technologies, and policies shaping this emerging sector. Find out more here: https://www.worldpipelines.com/ccsforum2026 

In the latest episode of the World Pipelines Podcast, Dr Samuel Stutz, Greene Tweed, talks to Elizabeth Corner about:

Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the World Pipelines CCS Forum 2026, taking place on 18 March, 2026 at the Park Plaza London Riverbank. This event will bring together pipeline experts and technology leaders to share their insights on the development of the UK’s CO2 pipeline infrastructure for carbon capture and storage initiatives.

The CCS Forum offers an unmissable opportunity to join your peers and represent your organisation at the heart of the UK CCS discussion as we discuss the projects, technologies, and policies shaping this emerging sector. Find out more here: https://www.worldpipelines.com/ccsforum2026 

Paolo Butti, Regional President, Global Industry, at Rockwell Automation Inc., talks to the podcast about:

Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the World Pipelines CCS Forum 2026, taking place on 18 March, 2026 at the Park Plaza London Riverbank. This event will bring together pipeline experts and technology leaders to share their insights on the development of the UK’s CO2 pipeline infrastructure for carbon capture and storage initiatives.

The CCS Forum offers an unmissable opportunity to join your peers and represent your organisation at the heart of the UK CCS discussion as we discuss the projects, technologies, and policies shaping this emerging sector. Find out more here: https://www.worldpipelines.com/ccsforum2026

Hector Perez, Head of Strategy for Black & Veatch’s Industrial Cybersecurity practice, talks to Elizabeth Corner about digital twins, predictive analytics, and emerging AI tools, highlighting how siloed data, legacy systems, and unmanaged digital risk can undermine operational gains if security is treated as an afterthought.

Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the World Pipelines CCS Forum 2026, taking place on 18 March, 2026 at the Park Plaza London Riverbank. This event will bring together pipeline experts and technology leaders to share their insights on the development of the UK’s CO2 pipeline infrastructure for carbon capture and storage initiatives.

The CCS Forum offers an unmissable opportunity to join your peers and represent your organisation at the heart of the UK CCS discussion as we discuss the projects, technologies, and policies shaping this emerging sector. Find out more here: https://www.worldpipelines.com/ccsforum2026

Bernard Montel, Tenable, talks to Elizabeth Corner about how AI, cloud complexity, identity sprawl, and IT/OT convergence are creating a completely new attack surface for critical infrastructure. 

Bernard offers a clear-eyed look at why detection-only security models are failing, why exposure management is the new frontline, and what pipeline leaders must prioritise to stay resilient in a post-AI threat landscape.

We cover:

Ross Brewer, Graylog, talks to Elizabeth Corner about how shifting geopolitical pressures, the energy transition, and increasingly digital infrastructure are combining to raise the industry’s risk profile, and why preparedness and proportion are the guiding principles for defence. 

From cloud reliance and supply-chain exposure, to the need for regular incident-response rehearsals, Ross shares practical insight on what it takes to “fight while wounded” and keep operations running through disruption and uncertainty. A pragmatic, thoughtful conversation about risk, readiness, and the realities of cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.

Alexandra Kostereva, Operations Manager at GERG (European Gas Research Group), talks to Elizabeth Corner about:

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Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here.  

A conversation about the research, collaboration, and science behind safer, cleaner, and more efficient pipeline operations. Featuring Gary Choquette, Executive Director of Research at the Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI).

Gary Choquette, Executive Director of Research at PRCI, talks to Elizabeth Corner about:

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Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here. 

Juan Caballero, Chair of the AMPP Board of Directors, talks to Elizabeth Corner about:

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Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here. 

Simon Joyce, Principal Engineer and Head of Innovation for Future of Energy at SGN, and board member at UKOPA, shares his insights into:

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Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here. 

In this episode, Elizabeth Corner speaks to Matt Romney,Product Line Director for Pipeline Integrity, T.D. Williamson, about TDW’sperspective on the benefits of working with pipeline membership organisations.

This episode of the podcast covers: 

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Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here. 

In this episode, Elizabeth Corner speaks to Georges Hage, Executive Secretary at IPLOCA, about IPLOCA's insights on the culture and characteristics of the pipeline contractor community, and how it works to support sustainable energy infrastructure.

This episode of the podcast covers: 

Please support the show by subscribing, rating and reviewing!

Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here. 

In this episode, Elizabeth Corner speaks to Josiah SooTot, Chair at Young Pipeliners International (YPI) and Pipeline Integrity Engineer at ExxonMobil, about what Young Pipeliners International does for young professionals in the pipeline industry.

This episode of the podcast covers: 

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Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here. 

In this episode, we look at the work of the Pipeline Industries Guild, in facilitating connections and learning for pipeliners of all kinds in the UK. Featured guests: Kate Lazenby, Executive Director, Pipeline Industries Guild, and Barry Hayward, Pipeline Industries Guild Chair, and Chief Commercial Officer at South Staffordshire Plc.

Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here. 

In this episode, Elizabeth Corner speaks to Beth Worrell, Managing Director and Chief Legal Counsel of the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA), about how the PLCA represents the union contractors that build and maintain the USA’s energy infrastructure.

This episode of the podcast covers: 

Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here. 

Please support the show by subscribing, rating and reviewing!

In this episode, Elizabeth Corner speaks to Kevin O’Donnell, Executive Director of the PLCAC, about how membership organisations benefit the pipeline sector and those who work in it, discussing events, networking, resources, training, skills development, and learning.

This episode of the podcast covers: 

Sponsoring this episode of the Wold Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here.

Visit www.worldpipelines.com to learn more about our magazine. Please support the show by subscribing, rating and reviewing!