China's Pipeline Technology and International Cooperation in Spotlight

In early April 2025, the Eighth China International Pipeline Conference (CIPC) was held in Beijing. As the most influential event in the global pipeline field, it attracted industry elites from around the world, becoming a significant platform for promoting international exchanges and cooperation in pipeline technology, and accelerating the large - scale application of new technologies, materials, and equipment.

The conference, themed "Green, Intelligent, Integrated, and Developmental", had 8 special forums covering a wide range of topics such as energy pipeline transportation strategies, pipeline construction, materials and equipment, transportation and storage, safety and maintenance, digitalization and intelligence, low - carbon and new energy, and a youth forum. A total of 3,500 representatives from 33 countries and 187 domestic and foreign academicians, industry experts, and renowned scholars participated, discussing frontier technologies like green pipeline construction, intelligent pipeline operation and maintenance, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology.

During the conference, China National Petroleum Pipeline Network Group showcased a series of innovative achievements. The 1422 - millimeter extra - large - diameter natural gas pipeline in - line inspection equipment, developed independently by the group, was unveiled for the first time. Its successful development marks a new breakthrough in China's independent innovation ability in the key core technologies of energy pipelines, providing technical support for the integrity management of extra - large - diameter pipelines. The large - scale long - distance natural gas pipeline online simulation system, which has been put into operation on 30,000 kilometers of natural gas pipelines, has solved the technical bottlenecks restricting China's large - scale oil and gas pipeline networks, filled the gap in domestic pipeline network simulation industrial products, and reached the advanced level of similar international products in terms of core indicators.

In addition, at the World Gas Conference held from May 19th to 23rd in Beijing, China National Petroleum Pipeline Network Group demonstrated its achievements in building a world - class energy infrastructure operator with Chinese characteristics through six core exhibition areas, including the open service trading platform, the national unified natural gas pipeline network, LNG terminal business, energy storage business, intelligent control, and scientific and technological innovation. It also engaged in multi - level dialogues with global partners on topics such as global energy transformation, pipeline network operation mechanism innovation, LNG business openness, the future of underground gas storage, and technology - enabled safety, sharing China's practical experience in the transformation and development of oil and gas infrastructure.

Global Pipeline Projects and Market Dynamics

African Atlantic Pipeline Project Gains Momentum

The African Atlantic Pipeline Project, previously known as the Nigeria - Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, has attracted significant international attention. With a total investment of about $25 billion, this strategic project is expected to connect Morocco and Nigeria along the Atlantic coast, passing through 13 countries and eventually reaching Europe. The pipeline, which is about 5,600 to 6,200 kilometers long, is not only an energy corridor but also a comprehensive socio - economic catalyst that will serve nearly 400 million people across multiple countries. According to Amina Benkhadra, Director - General of the Moroccan Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, the project has significantly accelerated, and the first - stage pipeline is expected to be put into operation in phases in 2029. The project has passed a comprehensive commercial feasibility study. It is reported that Chinese steel giant Jingye Group, through its Jingye UK Steel, will participate in the pipeline project by supplying steel.

Sino - Egyptian Infrastructure Cooperation in Pipeline Sector

Recently, China's leading ductile iron pipe manufacturer, Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes Co., Ltd., signed a pipeline supply contract worth approximately $647 million in Egypt, further deepening infrastructure cooperation between the two countries. This cooperation not only reflects the strong demand for high - quality pipeline products in the Egyptian market but also demonstrates the competitiveness of Chinese pipeline enterprises in the international market.

German Position on Nord Stream 2

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On May 15th, German Chancellor Merz stated in an interview with the German weekly Die Zeit that Germany currently has no plans to certify the resumption of operations of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and "this situation should not change." On May 9th, the operator of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, located in Zug, Switzerland, was ruled by the local court that it could continue to seek new investors; otherwise, it would enter bankruptcy proceedings. The operator is affiliated with Russia's Gazprom. According to German media reports, potential American buyers of this company have said that this acquisition is an opportunity to bring European energy supply under the control of the United States and Europe. Multiple foreign media have reported that the possibility of restarting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was discussed during recent US - Russia negotiations on the cease - fire in the Russia - Ukraine conflict. The two sides proposed that US investors purchase natural gas from Russia and then resell it to Europe under a US brand.

Outlook for the Global Pipeline Industry

As the global energy structure continues to adjust and the demand for energy transportation grows, the pipeline industry is facing both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the development of new energy sources such as hydrogen energy and carbon capture and storage requires the construction of corresponding pipeline networks, bringing new market space. On the other hand, issues such as ensuring pipeline safety, improving operation efficiency, and meeting environmental protection requirements also pose challenges to the industry.

In the future, the pipeline industry is expected to see more international cooperation projects. Countries will collaborate in technology research and development, project construction, and operation management to jointly promote the development of the global pipeline industry. At the same time, with the continuous progress of technology, intelligent pipelines, high - strength pipeline materials, and advanced in - line inspection technologies will become the focus of industry development, helping to improve the overall level of the pipeline industry and better meet the global energy demand.